Experienced (Lateral) Police Patrol Officer

Starting Pay:  $74,430 - $95,380       Sign-On Bonus:  $5,000

•    Community-Centric Policing: Foster relationships with diverse communities through neighborhood policing and community partnerships.
•    Advanced Training & Development: Access to specialized training and promotional opportunities across various law enforcement fields.
•    State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in modern, technology-equipped environments.
•    Competitive Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent retirement plan, comprehensive health benefits, paid vacation, and sick leave.
•    Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups/physicals, chronic condition management, bloodwork, immunizations, and numerous free prescriptions for employees and dependents.
•    Employee Wellness Programs: Comprehensive fitness, and wellness initiatives including mental health support.
.•   Tuition Reimbursement: Support for ongoing education and professional development. 

•    Patrol & Enforcement: Monitor city areas to maintain law and order, enforce traffic laws, and uphold local ordinances.
•    Emergency Response: Respond to calls, investigate complaints, and handle a wide variety of incidents. Conduct follow-up investigations as assigned.
•    Crime & Accident Management: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, make arrests, and prepare case information for prosecution. Testify in court when required.
•    Traffic Control: Conduct traffic duties, operate radar units, apprehend violators, issue tickets, and direct traffic.
•    Conflict Resolution: Address disputes and disturbances, make arrests when necessary, and prepare detailed reports.
•    Additional Responsibilities: Perform related duties as assigned, supporting the overall DPD mission. 

•    Age & Citizenship: Must be aged 21 to 35 (possible exceptions up to four years for those over 35 with specialized police-related training or experience). Must be a U.S. citizen.
•    Legal & Professional Standing: No felony convictions; certain misdemeanor convictions may disqualify applicants. Must meet Illinois FOID card requirements.
•    Driver's License: Must possess a valid Illinois driver's license.
•    Educational Background: High school diploma or equivalent required. Further education and police-related training are advantageous.
•    Physical & Mental Fitness: Good health, moral character, and emotional resilience are essential. Physical agility and quick decision-making skills are required.


Qualifications for Experienced (Lateral) Officer:
Illinois Certified Police Officers: Persons may apply as a lateral police officer if certified as a full-time police officer in the State of Illinois. There is no requirement for prior service length. Proof of certification as a full-time officer must be submitted at time of application.

Out-of-State Certified Police Officers: Persons may apply as a lateral police officer if certified as a full-time police officer in another state and have successfully completed a probationary period of at least six months while employed full time with a law enforcement agency in the state where they were training. Proof of certification as a full-time police officer must be submitted at time of application.

In addition, applicants may be required to complete a written test:
Lateral applicant with at least two years of full-time police experience:  The written test will be waived if the experience occurred during the five years preceding the application. Documentation to verify the experience may be requested by the City of Decatur which has sole and final discretion whether to accept the two years of experience.

Lateral applicant with less than two years of full-time police experience:  The written test will be required, and applicant must attain a passing grade based off current standard in place at the time.

Pre-Employment Assessment Process
1. Written Examination Comprehensive National Testing Network (NTN) test covering language ability, writing, reading, and video scenarios, if required.
2. Oral Interview Face-to-face interview. Veterans may receive preference points added to the final examination score.
3. Ride-Along Accompany an officer during shift patrol for a better understanding of the position.
4. Background Investigations Review of police records, employment, educational, and credit history, personal references, and other sources of information.


Residency Requirement  
Must reside within 50 miles of the corporate limits of the city of Decatur within 90 days after completing the 18-month probationary period.


About Decatur
•  Central Illinois: Easy access to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis adds to its appeal as an affordable place to live, work, and play.
•  Entertainment Abounds: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown.
•  Family Fun: Cool off at Splash Cove waterpark or head to Overlook Adventure Park for mini golf or the ropes course.
•  Enriched by Art: Appreciate murals gracing city walls and sculptures stretching from the Scovill Zoo to the Children's Museum.
•  Outdoor Recreation: Indulge in boating and kayaking on Lake Decatur or explore multiple golf courses, bike trails, and disc golf.



To Apply
Ready to make a difference? Apply online at Apply Lateral Officer. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Learn more at Join Decatur PD.

Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and psychological evaluation post offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana.


SALARY                                 

Lateral police patrol officers may be paid starting wages equivalent to their previous law enforcement experience, but not to exceed that of a DPD Officer with five years on the job. All salary step increases will be based on combined total of experience awarded at hiring time and number of current consecutive years of service with the police department. All other benefits allowed under the contract, including longevity pay, will be based on the actual hire date.

Police Patrol Officer Annual Base Rate:                                                                                         

$74,430 starting rate                                              

$76,233 after 1 year                                              

$81,610 after 2 years                                                            

$85,689 after 3 years                                                

$91,712 after 4 years                                                

$95,380 after 7 years                                                



Police Sergeant Annual Base Rate:       

$112,650 starting base rate                                              

$120,568 after 6 months

Salary : $74,430 - $95,380