Police Patrol Officer
Key Benefits & Opportunities:
• Balanced Work-Life: Enjoy a 12-hour patrol schedule with every other weekend off (Friday/Saturday/Sunday), totaling approximately 182 working days per year.
• 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.
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Key Responsibilities
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• 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.
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Needed Knowledge & Skills
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• 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.
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More Details
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Pre-Employment Assessment Process:
1. Written Examination: Comprehensive National Testing Network (NTN) test covering language ability, writing, reading, and video scenarios.
2. Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER) Test: Physical fitness assessment evaluating strength, agility, and endurance.
3. Background Investigations: Review of police records, employment, educational, and credit history, personal references, and other sources of information.
4. Oral Interview: Face-to-face interview. Veterans may receive preference points added to the final examination score.
5. Ride-Along: Accompany an officer during shift patrol for better insight.
6. Medical & Psychological Evaluation: Pre-employment physical, drug screening (including marijuana), and psychological evaluation to ensure fitness for duty.
Residency Requirement:
Must reside within 40 miles of the Decatur Police Department within 90 days after completing the 18-month probationary period.
