EMPLOYMENT

The Chicago Police Department is looking for talented men and women who want to be a part of one of the nation's largest police departments and, most importantly, help make a positive difference in the lives of its residents.

Chicago Police Ambassadors

With excellent opportunities for career promotions and advancement, there has never been a better time to join the Chicago Police Department (CPD). The CPD offers men and women the opportunity to utilize the latest law enforcement methodologies and technological tools.

Sound interesting? Here you will find the information you need to pursue a career as a Chicago Police Officer.

With a diverse workforce of over 13,000 men and women, the Chicago Police Department is serving the City in units covering every aspect of law enforcement and community service.

APPLICATION INFORMATION AND THE HIRING PROCESS

The first step in the Chicago Police Officer employment process is a written examination. The remaining steps include a physical fitness test, drug screening, psychological test, background investigation and a medical examination. Being on the eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of employment. It is recommended that candidates review and prepare for the physical fitness test since this phase of the hiring process comes quickly for those candidates that pass the initial written examination. Click here to view the "State of Illinois Police Officer Wellness Report or POWER test"

Click here to view some frequently asked questions regarding a Career as a Chicago Police Officer

Information about future Chicago Police Exams:

For details, visit www.cityofchicago.org/police to view the examination announcement which is also posted at www.cityofchicago.org/humanresources by clicking "Police Officer Examination" under Alerts.

Any Questions? Contact the Chicago Police Department's Recruitment Team.
Office: 312-745-5960
Email: recruitment@chicagopolice.org

A CAREER AS A CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER

The responsibilities of a Chicago Police Officer are both exciting and challenging. Officers have the opportunity to work in various areas of interest such as Patrol, the Mounted Unit, the Marine unit, or the Traffic Unit, along with many others.

A career as a Chicago Police Officer also offers promotion opportunities to positions such as Detective, Gang Specialist, Field Training Officer, and several Department Technician positions.

The ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant are achieved by a combination of educational requirements and competitive examination. Increase in salaries and responsibilities that come with each promotion are further rewards of a successful career.

BEGINNING AT THE TRAINING ACADEMY

Successful applicants who are hired as Chicago Police Officers begin their careers at the Training Academy as Probationary Police Officers (PPOs). Each PPO must complete an 18-month probationary period and are compensated at the starting salary listed in the next section below.

Academy training consists of the 480 hour minimum course required by the Illinois Governmental Law Enforcement Training Board and 300 hours the Chicago Police Department includes to augment the basic training course.

Course topics include Human Behavior, Criminal Law, Traffic Law, Firearms and Drill Training, Physical Training, Department Administrative Systems and Operations, Policy and Procedures, Report Writing, Crime Investigation Procedures, Safety Practices, and many more.

Successful completion of the course prepares the recruit for the State of Illinois Certificate Examination and the next phase of training-Field Evaluation.

A CAREER WITH A FUTURE

You can go as far as your determination takes you. Every sworn member of the Chicago Police Department, from the highest-ranking position down, began his or her career as a Police Officer. The experience and knowledge you gain, along with the problem-solving skills you develop, can be used anywhere. Become a part of a nationally-respected department and experience Chicago's rich culture, diverse neighborhoods and the difference you can make in a world-class city.

A career with the Chicago Police Department also offers stability, attractive compensation and superb benefits. Compare our starting salary and benefit package with other police departments and major corporations. You will find that few can compete.

  • Starting Salary of $43,104, increased to $55,723 after one
    year and an additional increase to $58,896 after 18 months
  • Health Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement up to 100% (includes advanced degrees)
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Vision and Dental Plan
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • 20 Paid Vacation Days
  • Retirement Plan (Pension)
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • Home Purchase Assistance
  • Annual Uniform Allowance of $1,800
  • Annual Duty Availability Bonus of $2,920
CURRENT MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Age: The minimum age requirement is 21 years of age. No person may be appointed as a probationary police officer after their 40th birthday. Proof of age must be provided at the time of application.

Driver's License: Applicants must present a valid driver's license at the time of application.

Education / Military Service: Applicants must have at least 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of credit from a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies responsible for evaluating two and four year institutions that grant Associate's and Bachelor's degrees. Also acceptable are applicants with four years of continuous active duty in the armed forces of the United States or applicants who have completed 30 semester (or 45 quarter) hours from a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies responsible for evaluating two and four year institutions that grant Associate's and Bachelor's degrees, and one year of continuous active duty in the armed forces of the United States.

Residency: Residency in the City of Chicago is required of all employees. Proof of residency will be required at the time of employment. Residency within Chicago is not required during the application and testing process.