Police Officer - Entry

Salary: $85,831.00 - $128,231.00 Annually
Location : Public Safety Building; 255 W Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 08/21/2026

Description
The Lake Forest Police Department is now accepting applications for Police Officers.

Hiring Process:

1. Written Exam: Taken through
   • A fee applies; candidates with financial hardship may request a voucher before registering by emailing
   • Visit for fee subsidy details.
2. Sparkhire Interviews: Candidates who pass the written exam will complete a one-way video interview. You'll have 7 days to submit the interview after receiving the invitation.
3. Command Staff Interview & Ride Along: Candidates who pass the video interview will be invited for an in-person interview and ride along.
4. BFPC Interview: Final candidates will be invited for an in-person interview with the Board of Fire and Police Commission.

Physical Ability Power Card: Proof of a passing POWER test (within one year) is required at the BFPC interview. You may submit the card with your application or send it to
Examples of Duties

Role of a Lake Forest Police Officer

• Patrol, respond to calls for police service, and self-initiated traffic and/or criminal investigations
• Demonstrate empathy for and assist individuals who are in crisis, living with mental health issues, facing drug addiction, or other life-altering problems
• Preliminary & follow-up criminal and traffic investigations, interviews, arrest and process offenders and testify in court
• Takes an active role in community policing events and initiatives that build strong and trusting relationships within the community
• Understand and respect racial and cultural differences and treat people with respect and professionalism.
• Develop effective communication, human relation, and tactical skills

The Lake Forest Police Department offers a variety of specialized roles with additional stipends to reward officers for their expertise and leadership:

• Night Shift Differential: $1,400
• Field Training Officer: $4,000
• Evidence Technician: $1,700
• Instructor Certification: $1,400
• Officer in Charge: $2,000

These specializations provide opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and financial incentives, reflecting our commitment to supporting and rewarding our dedicated officers.

Qualifications
Age Requirements: At least 21 and not more than 34 years old, unless otherwise exempt by Illinois statute (65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6) - Applicants who turn 35 prior to being placed in eligibility pool will be disqualified; Applicants who reach 35 after being placed in eligibility pool will be accepted, however, once they reach 36, they cannot be appointed.
Additional Requirements: US citizen or qualified as a "protected individual" pursuant to 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3)(B); Must possess a valid driver's license; high school diploma or equivalent

Physical Ability Power Card: Successfully pass the physical ability POWER test through a certified testing agency within 12 months before the BFPC interviews

Local-certified POWER test sites:

1. NIPSTA (Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy) Glenview, IL. Website: or contact (847) 998-8090 x 106 or email
2. Triton College, River Grove, IL. Website: or contact Continuing Education at contact Continuing Education at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3500 or email
3. Joliet Junior College, Joliet IL. Website: or contact Ryan Harris at (815) 280-2674 or

Disqualifiers:

• Criminal conviction for a felony crime, or certain misdemeanors as defined by Illinois statute (65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6)
• Previously dismissed from any public service for good cause.
• Failure of any portion of the examination process, including but not limited to a medically provided drug screening.
• Falsification of any part of the employment application or documentation.
• Anyone who is currently using narcotics or drugs, or who is addicted to narcotics, drugs or intoxicating beverages and is not currently in a rehabilitation program.

Supplemental Information
Salary & Benefits

• Starting Salary $85,831
• Top Step $128,231
  • does not include overtime or holiday pay
  • Salaries effective 05/01/2026
• 12-hour shifts, with every other weekend off
• Longevity pay
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision for officer and dependents
• Vacation, Sick, & Holiday Time
• On-site gym (will have a brand new, modern gym with other wellness facilities!)
• Life insurance through Securian - 1x Salary guaranteed to Police Officers from the City
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Ongoing training initiatives
• Various ancillary benefits through IPBC and EAP programs

City Benefits Include:

• BCBSIL PPO and HMO insurance options, Delta Dental, and VSP Vision Insurance
• 40 hours of vacation time and 48 hours of sick time front-loaded to employees and available for immediate use
• Vacation, Sick, Floating Holidays, Emergency Leave, and Paternity Leave Available
• 457 and RHS accounts through Mission Square
• Pension funded by IMRF
• Education Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs, Legal Shield and Norton LifeLock Discounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• $50,000 Guaranteed Life Insurance for employee through Securian, Supplemental available for employee, spouse, and children
  
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