Police Officer (Entry Level) Testing Available! 

The mission of the Des Plaines Police Department, through the utilization of a Community Based Policing philosophy, is to protect people and property, and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. We preserve the peace in a manner consistent with the freedoms secured by the U.S. Constitution, utilizing a fiscally responsible approach.  

Application deadline is April 24, 2024.

Examination

The City is proud to partner with the National Testing Network (NTN) on the next Police Officer Eligibility Test. NTN provides the ability to apply and test for our department from the comfort of your home and on your schedule. Interested persons must complete testing at the NTN in addition to completing this application. Candidates must complete an examination at the agreed upon time set by NTN and it must be completed BEFORE April 24, 2024 at 4 p.m. If you schedule to complete your exam after the deadline, you will not be considered eligible for this call for applications. All testing protocols set by NTN are to be strictly adhered to by the candidate. Failure to adhere to the testing guidelines will result in an incomplete application.

2024 Step 1 Salary is $81,315.

Benefits

• Generous health (10% employee premium share), dental (12% employee premium share), and vision (20% employee premium share) insurance package, which is detailed here. 
• Tuition reimbursement program for those obtaining a career-applicable associate, bachelor, or graduate degree from an accredited educational institution. Reimbursement of up to two (2) classes per semester; percentage reimbursed is based on grades. 
• 12-hour shift schedule. 
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick, and personal leave accruals and earned compensatory time (after four years).
• Retirement savings options, including a retirement health savings plan, 457b, and Roth IRA options through MissionSquare and Nationwide. 
• Police pension.
• Yearly uniform allowance.
• Additional compensation for bi-lingual speakers.
• Specialty and growth opportunities, including: Detective, Task Force Officer, Evidence Technician, Tactical Response Team, Traffic Unit, Specialized Training and Relations Team, Field Training Officer, Negotiator, K9 Officer, and School Resources Officer.  

Application

Download and complete the 2024 Entry Level Police Officer Application. Applications may be filled using the following methods:

• Legibly written in blue or black ink and mailed to or dropped off at: 

City of Des Plaines Police Department
New Hire Application
1418 Miner St.
Des Plaines, IL 60016

• Using the PDF fillable form and submitted via email to hr@desplaines.org.
• You must submit the following documents in addition to the completed application:
  • Signed Consent and Release Forms.
  • Copy of your high school diploma (or GED).
  • Copy of valid driver’s license (both sides). 
  • Copy of birth record as proof of citizenship/residency (see application for additional information regarding proof of residency).
  • Copy of your POWER test card.
• All applications and materials must be submitted via email in .pdf form to hr@desplaines.org. Applications cannot be sent via .jpeg or .png photo. They will not be accepted.  

Minimum Qualifications

• If not already a member, a $55 non-refundable membership fee to National Testing Network (NTN), and/or $12 to participate in the City of Des Plaines examination testing.
• Must be a U.S. Resident.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Valid Illinois driver’s license (by date of hire).
• 20 to under 35 years of age as of the date of the written exam. Must be 21 prior to appointment, unless otherwise provided by the Rules and Regulations and/or Illinois Statute (e.g., exception for attaining age 35 during military service, exception for certain previous full-time police officer employment).
• No felony convictions.
• Residency in Illinois by date of hire.
• Must possess a valid POWER test card issued by a licensed agency and dated within six months prior to being called for the background investigation. POWER test cards may be obtained from any of the following agencies:
  • NIPSTA: 2300 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL. Call 847-998-8090.
  • Triton College: 2000 5th Ave., River Grove, IL. Call 708-456-0300 x3326.
  • Joliet Junior College: 1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL. Call 815-280- 2674 or email jgraham@jjc.edu.
• Submission of an online, mailed, or in-person application with all required documents listed, and complete exam by NTN by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Hiring Process

• Submit your application and supporting documentation.
• Take the examination through the National Testing Network. 
• Request an appointment to complete your consent and release agreements. 
• Complete application and formal request for preference points. Application period closes April 24, 2024.
• Final eligibility list is established and listed on the BFPC website.
• Background checks begin in list order and include: 
  • Completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). 
  • Completion of a fingerprint background check at the City of Des Plaines Police Department.
  • Completion of a polygraph examination.
  • Background investigation interview with the BFPC.
• If background investigation is passed, a conditional offer is made.  
• Psychological interview.
• Physical examination.
• Start date established.

Questions?

• Application questions: contact the Des Plaines Police Department at 847-391-5410 or email kkozlowski@desplaines.org. 
• Exam questions: Contact the National Testing Network at 206-428-3265 or visit their website.