Entry-Level Police Officer

On an ongoing basis, the Carbondale Police Department hosts open testing for entry-level police officers.

Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Age 21 (20 with certain restrictions)
  • Associate Degree (or 60 semester hours) - Education requirements go down with police experience and prior completion of a police academy
  • No felony conviction. NOTE: Some convictions for misdemeanors or serious traffic offenses may also disqualify applicants from further consideration
  • Proof of a valid driver’s license
  • Must successfully complete an oral interview and background investigation
  • Must successfully complete a medical examination and psychological tests
  • Must sign a 36-month (3year) Pre-Employment Agreement 

Selection Process

The Carbondale Police Officer selection process is conducted in six steps:

  1. Pre-Application Contact – Meeting the candidate and the candidate submitting an application
  2. Written Examination
  3. Physical Agility Exam- Illinois Power Test
  4. Interview with the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
  5. Administrative Interview with Human Resource Officer, Chief of Police, Deputy Chiefs, and other selected members of the Carbondale Police Department.
  6. Pre-employment Screening - Includes Background Investigation, Psychological Exam, Medical Exam, and Drug Testing

Basic Police Training Academy

If the candidate does not have prior police experience, the Carbondale Police Department provides training to the candidate to certify them as an Illinois Certified Police Officer. The training includes:

  • Emergency Vehicle Driving Skills
  • Firearms and Control Tactics
  • First Aid
  • Law (Criminal and Traffic)
  • Patrol Procedures and Investigations
  • Police Functions and Human Behavior
  • Traffic Accident Investigations and Enforcement

Field Training

This 15-week program takes place once a candidate graduates from the police academy, which includes department orientation and assignment to a team of three different Field Training Officers that help the probationary officer make the transition between classroom training and “on the street” application of skills.

Salary and Benefits

  • Starting salary: $53,331 (Fiscal Year 2023)
  • Salary after 12 months: $61,963 (Fiscal Year 2023)
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Initial uniforms provided
  • Vacation/Sick Leave
  • 11 City holidays, plus one floating holiday
  • Section 125 pretax deductions
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Retire at 55 years of age with 25 years of service