Police Officer (Entry Level)

City of Des Plaines • Des Plaines, IL

13d

About The Position

The City is proud to partner with 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 January 16, 2026 at 4:00 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. To complete the application, you must visit www.desplainesil.gov/dppdjobs and follow the application link. Applications must be filled out directly on the Citys website. No written or emailed application will be accepted. 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 drivers license (both sides) Copy of birth record as proof of citizenship/residency 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. 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 of the United States utilizing a fiscally responsible approach.

Requirements

• If not already a member, a $55 non-refundable membership fee to National Testing Network (NTN), and/or $12 to participate in City of Des Plaines examination testing
• U.S. Resident
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Valid drivers license (valid Illinois drivers license by date of hire)
• 20 to under 35 years of age as of the date of the written exam, but 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.
• Submission of an online, mailed or in-person application, all required documents listed on the checklist and complete exam by NTN by 4:00 p.m. on January 16, 2026

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Benefits

• Generous Health (10% employee premium share), Dental (12% employee premium share), and Vision (20% employee premium share) insurance package
• Tuition reimbursement program for those obtaining a career applicable associates, 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 accruals, Sick accruals, Personal Leave accruals (after four years) and Earned Compensatory Time.
• Retirement savings options including a Retirement Health Savings plan, 457b, Roth IRA options through MissionSquare and Nationwide.
• Police Pension
• Yearly uniform allowance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees