POLICE OFFICER

Cook County•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Forest Preserve District Police Officers serve and protect people visiting the preserves while also protecting the Preserve’s natural lands, property, and recreational resources by upholding and enforcing all state, county, and district laws and ordinances. Forest Preserve officers perform a dual role which includes the conventional duties of police officers and duties performed by conservation officers, including but not limited to, checking for fishing licenses and helping to protect the habitat and wildlife in our care such as rare and endangered species. Police officers are ambassadors to the public and possess full statewide law enforcement authority pursuant to the Illinois Police Training Act (50 ILCS 705) and are empowered by the Cook County Forest Preserve District Act (70 ILCS 810/15) to exercise police powers for the preservation of the public peace and enforcement of laws and ordinances within District territory Those with a yearning to work in nature and have a call to public service are well-suited to this role. Successful completion of all the steps outlined below under “POLICE HIRING PROCESS” is required for employment as a Police Officer with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age at time of application and possess 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university, OR possess a high school diploma or GED and three (3) or more years of work experience.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and a valid State of Illinois driver’s license at the time of background investigation.
Must possess background free of convictions for any misdemeanor and/or felony referenced in 50 ILCS 705/6.1(a) as set forth in the District’s Employment Plan.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Ability to prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to think clearly and decisively in stressful and challenging situations.
Ability to promote the mission, programs, policies, and procedures of the Department through lawful operation and established standards.
Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with and between employees, staff, the general public and other law enforcement organizations.
Ability to adapt to changing field conditions including, but not limited to, exposure to extreme weather conditions, intense physical activity and safety hazards.
Ability and skill to operate and maintain a variety of law enforcement and technical equipment including, but not limited to, police vehicles during normal and emergency conditions, and in a safe and cautious manner.
Enthusiasm and passion for nature, conservation and outdoor activities.
Ability to work with individuals both within the District and in the community from various backgrounds, cultures, areas of interest, etc.
Ability to operate all required vehicles and equipment assigned and/or issued.
Ability to run, jump, walk, squat, climb and crawl in all conditions, both indoor and outdoor.
Ability to engage in engage in defensive tactics consistent with department training to apprehend suspects and/or defend oneself and/or others in a physical altercation.
Ability to remain alert for long periods of time and at all times while on duty.
Sufficient manual dexterity and personal mobility which allows the employee to operate equipment in order to respond to and perform in emergency situations.
Ability to safely handle and use a Department approved firearm.
Knowledge of and ability to apply principles of community-oriented policing, procedural justice, and constitutional policing in daily interactions with the public.
Ability to utilize de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies consistent with Department training and applicable state law.
Ability to properly operate, maintain, and comply with Department policies regarding body-worn cameras and related evidence management systems.
Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises, behavioral health emergencies, or substance-related impairment.

Nice To Haves

Possess an associates’ degree or higher in Natural Resources, Law Enforcement or substantially similar areas from an accredited college or university; OR prior work experience as a law enforcement officer at a local, county, state or federal police agency, including military police; OR active-duty status in the U.S. Armed Forces or Army National Guards and eligible for or awarded honorable discharge—you must attach proof to your application in order to be considered; OR at least 1 year of work experience in the areas of forestry, conservation, restoration, ecology or other related natural sciences; OR at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) and left in good standing; OR at least 1 season of work experience with FPCC partners such as Conservation Corp Crew, Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, Student Conservation Association, Cook County, the City of Chicago, or the Chicago Park District.

Responsibilities

Conducts high visibility pro-active police patrol on foot, bicycle, boat, snowmobile, ATV or vehicle to prevent crime, protect life, property, and the District’s natural resources, and maintains order through enforcement of local, state, and federal laws.
Acquires thorough knowledge of and familiarity with geographic areas and boundaries owned or controlled by the District.
Responds to emergency calls for service and provide direction and assistance during emergencies such as serious illness or injury, severe weather, fires, wildland fires, bomb threats, utility emergencies, disturbances, demonstrations, hazardous material incidents and natural resources related incidents.
Conducts preliminary and follow-up criminal and crash scene investigations by, among other things, assuring the preservation, examination, and collection of evidence at crime scenes; interviewing victims; questioning witnesses and apprehending and interrogating suspects.
Ensures the safety and welfare of citizens by recognizing potential problems and hazardous conditions and taking appropriate action to prevent and resolve them.
Utilizes available resources to ensure that information is provided to citizens, employees and staff concerning crime and safety issues.
Ensures the enforcement of natural resources related ordinances including, but not limited to, checking fishermen for licenses, fish size and possession limits, poaching of reptiles, amphibians, deer and other animals and animal parts, insects, and plants.
Collaborates with Illinois Department of Natural Resources and local conservation police officers to protect the District’s natural resources.
Provides procedural recommendations and options to follow in the event of a crime.
Prepares a variety of police reports, records, and other documents on an assigned shift in an accurate, required, and timely manner.
Consistently performs at an acceptable level of productivity and produces work that is neat, well-organized, clear, concise, thorough, and departmentally sufficient.
Reliably adheres to established work schedules as demonstrated through a positive employee attendance record.
Relates to, and effectively works with, people of diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
Serves as ambassador of the District by providing information, assistance and direction to citizens and users of District property and facilities.
Represents the District at events including, but not limited to, special events hosted by the District or a partner organization, Law Enforcement Career Days, and outdoor show expositions.
Performs other duties as assigned.