Police Officer (Entry Level)

City of Des Plaines • Des Plaines, IL

3d • Remote

About The Position

The City of Des Plaines is seeking to hire entry-level Police Officers. The application and testing process is managed through the National Testing Network (NTN), allowing candidates to test from home on their schedule. Candidates must complete the NTN examination and submit a City application with supporting documents by the deadline of June 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. The Des Plaines Police Department's mission is to protect people and property, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens through Community Based Policing, preserving peace in a manner consistent with the U.S. Constitution and fiscal responsibility.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Resident
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Valid driver's license (valid Illinois driver's 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
• No felony convictions
• Residency in Illinois by date of hire
• Must possess a valid POWER test card issued by a licensed agency
• Complete the online application at www.desplainesil.gov/dppdjobs
• Take the examination through the National Testing Network
• Complete application and formal request for preference points
• Submit all required documents by 4:00 p.m. on June 26, 2026
• Complete a Personal History Inventory (PHI)
• Complete a fingerprint background check
• Complete a polygraph examination
• Pass a background investigation interview
• Pass a psychological interview
• Pass a physical examination

Nice To Haves

• Additional compensation for bi-lingual speakers

Responsibilities

• Protect people and property
• Enhance the quality of life for all citizens
• Preserve the peace in a manner consistent with the freedoms secured by the U.S. Constitution

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