Police Officer - Lateral

Lake Forest • Lake Forest, IL

1d

About The Position

The City of Lake Forest is seeking experienced law enforcement professionals to serve as Lateral Police Officers with the Lake Forest Police Department. The department provides public safety services and emphasizes professionalism, teamwork, and community engagement. Officers may gain experience in patrol and investigative functions, specialized assignments, and regional mutual-aid organizations, including NIPAS, LCMCTF, MCAT, and IMAT. The department values officers who are committed to community service, relationship-building, and professional growth.

Police officers patrol, respond to calls for service, and conduct self-initiated traffic and criminal investigations. They assist people in crisis and people facing mental health issues, drug addiction, or other life-altering problems. Duties also include preliminary and follow-up investigations, interviews, arresting and processing offenders, and testifying in court. Officers take an active role in community policing and are expected to respect racial and cultural differences and treat people with professionalism.

Requirements

• At least two years of full-time experience as a sworn, certified law enforcement officer within the past three years.
• Current certification through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB), with no more than 40 hours of training required for recertification, or successful completion of an out-of-state Basic Police Officer Training program meeting ILETSB reciprocity requirements.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.
• Meet applicable Illinois law enforcement eligibility requirements, including authorization to work in the United States and eligibility to possess a firearm under federal law.
• Meet applicable criminal history and background investigation requirements for appointment as a police officer under Illinois law.
• Part-time law enforcement certification and corrections officer certification do not satisfy the certification requirement.

Nice To Haves

• Municipal law enforcement experience.
• Specialized training, certifications, or experience.
• Experience as an Evidence Technician.
• Firearms Instructor certification or experience.
• Field Training Officer experience.
• Criminal investigations experience.
• Experience in specialized units or regional task forces, including NIPAS, MCAT, and similar assignments.

Responsibilities

• Patrol and respond to calls for police service.
• Conduct self-initiated traffic and criminal investigations.
• Demonstrate empathy and assist individuals in crisis, experiencing mental health issues, facing drug addiction, or dealing with other life-altering problems.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up criminal and traffic investigations.
• Interview, arrest, and process offenders, and testify in court.
• Participate in community policing events and initiatives that build strong, trusting relationships within the community.
• Respect racial and cultural differences and treat people with respect and professionalism.
• Develop effective communication, human relations, and tactical skills.

Benefits

• Additional compensation opportunities for night shift differential.
• Additional compensation for certified instructors, Field Training Officers, Evidence Technicians, and Officers in Charge.
• Longevity pay recognizing years of service.
• Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, personal days, and compensatory time.
• Paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Tuition assistance program and ongoing training opportunities.
• Police pension program, voluntary 457 plan, and Roth IRA options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED