The City of Peoria conducts an examination process to recruit applicants for the position of Police Recruit.  The process is usually conducted at least once every two years. Examination dates, when scheduled, are announced to the general public primarily through the newspaper and City job flyers.   If an applicant has his / her current application on file, they are notified as to when the testing process begins.  If you would like information and application packet please contact the Human Resources Department at (309)494-8575.

Effective January 1, 2011, the starting salary is $49,489.20 annually and increases to $50, 726.41 after an employee completes the Academy.  There are currently 18 pay steps and officers progress normally at a rate of two steps per year.  Top salary for a patrol officer without considering overtime and longevity is $77,186.07.  Sergeants and Lieutents pay is about 10% higher than the previous rank.

The initial hiring process consists of a series of tests (written, physical, and oral).  Applicants who pass all tests will have their names placed in the Police Recruit eligibility pool for up to a two-year period.  Candidates will be considered for hire as openings become available.  Candidates who are offered employment must pass a polygraph exam, background investigation, psychological evaluation, and medical exam.  Any individual, unless they have already met equivalent training requirements, who becomes a Police Recruit for the City of Peoria will be required to attend and pass an academic proficiency and fitness entrance requirement, namely, the State of Illinois P.O.W.E.R (Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report) Test.

SUMMARY OF MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

Age
Must be 21 years of age by date of the written exam; or 20 years of age for applicants who have successfully completed 2 years (60) hours of law enforcement studies at an accredited college.  Cannot have attained the age 36 by date of entrance into eligibility pool.  Exceptions are made for candidates with prior municipal police experience.  Contact the Human Resources Department for additional information.

Education
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; Prefer candidates with Associate's Degree or hours toward Bachelor's Degree.

General
Must have U.S. Citizenship, valid driver's license, and no felony conviction.  Must be able to perform essential functions of the position and pass the physical agility exam.

Vision-Hearing
Must meet minimum standards for vision and hearing and cannot be color-blind.  Applicants who wear eye glasses or contact lenses must meet minimum standards of visual acuity.  Vision with corrective lenses should not be less than 20/20 in the better eye, 20/40 in the worst eye, and 20/20 with both eyes open.  Uncorrected vision should not be less than 20/200 in either eye.  Further details/requirements are available through the Human Services Department.

Other: U.S. Citizenship; valid driver's license; physical condition to perform the essential functions of the position and pass physical agility exam; no felony conviction.

Residency
Applicants need not be City Residents to apply.  If hired, must establish permanent residency within the City of Peoria, Illinois by no later than the completion of probation (1 year plus Academic Training).  One is required to maintain residence within the City of Peoria, Illinois for five years.  After five may remain where you live or move within a 20 miles radius of the Peoria Police Department headquarters  (600 SW Adams Street, Peoria, IL).

Other (Tests)
Written Exam, Physical Agility Exam, and then an eligibility pool will be established. Oral Interview with Police Personnel, an oral interview with a panel of the Fire & Police Commissioners will be held with candidates selected from the eligibility pool.  Prior to hire, must undergo background investigation, polygraph, medical including a drug screen, and psychological examinations.