How to Become a Chicago Police Officer

1) Start by earning a Degree in Criminal Justice, associate's (2-year) or bachelor's (4-year)
2) Review the requirements below and make sure you meet those requirements
3) Contact the Chicago Police Dept for an application, call 312-747-8220

Chicago Police Department Information

The city of Chicago Police Department is one of the largest police departments in the United States. With a diverse workforce of over 13,000 men and women, the Chicago PD is serving the City in units covering every aspect of law enforcement and community service. City of Chicago Police Officers have the opportunity to work in various areas of interest such as Patrol, the Mounted Unit, the Marine unit, or the Traffic Unit, along with many others. Learn more about what it takes to work for the Chicago PD below.

Chicago Police Officer Job Description

As a Police Officer with a Chicago Police Station, one's job is to patrol a given geography and respond to calls and make Chicago a safe city for citizens to reside. Every sworn member of the Chicago PD, from the highest-ranking position down, began his or her career as a Police Officer at one of the chicago police stations. Uniform patrol is the backbone of the Chicago PD and as a police officer your job requires meeting the citizens of Chicago, the directing of traffic, investigating a crime or aiding a victim of an accident or crime. In local, state and federal police related departments a police officer’s career description includes maintaining law and order, collecting evidence, and conducting investigations. Job requirements can and do vary from chicago police station to station.

Chicago Police Training Academy, Prerequisites and Educational Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer with the Chicago PD

The most common degree for a city of chicago police officer to have is a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. The Chicago Police require applicants to be 21 years old, a U.S. citizen on or before the date of hire, and completion of 60 semester hours of college credit at an accredited college or university. Also acceptable are applicants with four years of continuous active duty in the armed forces of the United States or applicants who have completed 30 semester (or 45 quarter) hours from a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies responsible for evaluating two and four year institutions that grant Associate's and Bachelor's degrees, and one year of continuous active duty in the armed forces of the United States. Applicant’s must also be in possession of a valid driver's license and need to pass an intense background investigation and physical testing. Earning an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree will set you apart from other candidates. State and Federal agency jobs require applicants to possess a 4-year college degree. Being able to speak a second language fluently is a definite plus for applicants.

After meeting the above requirements and once hired new recruits will attend a Chicago police academy.

Keep in mind that the higher paying Chicago police officer jobs are in more affluent areas and are therefore much more competitive jobs to apply for. Make sure you can set yourself apart from the competition by earning a college degree before applying or during the application process. A college degree will also start you off at a higher salary in any area, affluent or not. The Bureau of Labor Statistics actually states that those applicants with college training in criminal justice, law enforcement, or police science should have the best opportunities.

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Chicago Police Salary and Job Outlook

Successful applicants who are hired as Chicago Police Officers begin their careers at the Chicago PD Training Academy as Probationary Chicago Police Officers. Each PPO must complete an 18-month probationary period. Chicago PD Academy training consists of the 480 hour minimum course required by the Illinois Governmental Law Enforcement Training Board and 300 hours the Chicago Police Department includes to augment the basic training course. Course topics include Human Behavior, Criminal Law, Traffic Law, Firearms and Drill Training, Physical Training, Department Administrative Systems and Operations, Policy and Procedures, Report Writing, Crime Investigation Procedures, Safety Practices, and many more. Successful completion of the course prepares the recruit for the State of Illinois Certificate Examination and the next phase of training-Field Evaluation. Starting salary for the Chicago police department is $42,258. It is increased to $54,636 after one year and an additional increase to $57,744 after 18 months. In addition to these base salaries, there is overtime earning, holiday pay, night differential and uniform allowance.

Promotional opportunities with the Chicago Police Dept and Chicago West Police Department are available. Again, holding a degree will set an officer apart in the testing for promotional positions like Chicago Police Swat. Every police executive in Chicago started as a police officer. Many acquired law and other advanced degrees along the way. Police officers develop expertise in everything from computers to community organization. You can go as far as your motivation and determination will take you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that there will be a continued high demand for police officers through 2012.

There are many career paths to pursue once you become a Chicago Illinois police officer including sergeant, lieutenant, chief and more. Most of these promotions or specialties require advanced education.

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Request free information from the fully accredited online schools below and see how a criminal justice degree can help you succeed in a Chicago police officer career.

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Criminal Justice Degrees

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