How do I Become a Police Officer in Springfield, Illinois?

You must pass a series of written, oral and physical tests to become a Springfield, Illinois, police officer.

Springfield is the capital city of Illinois and home of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. According to a 2009 count, more than 118,000 people live in Springfield.The city draws large numbers of visitors every year who come to experience the history that it has to offer. Police officers in Springfield work to keep the residents, visitors and properties safe and secure.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or GED

Instructions

1. Fulfill basic requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age by the time of the examinations. An exception will be made if you are 20 with at least 60 semester hours in studies of law enforcement. Likewise, the maximum age for new police recruits is 34 years of age by the time of examination, unless you were previously employed as a police officer in Springfield. Also, you must have a high school diploma or GED. You must have no felony convictions or certain misdemeanors, which are defined by statute.

2. Pass a written exam, which tests your skills for police work.

3. Pass an oral assessment that gauges communication skills, knowledge and abilities.

4. Pass a physical ability test. The Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report, or POWER test, determines whether you are fit enough to meet the often exhausting demands of police work. This test assesses aerobic capacity (1.5-mile run), strength (bench press), muscular endurance (one-minute sit-ups), and flexibility (sit & reach test).

5. Pass a banding interview with police chief. This interview will help determine if you would be a good addition to the Springfield Police Department.

6. Pass a background investigation, which will look into your personal history.

7. Pass a psychological screening, which determines if you are mentally fit for police work, which can be highly stressful.

8. Pass a medical and drug exam. This exam will make sure you are in good physical shape for police work, and that you do not use drugs or have substance abuse problems. Upon fulfilling all basic requirements, as well as successful completion of all exams, you are eligible for employment with the Springfield Police Department.

Tips & Warnings

• You can move to the Springfield Police Department from another law enforcement agency provided you meet certain requirements. You must have a minimum of three years experience out of the last five employed as a full time police officer in another jurisdiction whose training and experience either qualifies or would qualify the officer to become certified in the State of Illinois upon written request to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. You must also pass the entry level examination as determined by the City of Springfield Civil Service Commission, according to the website theblueline.com..

• Whether a new recruit or transfer, you can take a practice exam offered by the City of Springfield, according to the city's website, Springfield.il.gov.

References

• Springfield Illinois Police Department - Recruitment
• City Data: Springfield, Illinois
• Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau: About The City
• Patrol Officer Springfield, Illinois

Resources

• City of Springfield, Illinois