We are currently accepting applications for Lateral Entry Police Officers
Click here for application packet and more information.

BENEFITS

Salary: 

(Effective 5/1/22)
New Hire:        $80,960
After 6 Years:  $111,827

NOTE: Experienced police officers start one step higher for every two years of law enforcement experience, with a maximum of a two-step increase.

Pension:

Sworn Officers are enrolled in the Illinois Downstate Pension Fund and contribute 9.91% to the Pension Fund. The Village also contributes a matching amount to the fund.

Social Security:

Sworn Officers do not contribute to the Social Security Program.

Health Insurance:

The Village provides a choice of healthcare programs that provide comprehensive medical coverage for all employees. Employees contribute a percentage of the premium cost.

Life Insurance:

Employees are provided life insurance coverage equal to three times their annual salary. Employees contribute 1% of the annual premium.

Dental Insurance:

The dental plan pays 100% for examinations, cleanings and x-rays. Employees contribute a percentage of the annual premium.

Vision Insurance:

Employees are provided vision insurance coverage at no cost to them.

Vacation:

80 hours first year
120 hours after five years
160 hours after ten years
200 hours after twenty years

Shift Differential:

Officers work a 12-hour shift with every other weekend (Friday thru Sunday) off. Officers also receive additional compensation in the form of a shift differential for working nights (10% additional for working 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM).

Additional Pay:

Sworn Officers are eligible for additional pay when actively assigned as a Detective, Tactical Officer, Field Training Officer, and Officer in Charge.

Career Development Program:

Sworn Officers are eligible for up to $4,510/year (after reaching top pay), based on job proficiency, education and employee evaluation.

Other Incidental Benefits:

Sick Leave ................... 8 hours per month to a maximum of 816 hours
Floating Holidays.......... 32 hours per year
Holidays ....................... 9 paid holidays per year
Comp. Time ................. Can accumulate to 100 hours
Court Overtime .............Officers are compensated for a minimum of 3 hours
Dry Cleaning ................ Allowance of $312 per year
Tuition Program ........... Village reimburses for tuition and books for job-related classes. 
Uniforms ....................... All uniforms, weapon and ballistic vest are provided upon hire; $800 per year is allotted thereafter; $1250 provided every 5 years for a new protective vest; $350.00 provided every 5 years for winter jacket.

SPECIALIZATIONS

The Vernon Hills Police Department is a highly diversified organization that offers the opportunity for its officers to explore a variety of law enforcement specialties:
•Investigations Unit
•Traffic Unit
•N.I.P.A.S. (Northern Illinois Police Alarm System)
•Evidence Technician
•Firearms Instructor
•Breathalyzer Operator
•Field Training Officer 
•NORTAF (North Regional Major Crimes Task Force)
•LCMCTF (Lake County Major Crimes Task Force)
•LCMEG (Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group)
•Juvenile Officer
•Grade School Resource Officer (SRO)
•High School Resource Officer (SRO)
•Bicycle Unit
•Citizen's Police Academy Instructor
•Use of Force Instructor
•Police Explorer Scout Advisor

JOB REQUIREMENTS

•High school diploma or GED and at least 60 hours of study at an accredited institution of higher learning. 
•Lateral entry candidates must be certified as police officers by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board
•Between 21 and 34 years of age (Lateral entry candidate may be older than 34 years of age)
•Lateral entry candidates shall have been employed as a sworn police officer with their respective Illinois law enforcement agency for at least two consecutive years
•Possess a valid driver's license
•U.S. citizenship or an alien admitted for permanent residence
•No felony conviction
•Successful completion of examination process
•Notice regarding tattoos - (1/28/16) Candidates must not have visible tattoos that cannot be covered up by the issue of designated uniform wear (e.g. long sleeve shirt). Any visible tattoos that will not or cannot be covered up must be removed prior to the candidate being hired.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

•Written examination (waived for lateral entry candidates)
•Physical ability (P.O.W.E.R. Test *) (waived for lateral entry candidates)
•Oral interview
•Background investigation
•Psychological evaluations
•Polygraph examination
•Medical exam and drug screening test

* The Police Officer Wellness Evaluation Report consists of a 1 ½ mile run, bench press, sit-ups and sit & reach. There is a set of standards (see table below) for each part, based on gender and age. Each test must be passed.
  

 





 
More information on the POWER test can be obtained at the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board web site. (Adobe Acrobat^® Reader required. Download the free reader.)

An equal opportunity employer.