Lateral Entry Police Officer

LATERAL ENTRY POLICE OFFICER

We are always accepting applications for Lateral Entry!  Click here for the application packet.  

Applications may be mailed or dropped off:

Vernon Hills Police Department

740 Lakeview Pwky.

Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Questions?  Contact us at vhpd-hiring@vhills.org


HIRING PROCESS



BENEFITS

Salary: 

(Effective 12/18/25)

New Hire:        $89,113 - $100,435

After 6 Years:  $123,088

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

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; $850 per year is allotted thereafter; $1500 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
  • N.I.P.A.S. (Northern Illinois Police Alarm System)
  • Evidence Technician
  • Firearms Instructor
  • Breathalyzer Operator
  • Field Training Officer 
  • 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

  • State of Illinois certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB)
  •  At least 2 years of continuous experience as a full time sworn with successful completion of probationary period, having worked as a full-time certified law enforcement officer within the last 3 years
  • High school diploma or GED and at least 60 hours of study at an accredited institution of higher learning. 
  • No felony conviction
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Be physically able to perform the essential job functions of the position
  • Speak, read, write, and understand English
  • Successful completion of Lateral Entry process
  • Successful completion of the background, polygraphy, psychological, and medical examination
  • 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.

Additional Benefits

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.

An equal opportunity employer.