Entry-Level Police Officer

The Galesburg Police Department is recruiting interested candidates to apply for the position of Police Patrol Officer. This is an overtime-eligible, bargaining unit position with a starting rate of $32.57 per hour, plus excellent fringe benefits. The pay range for this position is $32.57-$40.40 per hour. A listing of benefits available to full-time employees can be found here.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

Police Patrol Officers are responsible for maintaining civil order through the application of law enforcement. General duties relate to the preservation of life and property, as well as the suppression and prevention of crime through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Incumbents operate in the areas of police patrol, traffic control, and preliminary investigative work, at all times operating within the framework of departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Responds to all requests for police services.
• Provides appropriate response to emergency and/or non-emergency events. Must have the ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency and hostile situations.
• Communicates effectively through strong written and verbal skills to co-workers, superiors, and the general public.
• Enforces laws and ordinances regulating motor vehicle traffic.
• Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of crime and accident scenes.
• Collects information and evidence, interviews involved parties, detains and/or apprehends suspects.
• Provides supportive court testimony as required.
• Exhibits good discretionary judgement.
• Produces written reports detailing investigative and/or police services provided.
• Adheres to departmental policy and procedure.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Must meet the following requirements of the

City of Galesburg Fire and Police Commission:

CERTIFICATION

Applicants must be certified either for full or part-time as a Police Officer by the State of Illinois, or comparable training from another state.

AGE:

Be at least twenty-one years of age.

EXPERIENCE

Be employed as a police officer with a regular police department in any municipal, county, university, or state law enforcement agency.

DRIVER'S LICENSE

Applicants must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

MORAL CHARACTER

Be of good moral character as confirmed by a complete and thorough background investigation.

CITIZENSHIP

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen.

HOW TO APPLY

All applicants must complete the online application located at the City's website at: https://forms.ci.galesburg.il.us/Forms/o66d4 To receive proper consideration, an application should be submitted through the City website as soon as possible and must be received prior to the close of business on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026. Sworn Police Officers who would like to apply may do so by selecting "Certified Police Officer" on the online job application. All entry-level candidates should select "Entry-level Police Officer" on the online job application and take note of the testing requirements listed below. The examination dates are currently set for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, but note that these dates may be subject to change. The exact time, date, and location of the examination will be set by the Board, and published in the newspaper, and qualified applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance and the precise date and time of their examination. The selection process involves a series of tests, evaluations, and examinations that will include: Orientation, Written Test, Oral Test, Polygraph Test, Background Investigation, Psychological Examination, and a Medical Examination that includes a screen for common drugs of abuse. Applicants who continue through the selection process will be required to furnish, when requested, copies of the following documents: Military Service Records, Discharge Papers, Birth Certificate, High School Diploma or G.E.D., and a certified transcript of coursework from an accredited College or University.

Pay:

From $32.57 per hour

Benefits:

457(b) Dental insurance Dependent health insurance coverage Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person