Lateral Officer

Rockford, IL
Rockford Police Department

Salary: $70,958.00 – $96,919.00 Annually

Closing Date: 12/1/2025

Position Summary:

The City of Rockford is looking for individuals who represent the diversity in thought and experiences, which are shared by our citizens. Candidates must have strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Candidates should possess good interpersonal skills, common sense and have the ability to problem solve.

Essential Functions:

  • Handle (emergency and non-emergency) calls for service received by our Communications Center.
  • Investigate and determine what type or if crimes have occurred.
  • Make sound decisions using, knowledge, training and experience.
  • Positively interact with the public.
  • Problem solve complex community issues and look for innovative solutions to reduce repeat calls for service.
  • Properly enforce Federal, State and Municipal laws.

Requirements:

  1. An applicant must be 21 years old by the selected academy start date-PLEASE SPEAK TO THE RECRUITER FOR THE ACTIVE DATE. The applicant cannot be 35 years old by closing date of the application period. Exceptions apply to U.S. veterans and persons previously employed as police officers within a municipality.
  2. A valid Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment to the Department.
  3. A high school diploma (or its equivalent) is required.
  4. An applicant must not have any felony convictions nor have been convicted of certain misdemeanors. A list of disqualifying convictions is contained in the DISQUALIFICATIONS section.
  5. An applicant must not have ANY misdemeanor convictions within the last 3 years or have more than 3 moving violations within the last 3 years.
  6. All applicants will participate in the Physical Fitness Assessment, explained in the TESTING INFORMATION section. Additionally, final candidates will undergo an extensive physical/medical examination.
  7. Employees must live in Winnebago County or within fifteen (15) miles of the Public Safety Building within six (6) months of the conclusion of their probationary period. The probationary period is eighteen (18) months unless extended by the Board for performance reasons.