New Police Officer & Certified/Lateral Officer

Sterling IL
Sterling Police Department

Sterling IL PD

Starting Salary: $66,197.70 (non-certified applicants)

Top Salary: $87,219.38

The Sterling Police Department is conducting ongoing testing to develop a list of candidates for Police Officer. The Sterling Police Department receives tremendous support from our residents, the City Council, and the City Administration. We are seeking entry level and experienced officers who are looking to work in a team environment. We offer many training opportunities and exceptional equipment.

Entry Level Applicants will be required to complete the written National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) at Sauk Valley Community College. All POST examinations will be scheduled by the Fire and Police Commission at mandatory orientation on January 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Certified Police Officers are not required to take the POST test and may apply directly at www.sterling-il.gov/jobs

All applications and required documents must be submitted to the Police Department Administration Office no later than January 6, 2025.

  • High School diploma or GED certificate (copy)
  • Certified Birth Certificate (copy)
  • College or University degree (copy) Note: A copy of a certified transcript may be requested for application of education points.
  • Veterans: Military Service record and DD214 (copy)
  • Driver’s license (copy)
  • Citizenship and/or naturalization papers – if applicable
  • ocial security card (copy)

BENEFIT INFORMATION

  • Get paid to attend the Police Academy
  • 6% Holiday pay issued annually
  • 80 vacation hours accrued after completing one year of employment
  • Ability to accrue compensatory time upon graduating from the Police Academy
  • 48 Hours of personal time per year
  • 8 hours sick leave earned per month
  • 12-hour patrol shifts with every other weekend off on a 3-day weekend
  • Excellent Health, Dental, Prescription, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Education Incentives ($300- $550)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Deferred Compensation Plans available
  • Article 3 Pension (Downstate Police Pension)
  • All uniform equipment provided- Firearm, ballistic vest, etc.
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement – Fraternal Order of Police

Department Overview: The Sterling Police Department consists of 29 sworn officers amongst two divisions, Operations and Investigative. Authorized staffing includes: A Chief of Police, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 5 Sergeants, 17 patrol officers, 3 detectives, 1 School Resource Officer. In 2023, Sterling PD logged 16,774 calls for service. We strive to employ good people who have a strong work ethic and are committed to a community-oriented approach to policing. We are dedicated to the people, tradition and diversity of our community.

City Information: The City of Sterling is approximately 100 miles due west of the Chicago loop, 55 miles southwest of Rockford, Illinois, 55 miles East of the Iowa-Illinois Quad Cities and 70 miles north of Peoria. Sterling has an abundance of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Rock River provides plenty of summertime fun for boaters, skiers, paddlers and fisherman. Kayak, fish, hike, bike or walk the Hennepin Feeder Canal, a 29-mile canal and path that connects to the 105-mile Hennepin Canal. There are golf courses, indoor/outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a pump track, walking paths, and trails. There are 4 State Parks within 40 miles plus additional State Recreation areas. The Sterling Park District also operates a marina, a dog park, an indoor pool, along with fitness centers and an abundance of recreation programming.

Population: 15,370

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Age: Must be 20 years of age and not have reached your 35th birthday at the time of application unless exempt from age limitation ILCS 5/10-2.1-6. Shall not be appointed until applicants reaches 21 years of age.

Citizenship Required at Time of Filing Application: Yes

High School Grad/GED: Yes

Valid Driver’s License Required: Yes

Vision: Vision must be at least 20/20 or correctable to 20/20. Contact lenses are permitted with the above requirements.

Residency: 30-minute response time to City of Sterling required within 1 year of employment.

Academy Certification: Academy required upon hire.

Prior Experience: None required.

Additional Requirements: Successful completion of POWER Test prior to attending police academy.

New Police Officer:
Join our Team
New Officer Application

Lateral/Certified Police Officer:
Certified/Lateral Information
Certified/Lateral Application
Lateral Work History

Department Contact
Sara Young
firepolicetesting@sterling-il.gov
815-632-6600