The Joliet Police Department is not currently accepting applications for either Entry-Level Police Officer or Certified-Lateral Police Officer at this time. To be notified of when we are accepting applications again in the future, please visit Join Our Recruitment Mailing List

**APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN MARCH 6, 2026 - APRIL 13, 2026**

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Joliet, Illinois, is accepting applications for Entry-Level and Certified Lateral Police Officer positions with the Joliet Police Department. The Joliet Police Department seeks dedicated individuals who want to make a positive impact in the Joliet community. All applicants must complete a written and oral assessment to establish a numerical ranking list. Two eligibility lists will be created; applicants will only be named on one list. Applicants who meet the two-year minimum requirement for a police officer will be placed on the Certified Lateral eligibility list.

The City of Joliet is known as the “City of Champions.” The Joliet Police Department is committed to providing exceptional professional police service to our community and ensuring the safety of all residents, businesses, and visitors.

 “WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY FOR A SAFE CITY”

Population: 150,362
Sworn Police Officers: Authorized strength of 300 Officers

SALARY INFORMATION 

2026 Entry-Level Police Officer

• Step A 2026: Starting base salary of $72,275; includes a prorated holiday and a court stipends, both pensionable.
• Step B 2027: Base salary of $86,556; includes $3,250 holiday and $2,100 court stipends.
• Step H: 18-year Officer top-out base salary of $139,321; includes $5,243 holiday, $2,100 court, and $1,807 longevity stipends.

2026 Certified-Lateral Police Officer

• Step C 2026: Starting salary of $102,357, which includes a prorated holiday and $2,100 court stipends; minimum two (2) years of law enforcement experience.
• Step D 2026: Starting salary of $107,553, which includes a prorated holiday and $2,100 court stipends; must have more than three (3) years of full-time law enforcement experience.

BENEFITS & PERKS

The City of Joliet offers full-time Police Officers an outstanding benefits package  and perks that includes:

• Vacation and Sick Leave earned per calendar year, effective from the date of hire
• Officers earn 4 floating holidays that must be used within the calendar year
• Allowed to accumulate compensatory time
• All stipends (court, holiday, longevity) are pensionable
• Various specialized units such as K-9 Unit, Crime Scene Investigators, Tactical Unit, Narcotics Unit, Traffic Unit, Neighborhood Oriented Policing Team, Investigations/Detectives, School Resource Officers, Special Operations Squad, Crisis Negotiator Teams, and more!
• Generous insurance benefit package
• Police pension program
• Uniforms, equipment, duty weapons, and all training paid for by the City of Joliet
• 12-hour patrol shifts (every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off)
• Tuition reimbursement option
• Dedicated fitness facility for all City of Joliet employees

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements established by the City of Joliet:

• All applicants must have U.S. Citizenship.
• Residency Requirement: All new employees have an option to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Joliet, or reside within 50 miles of the intersection of Essington Road and Jefferson Street within 18 months of the date of hire.
• No felony convictions or any misdemeanors involving moral turpitude.
• You must possess a valid state-issued driver's license with a good driving record (this will be required as proof of ID at all stages).
• Must have registered with the Selective Service System.
• No offensive and/or inappropriate visible tattoos, brands, or body piercings. No tattoos, body art, or brands are permitted on the head, face, scalp, neck, or hands, from the wrists to the fingertips.
• High school diploma or transcript, or an equivalent high school education certificate as recognized by the Illinois State Department of Education (GED certificate).
• All candidates must provide proof of completion of the P.O.W.E.R. test administered by NIPSTA, Triton College, or Joliet Junior College.
  • A POWER test card must be dated within 12 months of the 2026 application cycle. Proof of the power test may be submitted during the initial application process, but no later than the Final Eligibility Register list posting. Only P.O.W.E.R. Test administered by NIPSTA, TRITON COLLEGE, or JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE will be accepted.
• All applicants must successfully complete a written examination.
• Candidates scoring in the top tier will progress to the oral board interview.
• Must have 20/20 vision in both eyes (or corrected 20/20 vision) -AND- color blindness could be a disqualifying factor.
• Must meet the requirements of a thorough background investigation and successfully pass psychological and polygraph exams, medical and vision exams, and drug testing. Failure by any applicant to complete or pass any tests according to the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners shall result in elimination from further consideration. (Failure by any applicant to complete or pass any tests according to the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners shall result in elimination from further consideration).
• Pay a $25.00 non-refundable application processing fee.

A complete list of requirements for both Entry-Level Police Officer & Certified-Lateral Police Officer positions can be found on the application on APPLY TO SERVE: APPLY HERE

For more information regarding the rules and regulations of the Board of Fire and Police, refer to Boards & Commissions

The City of Joliet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.