Built on Success
Results driven and always moving forward.
The Decatur Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a team of diverse, qualified officers to serve and protect the City of Decatur, Illinois. DPD offers specialized training, promotional opportunities, and career paths in all law enforcement capacities.
$5000
sign on bonus
$67,850
starting pay
12hr Shifts
work-life balance
Careers
advancement opportunities
More than a Job. A Career.
Build a balanced life with DPD.
The success we have in our community is reliant on the people that make up the Decatur Police Department team. We know their value and have set up a work environment with a focus on their needs and with an emphasis of evolving along with the everchanging needs of society.
Qualifications
- Applicant must be between 21 and 35 years of age. In cases where an applicant has had special training or experience in police-related work, the Commission may, at its discretion, accept applicants 36 years of age or older with one year of increased age allowed for each year of actual service (maximum 4 years).
- Applicant must have no felony convictions. A record of certain misdemeanor convictions may disqualify an applicant. See 65 ILCS 5/10-1-7(c) for a complete list.
- Applicant must be legally authorized to carry a firearm.
- Applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.
Application Process
Application: Applicant must complete a City of Decatur application at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/decaturil/jobs/4316849/experienced-lateral-police-patrol-officer?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Written Examination: Applicants with less than 2 years of experience must complete the National Testing Network written test with a passing score. The written exam will be waived for applicants with more than 2 years of experience. Where the written exam is required, applicants will be provided a voucher code, waiving any associated testing fees.
Oral Interview: Qualified applicants will be invited to interview.
Background Investigation: Candidates can be eliminated at any time based on information obtained from background. This includes information discovered about the candidate that would reflect negatively upon the Decatur Police Department.
Physical, Drug Screen, and Psychological Report: Applicants selected must pass a physical examination, drug screening, and psychological evaluation. Final appointment is contingent upon passing all components. **The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.**
Career Opportunities
The Decatur Police Department is comprised of officers on patrol, specialists, administrators, and leadership. DPD offers multiple career paths with tracks for promotion and cross training.
- Patrol Officer
- Master Patrol Officer (5% Salary Increase)
- Detective (10% Salary Increase)
- Adult Investigations
- Juvenile Investigations
- Street Crimes / Narcotics
- School Resource Officer
- Sergeant ($109,400 Starting Salary)
- Lieutenant
- Deputy Chief
- Chief of Police
- Field Training Officer (FTO)
- Fatal Accident Investigations Team (FAIT)
- Emergency Response Team (ERT)
- Designated Juvenile Officer (DJO)
- Department Mentor
- Department Recruiter
- Drone Pilot
- Bicycle Officer
- K9 Officer
- Evidence Officer
- Traffic Officer
- Firearms Instructor
- Control Tactics Instructor
Benefits
Starting pay is $67,850. Top patrol salary with longevity (12%) is $99,840.
$5,000 hiring bonus.
BC/BS PPO insurance – 80/20 plan, 3 coverage tiers, affordable rates, very good coverage/plan.
- 2 weeks after 1 year
- 3 weeks after 7 years
- 4 weeks after 14 years
- 5 weeks after 20 years
- 6 weeks after 25 years
13 personal days (holidays) per year (use for time off or cash in for pay) and 12 days of sick time per year.
12-hour patrol schedule – every other weekend (Fri/Sat/Sun) off. Only work ~182 days a year.
Lateral officers can receive starting salary equivalent to previous years of service, up to 5 years max.
- 2% after 5 years
- 4% after 10 years
- 6% after 15 years
- 9% after 20 years
- 12% after 25 years
Eligible for 50% retirement after 20 years of service. Max pension is 75% after 35 years of service.
All uniforms, ballistic vest and exterior carrier provided (no weapon or boots). Department issued cell phone also provided.
Tuition reimbursement and access to state-of-the-art training, facilities and programs.
- Newer police facility, opened in 2014
- New BWCs
- HD in-car systems
- Power DMS – document sharing system
- Power Time – online/mobile scheduling system
- New CAD/RMS system being implemented
Newer fleet of Ford Explorer patrol vehicles
PRIDE. COMMUNITY. HOME.
We live in the neighborhoods we serve.
Decatur is a community of 70,000 people centrally located in the heart of Illinois in Macon County. While being within 3 hours by car to Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis, Decatur also offers amenities attracting people to visit. With a lake in the city, 39 neighborhood and community parks, and countless tourist destinations, Decatur offers an enriched quality of life for individuals and families living here.
Culture
From murals around the city to sculptures spanning from the zoo to the children’s museum, Decatur is enriched by art.
Entertainment
Take in concerts by the lake, performing arts at Millikin, and shows in the historic theater downtown.
Wellness
Multiple golf courses, indoor sports facilities, bike trails, disc golf, activities on the water, and more to keep your body well.
Decatur, Illinois
Small Town Living near Big Cities
Our population is around 70,000 but we are less than a 3 hour drive for major cities including Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis.
Vibrant Downtown
Downtown Decatur is filled with local merchants, restaurants, and parks. Parking is free and the sidewalks and cityscape is refreshed.
Parks and Recreation
Decatur is the home of 39 neighborhood and community parks, a new waterpark, an amphitheater, public art, a zoo, and other amenities.
Affordable
Cost of living in the area is well below the national average and when combined with our salaries, the American Dream is affordable.
Lake Life
Lake Decatur sits within the city and features brand new boat docks, a boardwalk, paddle boat and pontoon boat rentals, and a lakeside restaurant.
Education Opportunities
Many of the public schools are either brand new or recently renovated. Academies, private schools, and dual credit options are also available.
Apply Today
We are looking for qualified candidates to join the Decatur Police Department.
Quality Pay
Starting salary at $67,850 with a $5000 sign on bonus.
Benefits
Quality insurance, robust pension, competitive sick time, and personal time off.
Work Life Balance
12 hour shifts, great cost of living, and a great community to enjoy.
Opportunities
Salary increases, multiple career paths, premium training, and personal growth.
Decatur Police Department
