What are the responsibilities and job description for the Three to Five Full-Time Police Officers - Entry Level and Lateral Transfer Officers May Apply position at Columbia Police Department?
Qualified Officers Starting Salary
$88,865 - $96,000 Range
Entry Level Hire Starting Salary
$76,260 - $86,435 Range
- Paid Sick and Vacation Time
- Compensatory Time Bank
- Generous Health Insurance Package
- Educational Incentive Program
- Special Team Opportunities: DEA, MEGSI, MEATTF, ILEAS, Traffic Crash
Reconstruction, K9 Officer, Drone, School Resource Officer, Field
Training Officer, Investigations, Major Case Squad
- Employee Wellness Program
- Post-Employment Health Insurance Account
- Take-Home Vehicle Program
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Laterals Year for Year Credit Up to Five Years (Pay, Vacation, Sick Time)
Application Packets are Available
Online at: https://www.columbiail.gov/995/Join-CPD
By Email: policecommissioners@columbiail.gov
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 by 4:30PM
Printed copies of the application packet can also be obtained in person at
Columbia Police Department, 1020 North Main, Columbia, IL 62236
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REQUIREMENTS:
Entry Level Applicants – Minimum Age of 20.5 Years, Residency 25 Mile
Radius, 64 Hours of College Credit or Military Service,
Lateral Transfer Officers – Certification by ILETSB or Out-Of-State Training
Board Certification, Two Years of Officer Experience, 30 Hours* of College
Credit or Military Service, Residency 25 Mile Radius, Immediate Interview
Upon Application Review by Board Members
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Performs patrol duties on an assigned shift, responds to emergency situations, investigates traffic accidents, investigates crimes, apprehends criminal suspects and enforces laws and ordinances.
2. Performs the duties of shift commander when assigned.
3. Assists in the investigations of criminal offenses within the City, and assists in the preservation, packaging and tagging of physical evidence at crime scenes.
4. Assists in the interview of suspects, witnesses, complainants, prisoners and other law enforcement personnel to obtain information about specific criminal cases and general intelligence about criminal activity in the area.
5. Maintains favorable police community relations.
6. Communicates and works closely with the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police, as well as, other members of the Columbia Police Department.
7. Prepares written reports, case files, and maintains pertinent Department records. Testifies in court.
8. Advises superiors of risks to reduce the threat to officer safety, safety of others, or unnecessary loss or liability.
9. Assists the Fire Department with arson related investigations, and assists other City departments as required.
10. Performs public relations and special assignments.
11. Maintains assigned Department equipment and uniforms neat and clean and in compliance with all laws, ordinances and policies.
12. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with all police department employees, City of Columbia employees, representatives of other law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
13. Knows, understands and follows all Department Policies.
14. Will maintain confidentiality of information, which is acquired as a result of involvement with the operations of the Police Department. Information may be passed to other members, officers or employees as they have a need to know to safely perform their duties in the best interest of the Police Department and the City of Columbia.
15. Will not engage in gossip, by repeating, speaking or writing, intimate or private, rumor or fact, whether trivial or sensational, about any officer(s), member(s), or employee(s) or their family members, when such rumor or fact is not part of conducting official Department business and may be detrimental to the Department, the City of Columbia, or any of the persons involved.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $76,260.00 - $96,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $76,260 - $96,000