Police Officer

Brief Description

TitlePolice OfficerDepartmentPoliceStatusFull TimeOffice LocationWebbs Norman CenterReports ToSergeantsGrade LevelStarting Wage: $33.41FLSA StatusNon-ExemptPosition DescriptionTo ensure that all patrons feel safe to utilize and enjoy any and all parks and park district related activities.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District Police Department is in business to “help people enjoy life” by deterring crime and maintain safe parks.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team’s operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team’s operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.

RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.

ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

Leadership by Values

• Represent the District professionally by developing long lasting positive relationships with internal team members and external vendors.
• Demonstrates the principles of One Team, One Goal in daily interactions with staff and guest.
• Support and ensure a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging exists in all areas of the Rockford Park District.
• Establish and maintain a high level of citizen confidence.
  
  

Operational Excellence

• Follows standard operating procedures, looks for law /ordinance violations in parks while maintaining park safety.
• Ensures appropriate communications with victims, offenders, citizens, community groups, 911 center, states attorney, and other law enforcement officers.
• Responds to internal and external calls that do not require law enforcement response.
• Responds to emergency calls while operating emergency lights and siren in a controlled manner.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency requests from other law enforcement agencies / officers.
• Responds to intrusion, hold-up, and fire alarms and performs building checks, then resets non valid alarms.
• Picks up and secures, transports, and deposits United States Currency from park district facilities to the bank.
• Provides police presence for safety and security at park district events and functions.
• Performs criminal and non-criminal investigations against persons and property.
• Performs undercover activities as directed.
• Provides general and pertinent information to citizens request and district employees.
  
  

Compliance

• Enforces all local traffic ordinances and traffic laws from the Illinois Vehicle Code.
• Enforces all local, state, and federal laws and ordinances as necessary.
• Oversees the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrian traffic when required.
• Attends court proceedings and represents the Rockford Park District Police Department as required.
  
  

Inspection/Maintenance

• Performs daily inspection of all assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Visually inspects park district property to ensure that it is safe and secure.
• Checks the interior and exterior of buildings to ensure that they are secure.
  
  

Document/Reports

• Completes Police Reports, traffic citations, and other paperwork as required
  
  

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be under the age of 35, unless they have prior Illinois Law Enforcement Experience per Illinois Statutes
• Must be a United States citizens and live within 50 miles of Rockford Park District PD (401 S. Main St.)
• Must have a valid Drivers License
• Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Must not have been convicted of any felonies or certain misdemeanors
  
  

Critical Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Professional knowledge of state, federal, and ordinance laws
• Practical knowledge of computers and in-car computers
• Professional knowledge from Police Training Institute
• Practical knowledge of defensive tactics and firearms
• Routine knowledge or park district policies
  
  

Physical Requirements

Applicants will be required to successfully pass the P.O.W.E.R. test as mandated by the State of Illinois. Candidates will also be required to undergo an extensive physical/medical examination

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Significant environmental factors may be applicable to this position.

Lateral Transfers

Candidates who are currently employed for a minimum of two (2) years with their agency as a full-time Sworn Municipal Officer, Illinois State Trooper, or County Sheriff's Deputy (Patrol/Road Division) may be eligible for a lateral transfer.

Lateral Transfer Candidates are eligible to have wage matched up to 7 years of experience.

Benefits

The Rockford Park District offers an extensive benefits package designed to support employees' health and wellness, financial security, and overall work-life balance. Key highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Health Insurance: Choose from three PPO Plans administered by BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an option for a Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Dental Insurance: Coverage through BlueCross/BlueShield, with a $2,000 individual annual maximum.
• Vision Insurance: Provided by EyeMed, offering discounts on frames, lenses, and other vision services.
• Wellness Program: Empower Health Services offers a variety of programs and resources to support employee well-being, including wellness challenges and health resources.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support for personal and work-related challenges through Supportlinc.
  
  

Financial Security

• Retirement Plans: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension with voluntary additional contributions & optional 457(b) deferred compensation.
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid life & AD&D (2x salary, up to $300K) plus optional voluntary coverage
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurances: Provides financial support by covering out-of-pocket costs for covered critical illnesses and offering optional accident insurance for additional protection.
• Tax-Free Accounts: HSA (with HDHP) & FSA for medical and dependent care expenses
• Employee Crisis Fund: Provides financial assistance of up to $2,500 for unforeseen emergencies such as medical crises, loss of a primary residence, or a family tragedy. Repayments are made through bi-weekly payroll deductions with flexible terms.
  
  

Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Personal Days, Bereavement, and various leave programs.

Additional Perks

• Employee Participation Program: Use for District programs or passes including: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Golf Membership, or up to $400 on a card to use throughout Park District facilities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Local partners, safety shoe reimbursement, and more
• Unique Benefits: Legal, identity theft, and pet insurance options
  
  

This robust benefits package reflects the District’s commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace.

Summary

To ensure that all patrons feel safe to utilize and enjoy any and all parks and park district related activities.