Police Officer

 

Position Summary 

The Police Officer plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and secure environment at Oakton Community College. This position is responsible for enforcing laws and college policies, responding to emergencies, protecting campus property, and serving as a professional and respectful presence within a diverse academic community. Officers are expected to demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service while working rotating shifts across both Des Plaines and Skokie campuses. 

Oakton PD offers opportunities for advancement within the department and specialty assignments such as, but not limited to: Bike Officer, Range Officer, Field Training Officer (FTO), and community engagement roles.

Salary and Benefits 

• Starting Salary Range: $63,500 - $68,280 (based on experience and qualifications) 
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation, personal, and sick time; retirement contributions; tuition waivers; and employee assistance programs 
• Participation in SURS Retirement Pension System
• Uniforms and Equipment Provided 
• Ongoing Training and Professional Development
• FRIDAYS Off in Summer
• College observed Holidays Off with pay, including Paid Winter Break
• Day Shift and Afternoon Shift - NO Midnights
• NO Weekends
• Overtime opportunities
• Free Tuition for employee and immediate family
• Opportunity to work with seasoned officers, most of whom have retired from municipal policing

Explore career opportunities at Oakton College.

Basic-Function and Responsibility:

Under general supervision, provide safety and security functions for student population, college personnel, visitors, buildings, and grounds. The officer must be able to work all shifts and at both the Des Plaines and the Skokie Campuses. Working knowledge of criminal laws, traffic laws and college policies and procedures. Be able to exercise independent judgment regarding unusual events which may occur. Must become familiar with buildings, facilities, and fire related equipment. Develop knowledge of radio communication and building surveillance system.

• Patrol, inspect and protect campus buildings and grounds for the prevention of crimes and damage. Parking, pedestrian and traffic control.
• Ability to patrol on foot and operate marked police vehicles safely.
• Participate in training for the use of the Omnigo reporting system.
• Must have certification in required NIMS courses and a LEADS certified user. If these certifications are not previously obtained, the college  will sponsor completion within an agreed upon timeframe. Receive and respond to complaints, questions and requests regarding   campus safety and security. Take appropriate action to insure safety and security of people on campus.
• Report potential safety and fire hazards. Working knowledge of fire related equipment.
• Attain and maintain basic certification in first aid and use of AED equipment provided by the College.
• Issue college warnings and/or tickets for moving or parking violations. Enforce college policies and state laws .
• Prepare and write-up criminal case reports, accident reports, and other reports of an administrative/informational nature relating to the college.
• Qualify for and utilize firearms, defensive weapons, or instruments authorized for use by the Department.
• Effect custodial arrests and exert physical control over resistive or combative people when necessary.
• Maintain certified police officer status from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned

 

Qualifications and Working Conditions:

• An Associate of Arts degree in Law Enforcement or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary.
• Current certification as a Law Enforcement Officer is required or the ability to be recertified by Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board.
• Must possess a valid US issued driver's license.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Illinois Firearms Owners Identification Card (FOID).
• Ability to follow established procedures and communicate with a diverse population.
• Proficient in basic computer skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate information, including when testifying in court.
• Ability to utilize animal restraint devices and handle loose dogs, injured turtles, and other wildlife.
• Ability to interact professionally and tactfully with people of different levels of education, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences, and to exhibit an adequate level of respect to fellow employees and the College community at large.
• Maintain composure and sound judgment during stressful or emergency situations. Be adept at utilizing de-escalation tactics when dealing with anyone from the College community.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls, or instruments; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; run, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste and smell.

The work may require strenuous physical exertion including to carry, drag, or restrain individuals from 50 to 300 pounds, lift in excess of 50 pounds, and exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work may require strenuous physical exertion. Work is performed in both office and field settings on a rotating shift schedule in all weather conditions on a year round basis.

Behavioral Requirements

Ability to interact professionally and tactfully with people of different levels of education, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences, and to exhibit an adequate level of respect to fellow employees and the College community at large. Maintain composure and sound judgement during stressful or emergency situations. Be adept at utilizing de-escalation tactics when dealing with anyone from the College community.

Equipment Used:

The following equipment will be utilized, but is not limited to: Computer, Motor Vehicle, Firearms, Handcuffs, Taser, Chemical Agents, Ballistic Shields, Bicycles, and Chemical Agent

Additional Information

The Officer must be able to work all shifts and at either Des Plaines or Skokie Campuses. Under the CBA, an officer does not have bidding rights in the first year probationary period and will be assigned to whichever location needs staffing.

Regularly works Monday through Friday, 40-hours per week, with the possibility of working other hours/shifts as needed. Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed.

TWO POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Applicants will be required to complete the following prior to employment:

Background Investigation
Psychological Exam / Medical Exam / Drug Test

Oakton College is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we seek a broad spectrum of candidates, including minorities, veterans, women and people with disabilities. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

Oakton is committed to maintaining an environment free from harassment and discrimination for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (gender), sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, and reprisal or any other protected status. Further, Oakton does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational, employment, or extracurricular activity.

Out-of-State Employment Defined:

Oakton College's primary location of operation is in the state of Illinois. An "out-of-state employee" is defined as an employee of Oakton College whose primary work location is outside of the state of Illinois. State taxes, employment tax, and worker's compensation provisions vary from state to state and require payroll compliance with these various rules.

Allowable States for Out-of-State Employment:

All employees must maintain their primary residence in Illinois, Indiana, or a reciprocal state with Illinois. Reciprocal states include Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Illinois has tax agreements with these reciprocal states. Employees may have their primary residence in Indiana since Indiana is adjacent to Illinois.

Posted positions may be removed from the Oakton website without notice when it is determined that no additional applicants are required.

Oakton College does not utilize E-Verify for employment eligibility verification.