Police Officer

The La Grange Police Department is seeking a diverse pool of applicants for the position of Police Officer.  Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain the best and brightest from all walks of life and backgrounds.  We believe every member of our police department must feel respected, be treated fairly, and be provided the opportunity to excel.

La Grange (pop. 16,321) is a vibrant community offering walkable and charming neighborhoods surrounding a bustling downtown that features dozens of diverse restaurants, numerous independent shops, and national retail tenants. Located at the crossroads of La Grange Road, Ogden Avenue, and the Metra BNSF line, over 50,000 vehicles, commuters, and pedestrians stream through downtown La Grange every day. 

The La Grange Police Department provides excellent service to the community and values continual improvement. The Police Department is a valued facet of the community. The department’s high visibility provides an opportunity to preserve and promote community safety through quality service to residents, business owners, and visitors. 

The department is comprised of 35 full-time employees, including 28 sworn officers and 5 civilian employees (2 parking enforcement officers, 2 records specialists and a support services manager), as well as 2 part-time officers. There is a Deputy Chief, 6 Sergeants and 20 patrol officers in addition to the Police Chief. 

Police Department Mission

The men and women of the La Grange Police Department are committed to the delivery of professional police services through our knowledge, skills, and abilities. We are empowered by the community we serve, and we pledge to create partnerships with the community while maintaining order through the equitable enforcement of laws, objective and impartial treatment of others, and by being courteous, polite, responsive and accountable to the community.

We are dedicated to protecting lives, protecting property, protecting the rights of individuals, and are guided by the principles of professional conduct, ethical behavior, honesty, and a high degree of integrity. Our mission includes the objective of creating an environment where people live safely and without fear.

The members of the La Grange Police Department subscribe to the philosophy of community-orientated policing, crime prevention, and problem solving. We pledge collectively and individually to be service-oriented, and constantly improve ourselves in order to meet the present and future challenges of our Community.

In accomplishing the mission, we have adopted the motto "Pride and Professionalism".

Salary as of May 1, 2025*

Starting at $79,042; Maximum step at after 6 years: $112,852

*The Village is currently in the final stages of contract negotiations with the FOP, which are expected to include salary increases and the addition of an additional step at the top of the salary schedule.

Working Schedule

12-hour shifts, work schedule (0600-1800) and (1800-0600)

Minimum Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• No felony convictions
• 21 and under 35 years of age by time of application, unless exempt by state statute.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, or ability to obtain such license
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university by time of appointment. The requirement shall be waived if one or more of the following applies: The applicant has served for 24 months of honorable active duty in the United States Armed Forces and has not been discharged dishonorably or under circumstances other than honorable; or the applicant has served for 180 days of active duty in the United States Armed Forces in combat duty recognized by the Department of Defense and has not been discharged dishonorably or under circumstances other than honorable.
• Good moral character, of temperate habits, and of sound health
• Physically able to perform the duties of the position of Police Officer
• Must meet the requirements of a background check

Preference Point Information

Points may be given only if a proper and valid claim for preference points has been made, as well as supporting documentation submitted.

Veteran’s Preference- maximum of 5 points 

• Military service (all branches) of the United States for a period of at least one year and who were honorably discharged therefrom, or who are now or may hereafter be on inactive or reserve duty in such service

Educational Preference- maximum of 5 points (not cumulative)

• Associate’s degree in the field of law enforcement, criminal justice, fire service or emergency medical services - 5 points
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university – 5 points

Experience Preference- maximum of 5 points 

• Law Enforcement Basic Training and currently serving as a part-ime or full-timem law enforcement officer within Illinois

Offer of employment conditional upon successfully completing a physical exam, psychological and polygraph tests, background check and a drug/alcohol screening

Applicant must provide a valid POWER Test ID card – POWER test cards considered valid if issued between February 10, 2026 – August 10, 2026 (six months prior to application deadline).