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Arlington Heights Police Department - Lateral Police Officer
Last updated on August 18, 2026
PST Partner Agency since August 17, 2026
Vacancies: 6
Important Information
****The Arlington Heights is an Equal Opportunity Employer***
The Arlington Heights Police Department continuously accepts applications for lateral police officers and is actively hiring for vacant positions. Certified lateral applications are accepted on a continual/rolling basis. Certified lateral applicants must be currently employed by a law enforcement agency and in good standing. Certified lateral candidates currently on probationary status are also eligible to apply. Law enforcement officers employed out of state looking to apply are contingent upon the ability or capable of obtaining a training waiver from ILETSB pursuant to 50 ILCS 705/8.1(a) and ILETSB’s Rules.
Certified Lateral Candidates: Accelerated Entry Process
Confirm your certification — You must hold ILETSB certification for the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Training Course or be able to demonstrate you can secure a training waiver from ILETSB under 50 ILCS 705/8.1(a) once hired.
Meet eligibility standards — You must be in good standing with your current law enforcement agency, possess skills substantially equivalent to those of a Village police officer, and meet all qualification requirements of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioner Rules.
Skip the written exam — Qualified lateral candidates do not attend an applicant orientation or take the written examination. Note that preference points are not awarded in the lateral process.
Join the certified candidate pool — Once your eligibility is confirmed, you'll be added to the certified candidate pool. The pool is unranked, and your name remains in it for one year.
Selection and final steps — The Commission may select any candidate from the pool when filling a vacancy. Selected candidates complete a background investigation (which may include a polygraph and staff panel interview), a Board interview, and a conditional offer contingent on physical and psychological examinations.
Community Information
The Village of Arlington Heights is one of the 15 largest municipalities in Illinois, home to more than 77,000 residents and countless others who work in and visit our community each day. As an Arlington Heights Police Officer, you will serve a dynamic community offering a blend of residential neighborhoods, thriving commercial corridors, and a nationally recognized downtown. Our vibrant downtown district features an award-winning mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues anchored by the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, while additional commercial activity spans the Rand Road, Arlington Heights Road, and Golf Road corridors. The Village is also home to Northwest Community Healthcare, a major regional medical center, and the 326-acre former Arlington International Racecourse property, one of the most significant redevelopment sites in the region.
Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights serves as a transportation hub for suburban Chicago, with two Metra stations on the Union Pacific Northwest Line serving downtown commuters, and convenient access to Illinois Route 53, the Jane Addams Tollway (I-90), and O'Hare International Airport. This accessibility, combined with a strong employment base and regional destinations, significantly increases the Village's daytime population beyond its residential count.
Department Information
The Arlington Heights Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency providing professional policing services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of the Village. The department is comprised of 141.5 employees, of whom 111 are sworn police officers and 30.5 are civilian staff.
Patrol Officers work nine-hour shifts on a five-days-on, three-days-off schedule, a rotation that provides consistent, predictable time off and a genuine work-life balance uncommon in the profession. The Department also invests directly in the health of its officers: personnel have the ability to work out while on duty, and officer wellness is supported through a dedicated Wellness Task Force.
Professional development is at the forefront of the Department's culture. Officers are encouraged and supported in pursuing advanced training, specialized certifications, and career growth throughout their tenure, with the opportunity to serve in a wide variety of ancillary and specialty assignments, including:
Criminal/Juvenile Detectives
K-9 Handlers
Drone Operators
DEA Task Force Officer
FBI Task Force Officer
Forensic and Arson Investigators
School Resource Officers
Regional SWAT and Mobile Field Force Officers
Major Case Assistance Team (MCAT) Investigators
Honor Guard
Traffic Crash Investigators
Motorcycle Officers
Field Training Officers
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Gang and Narcotics Detectives
Bicycle Officers
Training Instructors
Community and School Safety Coordinators
Recruitment Team
Crime Prevention Unit
Problem Oriented Policing Unit
Wellness Task Force
And more...
Commonly Asked Questions
How many vacancies does the Police Department typically have?
The
number of vacancies varies throughout the year. Based on normal attrition,
including retirements and resignations, the Department averages approximately
four vacancies each year. We continually recruit, evaluate, and hire qualified
entry-level and lateral Police Officer applicants.
Are lateral police officers ranked on an eligbility list?
No. Certified law enforcement candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be placed in a certified candidate pool with no scored ranking that is valid for one year.
How long does the selection process take?
Once
a candidate is on the certified candidate pool and a vacancy is available, the
candidate may be contacted for a Police Department panel interview to begin the
background screening process. The pre-employment screening process generally
takes approximately two to four months, depending on the availability of the
candidate and the vendors used for required components such as the background
investigation, interviews, polygraph examination, psychological assessment, and
medical evaluation.
What are the steps in the application and selection process?
Arlington Heights Police Officer lateral candidates are required to
complete the following components before receiving a conditional offer of
employment:
Submit all required applications, questionnaires, and
verification documents, including, diplomas or
transcripts, DD Form 214 for applicable military service, waivers, and other
required documentation.
Pass a Police Department background panel interview.
Complete a comprehensive background investigation,
including personal and professional reference checks, criminal history and
driving record reviews, police contact reviews, a home visit, and a
neighborhood canvass.
Complete a polygraph examination.
Pass a psychological assessment.
Pass an interview with the Board of Fire and Police
Commissioners.
Pass a medical evaluation, including drug, hearing, and
vision screening
Would cannabis use automatically disqualify me from the selection process?
No. Cannabis use does not automatically disqualify an
applicant from the selection process. However, the Police Department
reviews each applicant's history and circumstances carefully to determine
whether there is a pattern of abuse or irresponsible use.
When can I participate in a ride-along?
Candidates who are interested in a ride-along prior to submitting an application should contact the Police Recruitment Team at policerecruitment@vah.com for scheduling. Participation is voluntary;
however, candidates are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the
opportunity to gain a better understanding of police work and interact with
officers who may become future coworkers.
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, a Police Officer performs general policing functions to ensure the safety and security of lives and property within the Village. Officers are assigned to a designated area of the Village in which they perform patrol, traffic law enforcement, and routine investigative duties, and may be assigned special projects on an ongoing or short-term basis. Incumbents are required to draw upon extensive training as well as the procedural guidelines, mandates, and laws governing an officer's response and conduct when determining the appropriate action to take in any given situation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Patrol a designated area of the Village on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or in a vehicle to enforce all laws and regulations, provide security, and detect violations. Performs traffic law enforcement and escort services.
Respond to complaints, accidents, disturbances, and requests for service; assesses each situation and determines the most appropriate response to prevent potentially dangerous or violent situations from occurring or escalating. Assists the Fire Department on fire and medical calls.
Investigate thefts, crashes, and other incidents by gathering, securing, and documenting evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses, and recording pertinent information. Conducts surveillance when required.
Effect arrests of persons violating the law, including physically detaining individuals in accordance with established guidelines, procedures, and training.
Responds to emergency situations and administers basic first aid to injured persons as necessary. Performs other tasks in support of emergency personnel, such as crowd control and traffic direction.
Maintain records of activities and prepares thorough, accurate reports to provide information to investigators and prosecutors. Submits reports for supervisory review.
Testify in court proceedings to present evidence and provide a personal account of incidents and crimes.
Engage proactively with residents, businesses, and community members to build trust and further the Department's community policing mission.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Knowledge of modern police procedures and techniques and their appropriate application in various situations.
Knowledge of the principles of investigation and interviewing.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, particularly criminal and traffic law.
Knowledge of basic first aid and lifesaving techniques, including CPR.
Skill in the safe, effective, and proper operation and maintenance of weapons and equipment used in police activities.
Skill in the use of computer hardware and applicable software, including records management and report writing systems.
Skill in communication and interpersonal interaction with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public, sufficient to convey and exchange information, de-escalate conflict, and receive work direction.
HEAVY WORK: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and heavier with assistance, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Area Information
County: Cook
Population: 77,676
# of Staff: 110 Sworn
Hiring Status
Arlington Heights Police Department - Lateral Police Officer has 6 vacancies.
The Arlington Heights Police Department has current vacancies for the rank of Police Officer.
Certified law enforcement applications are accepted on a continual/rolling basis (i.e. no application submission or filing deadline).
Salary Information
Salary for all certified law enforcement candidates may start between step 1 through 6 ($114,265), depending on the Village's consideration of the candidate's prior law enforcement experience. At step 6, certified law enforcement candidates receive top pay in as little as 3.5 years. Below are salary increases tied to the current collective bargaining agreement.
Upon Hire: $85,568
After 6 months: $94,042
After 12 months: $98,717
After 18 months: $103,625
After 24 months: $108,779
After 30 months: $114,265
After 42 months: $119,878
After 54 months: $125,846
After 72 months: $127,334 (2026)
Officers are eligible for ANNUAL longevity pay upon completion of the following years of service
5-9 years of service: $900
10-14 years of service: $1,000
15-19 years of service: $1,100
20+ years of service: $1,600
All initial uniform and equipment (aside from duty firearm) is covered by the Police Department.
Following their first year of service, officers receive an ANNUAL uniform and equipment stipend of $1,100.
Benefit Information
Annual Pay Increase
Paid Vacations, Holidays, Floating Holidays and Sick Leave
Excellent and Comprehensive Health, Vision, Dental and Life Insurance
Employee Based Officer Wellness Programs
No Residency Requirement
Uniform/Equipment Allowance
5 Days On - 3 Days Off Patrol Schedule (9 hour working days)
Specialty Assignments
Tattoos and Beards Permitted
On-Duty Physical Fitness Program - 24/7 Access to On-Site Fitness Facility
Tuition Reimbursement (up to $3,000 Undergraduate / $5,000 Graduate per year)
Upload a clear copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED certificate). This document must show your name, the school or program, and the date you graduated or completed the program.
Upload a clear, readable copy of your current driver’s license (front, and back if needed). Make sure the name, photo, license number, and expiration date are visible.
None
Proof of Citizenship or legal eligibility to work in the US
Upload documentation that shows you are a U.S. citizen or are legally authorized to work in the United States. Examples include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Permanent Resident Card, or other work authorization documents.
Upload copies of any relevant professional certifications or licenses you hold (for example: EMT/Paramedic, nursing, law enforcement certificates, fire service certifications, or other job-related credentials). Make sure each document clearly shows your name, the type of certification or license, and the issue/expiration dates if applicable.
None
Law Enforcement and/or Corrections Certifications/licenses
Upload copies of any relevant professional certifications or licenses you hold (for example: Academy graduation certificates, other job-related credentials, etc.). Make sure each document clearly shows your name, the type of certification or license, and the issue/expiration dates if applicable.
None
College / DD214
Candidates must have 60 college credit hours -or- have been honorably discharged from the military.
None
Arlington Heights Police Department - Lateral Police Officer Requirements
Category
Requirement
Required at time of...
Test
Hire
Written Examination
No, not required
LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT)
No, not required (may be required later)
PST Personal History Statement
Yes, required within 7 days of passing required exam(s)
Minimum Age
21
Citizenship
Must be :
Legally
authorized to work in the United States under federal law; and
Legally
authorized under federal law to obtain, carry, or purchase or otherwise possess
a firearm
High School Grad/ GED
Yes
Driver's License Required
Yes
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult
Has not been convicted of
a felony, or any misdemeanor that, in the judgment of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, renders the
applicant unsuitable for the applied-for position.
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language
Yes
Vision Requirements
Correctable to 20/20
College Requirement
Applicants for a certified lateral police officer position must possess a high school diploma or
its equivalent and an associate’s degree. In lieu of an associate’s degree, an
applicant may:
(a)
possess credit for at least 60
hours toward a bachelor’s degree from an
institution of higher learning accredited by the U.S. Department of Education; or
(b) have served for
24 months of
honorable active duty
in the United States Armed Forces and not have
been discharged dishonorably or under circumstances other than honorable; or
(c)
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.
Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certification
Yes
Prior Experience Requirement
Certified law enforcement candidates who have completed the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Training Course as prescribed by ILETSB or can demonstrate that he/she can likely secure a training waiver from ILETSB once hired are eligible to apply. This includes candidates currently on probationary status with his/her law enforcement agency.
Request/Access Scores
On an as-needed basis as vacancies occur
Arlington Heights Police Department - Lateral Police Officer Disqualifiers
The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.
Category
Disqualifier
Criminal Activity
Automatic
Any adult felony conviction or certain misdemeanors which would trigger an automatic decertification pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Police Training Act. A full listing of such misdemeanors can be found at ILETSB - Resources - Decertification
Other
Potential
The Board may disqualify an applicant at any time before, during, or after the examination if that applicant:
A. Has improperly filed their application or failed to comply with the filing instructions.
B. Has made inaccurate answers, provided inaccurate information or omissions of a material nature at any time during the application and examination process.
C. Has failed any examination component for the applied-for position.
D. Is found lacking in any of the minimum qualifications described in Section 2. 3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.
E. Has been convicted of a felony, or any misdemeanor that, in the judgment of the Board, renders the applicant unsuitable for the applied-for position.
F. Has engaged in any illegal conduct (regardless of the existence of a conviction),
which the Board deems inconsistent with the position of a police officer.
G. Has character or employment references that are deemed unsatisfactory.
H. Has been terminated from public or private sector employment.
Contact Information
Arlington Heights Police Department - Lateral Police Officer
200 E. Sigwalt Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Cook County 847-368-5300
TESTING IN WASHINGTON STATE CANCELED THROUGH MAY 31, 2020
All pre-employment tests in Washington State have been canceled until May 31, 2020 unless government restrictions are eased. With recent updates, facility closures, and government guidelines, this step is necessary and could be modified at any time. The health and safety of our customers, our staff, and their families is of the highest priority.
We will continue to evaluate developments and make changes to this policy as necessary. When we do resume testing, there will be plenty of events for everyone to test. We are in regular communication with our public safety agency partners, assessing alternatives to the traditional testing model and our testing policies. Any future updates will be posted on the PST website and our Facebook page.
4/1/2020 Update:
If you have tested with PST in the past 12 months, there may be additional positions you are now eligible to add. Several departments have temporarily changed their testing policies due to the suspension in testing that COVID-19 has caused. Please login to your PST account and navigate to the ‘New Positions’ page to see what departments you can add! We will regularly update that page in your account as departments send updates.
FUTURE TEST REGISTRATION
We know that there will be testing in the future - we just don’t know when! We want you to be prepared for when testing begins again so we have created test events on our calendar that you can register for that will place you in a queue to be first notified. These tests are not “real” test events, they are essentially a holding area. You will be able to “reschedule” out of that event to any other event date/location at no cost. Registering now will also give you time to work on your Personal History Statement (PHS) so that your data will be ready and up-to-date to send to your departments once testing resumes.
To sign up for this placeholder event, select the June 15, 2020 test date in your category (police, fire, 911 dispatch, corrections, etc.).
You may also click on the test event of interest below to sign up:
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PST staff are working remotely and are available by email at contact@publicsafetytesting.com. We anticipate a high email volume and will respond as quickly as possible.
