Located just 15 miles west of downtown Chicago in Cook County and bordering DuPage County, the Village of Western Springs was incorporated in 1886 and named for the clear, cool springs that once flowed through the area. Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant, affluent community known for its tree-lined streets, architecturally distinctive homes, and a thriving, walkable downtown.

With direct commuter rail access to Chicago via the BNSF line and immediate proximity to major expressways, Western Springs has become a highly desirable bedroom community. Its strong sense of community, high average household income, and exceptional quality of life continue to attract families and professionals alike. The Village spans 2.32 square miles and is home to 13,588 residents.

At the heart of the community lies the downtown district, anchored by the iconic Tower Green, a beloved gathering space for events and everyday connection. Local shopping destinations, including the Garden Market Center at 47th Street and Gilbert Avenue, serve both residents and neighboring communities. A robust business environment is further enriched by outstanding schools, well-maintained parks, and a wide array of civic organizations.

Public education in Western Springs is provided by three (3) school districts. District 101 (K–8) serves the majority of the Village, while District 106 serves two (2) subdivisions on the south side. Lyons Township High School District 204 operates a campus within the Village, serving all local high school students. In addition, Western Springs is home to St. John of the Cross Parish School and several early childhood education programs.

The Police Department is authorized to employ 21 full-time sworn police officers, including the Chief of Police, one (1) Deputy Chief, five (5) Sergeants, and fourteen (14) Police Officers assigned to the Patrol Division. Specialized assignments include, but are not limited to, Detective, High School Resource Officer, and Emergency Services Team.

The Department’s civilian staff consists of one (1) Community Service Officer, one (1) Public Safety Analyst, and two (2) Records Specialists.

The Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), demonstrating its commitment to maintaining policies, procedures, and practices that meet or exceed nationally recognized standards for law enforcement.

Work Schedule: Currently, officers assigned to the Patrol Division work a 28-day schedule consisting of fixed 12-hour shifts (8 shift/rotations). The Patrol Division is organized into four (4) shifts, and officers generally remain assigned to the same shift for one year. Shift assignments may be adjusted as needed to maintain appropriate staffing levels across all shifts. Regular shift hours are the following:

Regular Shift:

6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (2rotations)

6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. (2rotations)

Power Shift:

12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (2 rotations)

10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (2 rotations)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain the highest standards of ethics, integrity, honesty, and professionalism while performing all duties, exercising sound judgment, and adhering to Department policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

Patrol assigned areas to prevent criminal activity, enforce laws, and maintain public safety.

Respond to emergency calls, complaints, and requests for service in a timely and professional manner.

Enforce federal, state, and municipal laws and ordinances.

Maintain a thorough understanding of and comply with all Department General Orders, policies, procedures, and directives.

Prevent, detect, and investigate criminal activity, suspicious circumstances, and traffic violations.

Conduct preliminary investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses and victims, and take appropriate enforcement action.

Prepare accurate, thorough, and timely reports documenting incidents, investigations, arrests, traffic accidents, and other law enforcement activities in accordance with Department policies and procedures.

Make arrests and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable laws, Department policies, and procedures.

Assist the public by providing information, resolving complaints, and responding to community concerns.

Provide assistance at traffic incidents, accidents, emergencies, and other public safety situations.

Testify in court and provide information related to investigations and enforcement activities as required.

Maintain assigned equipment, uniforms, and department-issued property in accordance with Department standards.

Operate a breathalyzer to administer alcohol testing in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Department procedures.

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with community members, business owners, Village personnel, elected officials, and other public safety agencies.

Engage in community policing initiatives and events to build public trust, strengthen community partnerships, and proactively address public safety concerns.

Respond to requests for assistance and participate in call-outs as needed to support departmental operations and public safety agencies.

Exercise sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and integrity while performing assigned duties.

Participate in required Department training, professional development, and continuing education to maintain certifications and enhance law enforcement knowledge, skills, and proficiency in accordance with Department standards and applicable requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to law enforcement.

Knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, procedures, and Department General Orders.

Knowledge of community policing principles and practices.

Skill in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and problem-solving.

Skill in observation, critical thinking, and evaluating situations to make sound decisions.

Skill in interviewing individuals, gathering information, collecting evidence, and conducting investigations.

Skill in interacting professionally and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Ability to assess situations, recognize potential risks, and exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.

Ability to respond effectively to emergencies, calls for service, and other public safety incidents.

Ability to maintain the highest standards of ethics, integrity, honesty, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and make appropriate decisions under pressure.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands of this position include, but are not limited to, standing, walking, running, sitting, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and maintaining physical balance. The position requires the ability to physically restrain individuals, defend oneself and others, pursue suspects on foot, and respond to emergency situations. The Police Officer must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and other objects; operate a motor vehicle; and wear required uniforms, body armor, and duty equipment for extended periods. The position may involve exposure to hazardous conditions, inclement weather, and physically demanding or stressful situations. The ability to meet the physical demands necessary to perform essential job functions safely and effectively is required.

Western Springs Police Department - Police Officer has 1 vacancy.

The Western Springs Police Department has one (1) vacancy.

Salaries are established in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between between the Village of Western Springs and the Metropolitan Alliance of Police Chapter 360.

Probation:     $ 82,855.77

STEP A:         $ 84,875.40

STEP B:         $ 86,948.12

STEP C:         $ 94,904.90

STEP D:         $ 98,174.78

STEP E:         $ 106,963.27

STEP F:         $ 111,826.46

STEP G:        $ 116,688.19

Advancement from the Probationary Step to Step A shall be upon successful completion of the 18-month probationary period. Advancement through Steps A through F occurs at twelve-month intervals. Advancement from Step F to Step G is after two years.

At the discretion of the Police Chief, an employee with at least two (2) years of prior experience as a police officer may be paid above the salary schedule upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Thereafter, the employee shall advance through the steps in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. At the discretion of the Police Chief, a higher starting salary may be available with qualifying years of law enforcement experience.

Vacation Schedule

Years of Continuous Service                  Bi-Weekly Hours                 Earned  Total Hours Per Year

Hire through 6 years                                       6.15                                                    160

7 years through 12 years                               7.69                                                    200

13 years and beyond                                      9.23                                                    240

Holidays

An officer who is required to work on one of the following holidays will be paid 1-1/2 times their regular straight-time hourly rate of pay for all hours worked on a holiday. Holiday time for new hires will be accrued at 3.08 hours per paid period.

New Year’s Day                                 Labor Day

Martin Luther King Day                  Thanksgiving Day

President’s Day                               Friday after Thanksgiving Day

Memorial Day                                 Christmas Eve

Independence Day                        Christmas Day

Juneteenth

Personal Days

Each officer receives two (2) non-accumulative personal days (17 hours) for use during the following calendar year.

Sick Leave Policy

An officer is granted one (1) day of sick leave for each full calendar month of employment. The number of accrued sick leave days shall not exceed 240 days at any one time.

Uniform Allowance

New officers are provided with all required uniforms and equipment. Officers receive an annual uniform allowance of $600 at the beginning of each year, prorated for employees who have been employed for less than one year. Officers must submit valid vouchers or receipts for the purchase of approved uniform items.

Bereavement Leave

An officer may be granted a bereavement leave of absence of up to three (3) days without loss of pay in cases of death of a member of the officer’s family. The purpose of such leave shall be to attend the funeral (including making arrangements for the funeral).

Insurance Program

The Village offers comprehensive health insurance coverage through PPO and HMO plans. Employer and employee premium contributions are as follows:

Single Coverage:    Employer pays 90%;    Employee pays 10%. (up to 15% effective January 1, 2027)

Family Coverage:   Employer pays 80%;    Employee pays 20%.

Term Life Insurance

Each officer is provided with term life insurance coverage in a dollar amount equal to the officer’s salary, up to $50,000.

Pension Plan

Officers are required to complete a separate application to the Village of Western Springs Police Pension Board for acceptance into the Police Pension. Officers may qualify for a pension after 55 years of age under the TIER 2 Pension formula for those employed on or after January 1, 2011.