Law Enforcement Officer Position

Wheeling Police Department - Police Officer

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PROFILE DISCLAIMER

The information herein is provided by the respective agency and is only as accurate and as up-to-date as the agency representative(s) update this information. PST is not responsible for the veracity of this data as it is provided directly from the agency. It is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to verify any information about the agency with the agency.

Wheeling Police Department - Police Officer

Last updated on September 25, 2026
PST Partner Agency since June 09, 2026

Vacancy: 1

Testing Deadline: October 16, 2026.

Important Information

****The Wheeling Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer***

The Wheeling Police Department is accepting applications for one entry-level police officer vacancy. Applications are due October 16, 2026.  

  • Candidates who achieve a passing score on the written exam and complete all of the application requirements by the deadline will be placed on the Initial Eligibility List.
  • Candidates will have 10 days from the date of the Initial Eligibility List to claim military preference points.
  • A Final Eligibility List will be compiled with claims for preference points and will be valid for two years or until exhausted, whichever occurs first.

ALL PREFERENCE POINTS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 11:59 pm on October 26, 2026, for review and in order to earn your place on the Eligibility List. Applicants who do not meet the deadline above may be considered for future eligibility certification. The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners reviews applications multiple times throughout the year.

*Certified Lateral Candidates -If you currently serve as a law enforcement officer and have completed the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Academy, you may be eligible for entry under the Lateral Program. Please review the Wheeling Police PST Lateral Police Officer posting on the Village of Wheeling's website for more information: https://www.wheelingil.gov/192/Police-Department

Community Information

Located in the heart of Chicago’s prestigious northern suburbs, Wheeling is a diverse and dynamic community of 40,000 people, distinguished by its unique balance of industry, commercial development, and residential neighborhoods. Wheeling is known regionally and nationally as the home of the Milwaukee Avenue “Restaurant Row,” and is also the part-owner of Chicago Executive Airport, the third-busiest airport in Illinois.

Wheeling boasts a wide selection of housing options to serve the needs of potential residents, including world-class luxury condominiums, affordable rental properties in a variety of sizes, and single-family homes on tree-lined streets. Commuters benefit from easy access to Interstate 294, as well as from Metra rail service on the North Central Line via the Wheeling Metra Station. Wheeling residents enjoy convenient access to grocery stores and shopping centers, health care facilities, places of worship, and award-winning public schools. Wheeling Park District and Cook County Forest Preserve facilities also provide opportunities for recreation and for restorative contact with the natural world.

Department Information

The Wheeling Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting and serving the Village's residents, businesses, and visitors through professional, responsive, community‑centered policing. With more than 80 employees—including 63 sworn officers and 21 civilian professionals—we take pride in serving a diverse, vibrant community with professionalism, integrity, and pride. Our officers work nine‑hour shifts on a five‑days‑on, three‑days‑off rotation, providing consistent, predictable time off and a work‑life balance rarely found in law enforcement. Your well‑being matters to us, which is why officers are permitted to work out while on duty—reinforcing our commitment to physical fitness, wellness, and long‑term career sustainability.

Professional development is at the core of our organizational culture. From the moment you join the department, you will have access to advanced training, specialized certifications, and ongoing career development opportunities. Our officers are encouraged to pursue the assignments and skill sets that inspire them, and we proudly support a wide range of specialty and ancillary roles, including:

  • Criminal/Juvenile Detectives
  • Major Case Assistance Team (MCAT) Investigators
  • Regional SWAT and Mobile Field Force Officers
  • K-9 Handlers
  • Designated Marksman Program
  • Drone Operators
  • Task Force Officer
  • Forensic and Arson Investigators
  • Community Engagement Unit
  • School Resource Officers
  • Honor Guard
  • Traffic Crash Investigators
  • Field Training Officers
  • Traffic Enforcement Unit
  • Bicycle Officers
  • Training and Career Development Team
  • Recruitment and Retention Team
  • Mentorship Program
  • Officer Wellness Team
  • And more...

Whether you’re responding to emergencies, solving complex cases, connecting with community members, or pursuing highly specialized training, you'll be part of a department that invests in your success, supports your well‑being, and empowers you to grow.


Commonly Asked Questions

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION
Join a team committed to protecting and strengthening the quality of life in our Village. As a Police Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in keeping our community safe, responding to those in need, and building meaningful connections with the residents you serve. This position offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to make a real difference every day.

Officers patrol assigned areas, enforce laws, conduct investigations, and assist during emergencies—bringing training, sound judgment, and professionalism to every situation. Whether supporting a victim, calming a volatile scene, or engaging with neighbors at a community event, you are the steady presence people count on.


Area Information

County: Cook and Lake
Population: 38,166
# of Staff: 84

Hiring Status

Wheeling Police Department - Police Officer has 1 vacancy.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is October 16, 2026.

The Wheeling Police Department has a current vacancy for the rank of Police Officer. The entry-level candidate selection process will take place during the months of October through Decemeber with an expected hire date prior to January 4, 2027.  

Entry-level applications are accepted on a continual/rolling basis. 

Salary Information

All entry-level applicants start at the base (Step 1) salary. Employees receive salary increases as outlined below. Officers attain the top base salary after 6 years of service.

  • Upon Hire: $87,280
  • After 6 months: $93,095
  • After 12 months: $99,077
  • After 24 months: $103,769
  • After 36 months: $109,132
  • After 48 months: $114,491
  • After 60 months: $119,852
  • After 72 months: $125,211

Benefit Information

The Village of Wheeling invests in the people who protect our community. A comprehensive benefits package designed for those who serve.

Work Schedule

  • 5/3 schedule (five days on, three days off) providing predictable time off, recovery between shifts, and a strong work-life balance

Health & Wellness

  • Medical coverage through IPBC with multiple plan options for individuals and families
  • Delta Dental HMO and PPO options — the nation's largest dental network
  • Vision coverage for exams, lenses, and frames
  • Prescription coverage through Express Scripts, including the IPBC RxSaveCard Program for eligible weight management medications

Life Insurance

  • Employer-paid basic life and AD&D
  • Voluntary supplemental life for employees and dependents

Retirement & Pension

  • Defined-benefit pension through the Illinois Police (Article 3) or Firefighters' (Article 4) Pension Fund — retirement eligible at age 50 with 20 years of service
  • 457(b) deferred compensation for additional tax-advantaged savings

Time Off & Holidays

  • Paid vacation
  • Paid sick leave and personal days
  • Paid holidays
  • Bereavement, jury duty, and military leave

Mental Health & Employee Assistance

  • ComPsych Employee Assistance Program with 8 free counseling sessions per issue, per year for sworn first responders
  • Dedicated first responder support line staffed by clinicians trained in first responder mental health, trauma, and family dynamics
  • Confidential counseling, financial, legal, and work-life resources for the whole household

Professional Development

  • Tuition reimbursement for approved degree programs
  • Paid training, certifications, and career advancement pathways

Additional Perks

  • Uniforms and equipment provided
  • On-site fitness facility and wellness room access
  • Wellness incentives and programs

Required Documents

Document Description Example Files Required Preference Points
High School Diploma Read Description
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.
 None
College Transcripts/Diploma Read Description
Upload your college diploma and/or official or unofficial college transcripts. These should show the name of the school, your name, your degree or program, and your graduation date (if applicable).
 None
Drivers License Read Description
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 Read Description
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.
 None
Illinois POWER card You must have a valid POWER card before your panel interview with Command Staff.
Read More
For Illinois Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) and Corrections Officer (CO) positions only: upload a copy of your valid Illinois POWER Test card showing that you have successfully completed the required physical fitness test. Enter the expiration date as well, ensuring that it is acceptable to the departments you are applying to.
 None
DD214 Read Description
If you have prior military service, upload a copy of your DD214. Please include the Member-4 copy (or equivalent) that lists your character of service and discharge status.
 None
Law Enforcement and/or Corrections Certifications/licenses Read Description
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

Wheeling Police Department - Police Officer Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required
LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT) Yes, required as described below


You must have a valid POWER card before your panel interview with Command Staff.
PST Personal History Statement Yes, required within 7 days of passing required exam(s)  
Minimum Age 21
Maximum Age 35
Citizenship

An individual who is not a citizen but is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law or is an individual against whom immigration action has been deferred by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process is authorized to apply for the position of police officer, subject to (i) all requirements and limitations, other than citizenship, to which other applicants are subject and (ii) the individual being 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 No adult felony convictions at any time.
Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile Not normally, but can be reviewed depending on circumstance.
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language Yes
Vision Requirements

(a) Visual acuity: 20/30 or corrected to 20/30 in each eye.

(b) Color vision: Applicants for the fire service must have red, yellow, green color vision. Applicants for the police service must have color vision sufficient to differentiate between the following colors: red, green, yellow, blue, orange, and brown.

(c) Applicants should have sufficient peripheral vision to have obtained or obtain a State of Illinois motor vehicle driver's license.

(d) Binocular vision: the applicant must have clear, comfortable binocular vision with normal depth perception.

(e) Applicants shall not possess any pathological condition that currently impairs or will impair vision.

(f) Peripheral vision in the horizontal meridian of more than 100 degrees in both eyes.
Veterans Preference Points Must be submitted 10 days after the written test deadline. 

Wheeling Police Department - 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
Drug Usage
Potential Illegal drug substance usage or exposure within past 3 year(s).
Criminal Activity
Potential

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 refuse to examine or, after examination, to certify as eligible, any applicant whom the Board determines:

A. to be found lacking in any of the established preliminary requirements for the service for which the applicant applies;

B. to be physically or mentally unable to perform the duties for the position to which the applicant seeks appointment;

C. to be an alcoholic whose use of alcohol would adversely affect job performance or conduct;

D. to have been convicted of a felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude as set forth in Section 10-2.1-6 of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Act, 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6;

E. to have been dismissed from any public service for good cause;

F. to have practiced any deception or fraud in the applicant's application;

G. to have unsatisfactory character or employment references;

H. to have failed to attend an applicant orientation meeting or any phase of the testing process as directed by the Board;

I. to have failed to fulfill any of the requirements for applicants which are set forth in these rules and regulations;

J. to be a user of narcotics, Cannabis Sativa or other dangerous drugs or intoxicants, as defined in the ILCS or a user of Synthetic Alternative Drugs as defined by Section 8.54.070 of the Wheeling Village Code, not legally prescribed to the applicant by a licensed physician;

K. to have been classified by the local Selective Service Draft Board as a conscientious objector, or who has ever been so classified (Police Officer Candidates Only);

L. to be otherwise unqualified for service in the Police or Fire Departments.

Any applicant disqualified hereunder shall be notified by the Board of such disqualification. All determinations by the Board in this regard shall be final.

Contact Information

Wheeling Police Department - Police Officer

1 Community Blvd
Wheeling, IL 60090 Cook and Lake County
8474592632

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Agency Test Requirements
Written Examination: Yes, required
PAT: Yes, required as described below

PST Personal History Statement: Yes, required within 7 days of passing required exam(s)