Police Officer

Police Officer

Salary

$75,627.00 Annually

Location

11 Uptown Circle, Normal, IL 61761, IL

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

471

Department

Police Department

Opening Date

08/17/2026

Closing Date

9/11/2026 5:00 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description

Town of Normal Police Department

This is a highly responsible position that consists of general duty police functions in community service, enforcement of laws and ordinances and the protection of life and property.

Police Officer Duties include but are not limited to, serving the community in a professional and fair manner, enforcing criminal and traffic laws and ordinances, apprehension of suspects, communication with a diverse group of citizens and visitors, and attempting to resolve conflicts. This position requires, but is not limited to, excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, reasoning, problem solving and observational skills, formal classroom and field training, maturity, working in culturally diverse settings with diverse populations, performing under pressure and public scrutiny, and involvement with physical altercations where appropriate use of force will be necessary.

Work is performed in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Police officers receive assignments and instructions from officers of higher rank, but regularly perform their duties independent of direct supervision. Generally, the work consists of preventive patrol on foot, via bicycle, and in police vehicles. The police officer responds to calls for assistance from citizens. An officer also responds to crimes in progress calls, and is responsible for general investigation, apprehension, or arrest where appropriate. This position is also active and responsible for traffic safety and enforcement. Work often involves an element of personal danger. Officers must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting their responsibilities. Supervisory personnel through personal inspections review of reports, and discussions evaluate work methods and results.

Duties/Essential Job Functions

• Performs, both self-initiated and directed, community service to include positive pro-active, preventive contacts with the public.
• Patrols a designated area of the Town in a radio-equipped car, on bicycle or by foot, to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, provide for traffic safety, and enforce motor vehicle laws and parking regulations. Determines DUI status; inspects disabled vehicles and lends assistance to motorist.
• Answers calls and complaints involving fires, automobile accidents, robberies, neighborhood disturbances, including fights, labor disputes, domestic quarrels, and other misdemeanors and felonies. After restoring order, evaluates and determines appropriate law enforcement intervention.
• Secures the scene of crime or accident and administers first aid, conducts preliminary investigation, gathers and protects evidence, obtains witnesses, makes arrest and calls for assistance.
• Is responsible for contributing to the departments overall goals as directed by supervisory staff.
• Assists Town and States Attorneys in case preparation; reading case background materials, exhibits, etc. Testifies as a witness in court.
• Places person(s) under arrest, apprehending and subduing as necessary, Mirandize, assuring own safety; performs legal search and seizure activities.
• Gathers and prepares detailed automobile accident reports, including interviewing witnesses and taking enforcement action when appropriate.
• Interviews persons with complaints and inquires in attempts to make proper disposition or direct them to proper community service agency. Evaluates information gathered and draws lawful conclusions.
• Provides accurate information on laws and ordinances, and general information to the public.
• Attends periodic training classes related to position in order to keep up to date on procedures, policies and laws. Reads department bulletins, directives, manuals, police journals or text, court decisions etc. to maintain proficiency.
• Performs the required tasks related to assignment in special areas, (e.g. Traffic Division, Crime Prevention, Criminal Investigation Division, and other specialty positions as determined by the Chief of Police).
• Performs special duties such as traffic control, crowd control and vehicle escorts, etc.
• Maintains and demonstrates proficiency in firearms skills by passing the annual firearms qualification necessary to maintain certification by the Illinois State Training Board.
• Prepares clear, concise reports required of the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

• Possess excellent communications skills, written and oral, including the ability to speak clearly, understandably, and effectively; and, the ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports with proper grammar and spelling.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to get people to follow directions, and to inspire confidence in others.
• Possess excellent customer service-oriented skills including the ability to deal courteously, but firmly, with the general public.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply police methods, practices and procedures to specific situations and also to learn and properly apply new methods and ideas.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply the geography of the Town of Normal and the location of important buildings.
• Ability to conduct oneself in a manner above reproach, maintaining a positive image on and off duty.
• Ability to remember names, faces, and details related to cases investigated by the department.
• Be free from personal biases or prejudices, which might interfere with police duties.
• Ability to read, listen, and comprehend police related materials necessary to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to develop skill in the use of firearms and all police equipment necessary to perform job, and to be able to use force in accordance with departmental policy and state and federal law.
• Ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
• Ability to quickly learn criminal law, motor vehicle law, laws of arrest, search & seizure, and so forth.
• Ability to quickly learn and properly apply new methods, laws and legal decisions, and to use what is learned.
• Possess determination, be dependable and decisive, as well as to possess the ability to follow through.
• Ability to get along with a variety of people, to work well independently and as part of a group or team.
• Possess the physical strength and agility to meet the physical demands of the position of a police officer as indicated by a physical test and/or physical examination.
• Ability to climb obstacles such as fences or walls, by jumping or pulling oneself over, then be able to jump down.
• Ability to use physical strength and ability when encountering resistance in order to subdue and arrest a resisting individual.

Desirable Training and Experience

Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. A Bachelors or Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or related area is desirable. Experience in meeting and dealing with people under varying circumstances is helpful. Must be able to meet physical and other related requirements set forth by the Town of Normal. Must have, or be able to obtain and maintain, an Illinois drivers license.

The Town of Normal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Town of Normal does not use artificial intelligence to screen applications.

Town of Normal Police Officer Benefits Summary

Progressive Salary Administration

Patrol Officers with less than one year of service on the department will be paid at Step 0 while completing the training academy and F.T.O. program. Upon successful completion of the academy and F.T.O. program, Patrol Officers will advance to Step 1. Except for advancement to Step 0 and Step 1, all step increases will be granted on employment anniversary dates for employees.

Group Health Plan

The Town has a comprehensive self-funded medical plan with UMR Preferred Provider Option (PPO). Employees may choose among two plan design options: a traditional PPO plan with a $500/person and $1000/family deductible or a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) component.

The Town currently pays the monthly insurance premium for full time employees who participate in the wellness program. The Town may contribute to employee HSAs based on an employees plan selection. Dependent coverage is available with the Town contributing 50% toward the dependent premium.

Group Dental Plan

The Town has a comprehensive self-funded dental plan that provides payment of 80% of eligible expenses for preventive and 70% of basic & major care. Preventive dental benefits are not subject to the deductible. The Town pays the monthly premium for full time employees. The maximum benefit is $2,000 per person per calendar year and covers orthodontics, 50% up to $2000 per lifetime per covered individual. Dependent coverage is available with the Town contributing 50% toward the premium.

Vision Plan

VSP is the provider of the Towns vision plan. There are two plans for employees to choose from. The plans cover a portion of the cost of exams, contacts, lenses and frames. Refer to www.vsp.com for more information about benefits, discounts and doctor listings.

Pension Programs

By state statute, sworn Police Officers and Firefighters are eligible for pension programs administered by independent pension boards.

Deferred Compensation and Roth IRA Plans

The Town offers a voluntary 457 retirement savings plan through MissionSquare Retirement. Per IRS regulation, employees have the option of contributing a portion of their salary up to a predetermined dollar limit in effect for that year or 100% of gross salary, whichever is less. Town employees also have the option of making Roth IRA contributions through payroll deduction.

Flexible Spending Plan

This is a salary reduction plan in accordance with IRS regulations. Participants selecting pre-tax payment of their dependent health and dental premiums, day care expenses or non-covered medical expenses will have those payroll deductions sheltered from taxable income.

Life Insurance

The Town provides a $30,000 term policy with Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage to all full time employees. Optional dependent coverage for spouse ($10,000), and children over 6 months ($3,000) is available. The Town also offers a voluntary life insurance program. This is a term life program from The Standard that can be purchased for employee, spouse and dependent children. Evidence of insurability may be required.

Personal Convenience Days

Full time and regular part time employees receive three paid days per fiscal year. New hires receive a pro-rated share of PC time at hire.

Vacation Leave

Full time employees earn vacation monthly based on the following:

40 hour week:

< 5 years 6.67 hours per month

5 - 10 years 10.00 hours per month

> 10 years 13.33 hours per month

Sick Leave

Employees earn sick leave at the rate of one day per month, twelve days per year. Maximum accumulation is 120 days. Employees may use sick leave for personal illness, injury, or doctors appointments. Employees may also use sick leave for care of a spouse, dependent less than 18 years of age, or parent when their presence is deemed necessary by a healthcare professional.

Education/Training

Employees may be eligible to apply for tuition reimbursement. For pre-approved, job-related classes or courses the Town will pay up to 100% for tuition and books. Some positions may have opportunities to attend conferences, workshops or other on-going professional development.

Employee Assistance Program

The Towns EAP provides professional counseling services and specialty referral for employees and dependents. Services include meeting with employees or dependents to determine the proper course of treatment, providing some counseling services free of charge, or referring the client to an appropriate outside counselor. The Towns health plan may pay for a portion of counseling services.

Wellness Program

The Wellness Program includes an annual health risk appraisal screening. The Town also offers a wellness program to all employees covered on the group health insurance. This program provides fun, interactive challenges, in addition to access to personal health coaching, a trainer, and a dietician.

Employee Credit Union

The Town supports the Normal City Employees Federal Credit Union (NCEFCU). NCEFCU provides an alternative institution for personal savings through payroll deductions. Employee/members may be eligible for a signature loan and for collateralized loans.

Miscellaneous Benefits

Other benefits may include an Employee Appreciation Luncheon, Length of Service recognition, Employee Holiday Luncheon, employee outings and other tokens of appreciation.

• This is a summary highlighting some of the Town benefits. It is intended as an overview. The Town reserves the right to amend or end any or all benefits under its control. Benefits for Police and Fire employees covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement are detailed in the C.B.A. These agreements must be consulted to ascertain any benefit eligibility or benefit details. For specific questions on benefits contact the Human Resources Department.

Employer Town of Normal

Address 11 Uptown Circle

Normal, Illinois, 61761

Phone 309-454-9518

Website http://www.normalil.gov