Join the Rockford Police Department

If you are looking for a career with one of the largest Departments in the area, please review the information presented here and/or contact our recruiters at 815-987-5838.  From the initial date of application, through the entire recruiting process, our recruiters will be available for questions or advice.
The City of Rockford is an equal opportunity employer.

• The Recruiting Process
• Testing Information 
• How to Apply
• What to Expect 
• Benefits

Qualifications

There are certain standards that an applicant must meet in order to become a Rockford police officer and these are summarized in this section.  All qualifications are set within the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, City of Rockford Ordinances and all applicable statutes.
 

Age

An applicant must be at least 21 years old but not have reached their 35th birthday as of the closing date of the application period. This age limitation does not apply to any person previously employed as a municipal police officer.

Driver’s License

A valid Illinois Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment to the Department.

Education

A high school diploma (or its equivalent) is required.

Arrest Record

An applicant must not have any felony convictions nor have been convicted of certain misdemeanors. A list of disqualifying convictions is contained in the DISQUALIFICATIONS  section.

Physical Condition

All applicants will participate in the Physical Fitness Assessment, explained in the TESTING INFORMATION section.  Additionally, final candidates will undergo an extensive physical/medical examination.

Eyesight

Vision must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye.

Residency

Employees must live in Winnebago County or within fifteen (15) miles of the Public Safety Building within six (6) months of the conclusion of their probationary period.  The probationary period is eighteen (18) months unless extended by the Board for performance reasons. 

THE RECRUITING PROCESS

The recruiting process consists of a physical fitness assessment, a written examination, the submission of required documents and completion of a personal history statement form by each applicant, a written M Pulse Inventory Test, an oral interview with the City of Rockford Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, a polygraph examination, a background check, a medical examinatio and a final physical fitness assessment. Before the oral interview/examination, the Board uses each applicant's written application, employment history and criminal history check to determine which candidates are qualified for the position and will be allowed to take the oral examination. The Board then establishes an eligibility list based on the written and oral exam scores. The process from initial application to the time of hire will take approximately 5-6 months, depending upon the number of vacancies to be filled at the Police Department and the number of applicants on the eligibility list.  The length of the eligibility list is determined by the number of foreseen openings that will develop within the Department over the life of the list. Therefore, some applicants that pass all phases of the testing process may not be included on the final eligibility list.
Once an eligible police officer candidate accepts a conditional employment offer, the Department will begin an in-depth background and criminal history investigation and the candidate must undergo a psychological exam, as well as an extensive medical and physical examination. If the candidate is not disqualified by any findings during this investigation and/or examination, he or she will be offered a position and sworn in as a Police Officer.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are not being accepted at this time.  Please click on "APPLY HERE" located above to complete a job interest card and you will be notified via e-mail when applications will be accepted.

Applications

The first step in becoming a police officer is to complete an electronic application.  Please ensure you answer all questions completely and accurately.

Applicant Requirements:

• At least 21 years of age by application deadline date
• Have not reached 35 by application deadline date
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license

Contact Information
Winnebago County Public Safety Building
Rockford Police Department
420 West State Street
Rockford, Illinois 61101
Ph: 815-987-5838
Fax: 815-961-3208
Email: Rockford Police Recruiter

BENEFITS

Salary 

• Starting Salary  $43,859
• 2nd Year of service  $47,322
• 3rd Year of service  $50,783
• 4th Year of service  $54,246 
• 5th Year of service  $56,555
• 6th Year of service  $59,440
• 11 -15 Years of service  $62,590
• 16 + Years of service  $63,844

Holidays

A total of twelve paid holidays are provided to employees.

Vacation
A new employee can earn up to ten (10) days vacation during his or her first year of employment. After that, an officer will receive two weeks vacation.  Vacation will then increase to three weeks after five (5) years of service, four (4) weeks after fourteen (14) years of service and five (5) weeks after twenty-four (24) years.

Health Insurance

The City of Rockford offers an excellent health and dental plan to all employees.

Sick Leave

Officers are provided with a liberal sick leave policy. 

Uniforms
All necessary uniforms are provided to an officer at no cost.  This includes a bullet proof vest, all leather items and duty weapon (Smith & Wesson M & P .40 calibre semi-automatic).

Pension

All Individuals who are accepted into the pension system are eligible to retire at half salary after twenty (20) years of service and they have reached age fifty (50).  The pension increases to a maximum of 75% with additional years of service.  Both the participant and the City of Rockford contribute to the pension plan.
NOTE: Many of the listed benefits are provided for in a contract between the City of Rockford and the police officers’ bargaining unit (P.B.& P.A.) . They are subject to change whenever a new contract is negotiated.

QUALIFICATIONS

There are certain standards that an applicant must meet in order to become a Rockford police officer and these are summarized in this section.  All qualifications are set within the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, City of Rockford Ordinances and all applicable statutes.

Age

An applicant must be at least 21 years old but not have reached their 35th birthday as of the closing date of the application period. This age limitation does not apply to any person previously employed as a municipal police officer.

Driver’s License

A valid Illinois Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment to the Department.

Education

A high school diploma (or its equivalent) is required.

Arrest Record

An applicant must not have any felony convictions nor have been convicted of certain misdemeanors. A list of disqualifying convictions is contained in the DISQUALIFICATIONS  section.

Physical Condition
All applicants will participate in the Physical Fitness Assessment, explained in the TESTING INFORMATION section.  Additionally, final candidates will undergo an extensive physical/medical examination.

Eyesight
Vision must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye.

Residency

Employees must live in Winnebago County or within fifteen (15) miles of the Public Safety Building within six (6) months of the conclusion of their probationary period.  The probationary period is eighteen (18) months unless extended by the Board for performance reasons.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

By action of the Rockford Board of Fire and Police Commissioners the below list of specific offenses automatically disqualify anyone from being a police officer with the City of Rockford.

The Board’s action is based upon legislation in the Illinois Compiled Statutes:  50 ILCS 705/6, 50 ILCS 705/6.1, and 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6.

If you have been convicted of any of the listed offenses you cannot be a police officer in Rockford.

• ANY Felony 
  CHAPTER 720 ILLINOIS COMPILED STATUTES 
• Indecent Solicitation of a Child (5/11-6) 
• Adultery (5/11-7) 
• Public Indecency (5/11-9) 
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child (5/11-9.1) 
• Prostitution (5/11-14) 
• Soliciting for a Prostitute (5/11-15) 
• Keeping a Place of Prostitution (5/11-17) 
• Patronizing a Prostitute (5/11-18) 
• Pimping (5/11-19) 
• Aggravated Assault (5/12-2) 
• Intimidation (5/12-6) 
• Criminal Sexual Abuse (5/12-15) 
• Theft (5/16-1) 
• Deceptive Practices (5/17-1) 
• Impersonating a Police Veteran/Fraternal Org. (5/17-2) 
• Residential Picketing (5/21.1-3) 
• Unlawful Use of Weapon, Subsections (1), (6), and (8) of (5/24-1) 
• Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Firearm Ammunition (5/24-3.1) 
• Defacing Identification Marks of Firearms (5/24-5) 
• Mob Action (5/25-1) 
• Keeping a Gambling Place (5/28-3) 
• Offering a Bribe (5/29-1) 
• Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer or Correctional Institution Employee (5/31-1) 
• Obstructing Justice (5/31-4) 
• Escape / Failure to Report (5/31-6) 
• Aiding Escape (5/31-7) 
• Compounding a Crime (5/32-1) 
• Perjury (5/32-2) 
• Subordination of Perjury (5/32-3) 
• Communicating with Jurors and Witnesses (5/32-4) 
• Harassment of Jurors or Families of Jurors (5/32-4(a)) 
• Simulating Legal Process (5/32-7) 
• Tampering with Public Records (5/32-8) 
• Manufacture or Delivery of Cannabis (550/5) 
• Delivery of Cannabis on School Grounds (550/5.2) 
• Convicted of any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.

TESTING INFORMATION

The testing process to become a Rockford police officer has several steps:
Physical Fitness Assessment
After the initial application, the next step in the testing process is the Physical Fitness Assessment.  The assessment consists of four (4) separate events.  All of the events are PASS/FAIL.

IMPORTANT

It is strongly recommended that candidates prepare for the Physical Fitness Assessment.  It is also strongly recommended that candidates obtain clearance from a competent medical authority before preparing for and/or engaging in this assessment. 
The four events include:
• Sit-and-Reach Test
• One Minute Sit-up Test
• One Repetition Maximum Bench Press
• 1.5 Mile Run (Timed)

Applicants must pass each test.  A failure on any one of the four tests removes the applicant from any further testing. When a completed initial application is received by the Department, applicants are advised of when and where the Physical Fitness Assessment will take place.

Written Examination

The written test will be given on the same day as the Physical Fitness Assessment.  This test does not require a study guide.  A minimum of 70% is needed to pass the written exam.

NOTE: This exam will count for 40% of the final weighted score.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents (as they apply to you) to the Rockford Police Department Recruiting Unit, 420 West State Street, Rockford, IL 61101, by November 17th, 2008 to remain in the testing process:

• Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
• High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate
• All High School Transcripts (Official Copy Only, Sealed & Unopened)
• College diploma(s)
• All College transcripts (Official Copy Only, Sealed & Unopened)
• Trade School Transcripts and Certificates
• Military DD214
• Copy of Citizenship or Naturalization Documents
• Copy of Driver’s License
• Copy of Social Security Card
• Copy of Name Change Documents
• Copy of Marriage License/Divorce Decree
• Peace Officer Training Certificates
• Letters of Recommendation (optional)

NOTE: No Documents will be returned

Pre-Interview Review

The Board reserves the right to remove an applicant who has passed the written examination and physical fitness assessment from the testing process before an oral interview if the applicant’s character or employment history are unsatisfactory or if the applicant otherwise does not appear to be well qualified to discharge the duties of the position, from a review or his or her application, personality trait assessment and background information. The Board shall notify any such applicant who is removed from the testing process.

Oral Examination

Given by the City of Rockford Board of Fire and Police Commission; minimum passing score is 70%. The applicant’s written application, along with the M Pulse Inventory Test results and background information may be evaluated and considered by each commissioner in conjunction with the interview in determining the applicant’s oral examination score.
NOTE: This exam will count for 60% of the final weighted score.

Polygraph

Each applicant under consideration will be required to submit to a polygraph examination. 

Eligibility List

The Board will establish an eligibility list of applicants based on final scores. The length of the list is determined by the number of foreseen openings that will develop within the department over the life of the list. Therefore, some applicants that pass all phases of the testing process may not be included on the final eligibility list.
Background Investigation/Psychological Exam
When an opening exists and a candidate is eligible to be hired, an in-depth background investigation and psychological exam will be conducted by the Department. This investigation is advisory to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

Medical Examination

Final candidates will undergo an extensive medical examination, which includes drug, AIDS, audio and vision testing.

Military / Educational Preference

Military and Educational points shall be applied in accordance with paragraphs 10-2.1-8 and 10-2.1-9 of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Act. The preference points awarded under this Section are not cumulative, and no applicant shall receive more than a total of 5 preference points.
Military and educational preference points of 5 points shall be applied to applicants described below:

• Persons who have successfully obtained an associates degree in the field of law enforcement, criminal justice, fire service or emergency medical services,• Persons who have successfully obtained a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university,
• Persons who have successfully obtained or received a certificate attesting to the successful completion of the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Training Course as provided in the Illinois Police Training Act and are currently serving as a law enforcement officer on a part-time or full-time basis within the State of Illinois,
• Persons who were engaged in the military or naval service of the United States for a period of at least one year and who were honorably discharged there from or who are now or may hereafter be on inactive or reserve duty in such military or naval service.

Re-Testing Information

If the Department re-tests, an individual who is on a current list has two options:

• The first option allows that individual to keep his/her original score and not re-test. They are positioned on the new list according to their original score. The original expiration date will still apply.
 • The second option allows participation in the new testing process. If they successfully complete all the tests, they can then choose either score, old or new. If the new score is chosen, they are placed on a new list, according to the numerical score, for its two-year duration. If they do not successfully pass the new testing process, they can choose their old score and the original expiration date would apply.
• NOTE: All testing is done within the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, City of Rockford ordinances and all applicable state and federal statutes.

 
WHAT TO EXPECT 

Once a candidate for the Rockford Police Department is notified that an opening exists and they are the next person to be hired from the Eligibility List, they can expect the following to take place:

Physical Examination

The physical examination will be scheduled by the Department after an individual is notified an opening exists.  An extensive physical examination is required by the City of Rockford to determine fitness to perform the duties of a police officer. The State of Illinois also requires a physical examination for entry into the Police Academy.  The Pension System, an entity separate from the City of Rockford and the State Of Illinois, requires a physical examination for entry into the Pension System.

Physical Fitness Assessment

An individual placed on the final eligibility list must pass the Physical Fitness Assessment  before they can be hired. This is the same physical fitness assessment that is given at the beginning of the testing process. The test includes the 1.5 Mile Run, Sit-ups, Sit-and-Reach and the Bench Press.  Be prepared to take this test prior to or upon arrival at the police training academy.

Swearing-In

Individuals who are determined to be able to perform the duties as required by the City of Rockford and the State of Illinois are then sworn in as police officers.  At this time, the new officer begins an eighteen (18) month probationary period.

Police Training Program

The training to become a Rockford Police Officer takes approximately 40 weeks from the date of hire. This is a long period of time that is very intense, physically and mentally demanding, and at times stressful. The steps of the training process are described below.

Police Training Academy
Once hired, a new police officer will attend Basic Training at an accredited academy. There is one important note regarding this schooling: An officer must maintain a passing average at the school AND pass the Comprehensive Examination given the last week of school. Failure to pass either can result in immediate termination of employment from the Department.

Department Training

Upon completion of Basic Training, officers return to the Department for approximately 5 weeks of additional classroom and practical training.
Field Training
Upon completion of classroom training, a recruit officer will begin a period of "on-the-job" training. During this 20-week period, the officer will work with Field Training Officers, will be taught various aspects of the job, and will be evaluated regularly.

Patrol Officer

Upon successful completion of the field-training period, the officer will be assigned as a Patrol Officer. This usually means working alone, in a marked squad car, on various shifts.

Advancement

As an officer moves through his or her career with the Department, there is a potential for advancement to positions, such as Investigator or ranking positions, such as Sergeant and Lieutenant.

General Information

An applicant for the police officer position should be aware that the Rockford Police Department works three ten-hour shifts in the Patrol Division:
• 6:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
• 4:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.
• 9:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.

Upon completion of the training program you will be assigned to a patrol shift.  Once a year you will have the opportunity to bid for the shift of your choice.  Assignments to the shifts will be determined by seniority.
The City of Rockford is an Equal Opportunity Employer.