Visit our Jobs page and create an account to sign up for notices when opportunities are available for our recruitment program or lateral transfers. You may also sign up for the email list at C.O.P.S. and F.I.R.E. Personnel Testing Service.
A career in law enforcement is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences you can have. The St. Charles Police Department continues to strive to recruit the most highly skilled, competent, dedicated, community-oriented officers possible. Our officers pride themselves on performing their duties to the highest level of excellence. If you are willing to accept the challenge to become a St. Charles police officer and seek an opportunity to serve others, you may be the candidate we are looking for. The department currently offers two opportunities for recruitment: Traditional and Certifield Eligible Transfers. Details outlining both of these recruitment processes are listed below.
Traditional Recruitment
Minimum Qualifications
- Be a high school graduate or GED certified; college degree preferred;
- Minimum age is 21; maximum age is 35 unless the applicant is an Illinois certified police officer;
- Be a United States citizen;
- Reside within a 40-mile radius of the intersection of Riverside Avenue and East Main Street within the 18-month probationary date of hire;
- Be of good moral character;
- Be physically able to perform the essential job duties required of a police officer;
- Meet specific vision and hearing requirements;
- Have a valid driver's license;
- Have no criminal record;
- Pass the following tests: physical agility; written; psychological; polygraph; background; and medical examination;
- Successfully complete a drug screen and Functional Capacity Evaluation.
Hiring Process
A completed application must be submitted to the St. Charles Police Department during the open application period, which takes place every two years. Applicants must be present for and pass the following initial phases:
- Provide proof of an Illinois P.O.W.E.R. card
- Written examination
- Oral interview
The scores of the written test and the oral examination are computed, and an Initial Eligibility Register is developed. Following the application of qualifying preference points, a Final Eligibility Register is established. When there is an opening within the Department, a background investigation will be conducted on candidates on the list beginning with the highest scoring candidate. Upon successful completion of the background investigation, a conditional offer of employment is made. This offer is contingent on passing the following examinations:
- Psychological
- Polygraph
- Medical
- Drug Screen
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
In addition, if it is necessary for the applicant to attend a police academy, he/she will be required to pass the P.O.W.E.R. test.
P.O.W.E.R. Test
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board has established the Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report for entering any of the Illinois certified police academies. The P.O.W.E.R. test is provided to all candidates prior to entering the academy to determine if each individual meets pre-determined standards. Candidates who are already certified police officers are not required to take the P.O.W.E.R. test.
Preference Points
Preference points are provided for as stated in the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-8, Veteran's and educational preference, and are applied following the posting of the Initial Eligibility Register.
Current Traditional Recruitment Status
The application process for the 2023 Comprehensive Recruitment Plan has closed.
The written exam was held in December 2022. Scores were tabulated for the 2023 testing and letters were mailed to all applicants informing them of their status in the recruitment process. The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners conducted the oral interviews from the initial list. A final eligibility was established based on a combined score consisting of the written exam, oral interview, and preference points - where applicable. The current list will expire on February 27, 2025.
As positions become vacant and are approved for hiring, candidates on the list must successfully complete a background investigation and then pass the following tests: psychological, polygraph, medical, and, if you have to attend a police academy, the P.O.W.E.R. test.
Certified Eligible Transfers
Minimum Qualifications
In order to qualify, all applicants must currently be a current Illinois Police Officer for one year after completion of a probationary period and in good standing in the Police Department in which they serve, or in laid-off status due to financial restraints only. Candidates must also possess substantially equivalent skills and abilities as a current City of St. Charles Police Officer. In addition, all candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Confirm status as a current, full-time, Illinois sworn municipal police officer, Illinois state trooper, or Illinois county sheriff’s deputy who possesses State of Illinois certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. (Part-time certification as a law enforcement officer does not meet this requirement.);
- Be a United States citizen;
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Education – must possess an Associate’s Degree or 60 hours of college credit from an institution accredited by the US Department of Education. A Bachelor’s degree in police administration, law enforcement, or a related field is preferred;
- Valid Driver’s License;
- Reside within a 40-mile radius of the intersection of Riverside Avenue and East Main Street within the 18-month probationary date of hire;
- Must agree to comply with all requirements of the position and have the ability to pass all examination and training requirements;
- Ability to furnish upon request, a copy of the following, to the extent applicable: a resume; professional licenses; training certificates; documents confirming work experience; birth certificate; high school diploma or GED certificate; transcripts of higher learning; naval or military service board and discharge papers (DD-214/Copy 4); employee evaluations; and any other employment related material as requested or required.
In 2015, the St. Charles Police Department conducted its first certified eligible opportunity. After a successful campaign, the department decided to continue with this opportunity and continues to offer in on an annual basis.
Current Certified Eligible Transfer Status
The application process for 2024 has closed. The current list expires on February 27, 2025.
To receive a notice of this opportunity the next time it is offered, please see the following section above "sign up to get recruitment notices." Once the Department begins to accept applications, please visit the "jobs" section of the City's website to complete the online application and print out the other required documents for this application process. Applications completed prior to the process being opened will not be considered.
This certified eligible transfer pool of candidates is valid for one year. If an opening in the Department occurs, and it is decided a certified eligible transfer candidate will be selected, the individual from this pool of candidates will be selected based on the current needs of the Department. If the department decides to offer this opportunity again, the application process will begin early in the spring.
The St. Charles Police Department values the experienced and diverse group of individuals it is comprised of. All members value Service, Courage, Professionalism, and Dedication (SCPD) and seek to hire others who believe in these tenets.
