Recruitment
Join Our Team!
Answer the Call. Serve with Honor. Build a Career That Matters.
Join the Deerfield Police Department and become part of a team that makes a difference every day. Effective January 1, 2026 pay for Police Officers ranges from $93,870 to $129,833—plus the unmatched reward of serving your community.
Lateral Police Officer Application Information
Advance Your Career. Join a Department that Values Your Skills and Experience.
The Village of Deerfield is now hiring Certified Lateral Police Officers. If you're an experienced officer looking for a supportive, forward-thinking department with competitive pay and strong community ties—Deerfield could be your next home. Lateral Officers starting pay is $99,008 and current top pay is $129,833. Apply online today!
Application Instructions
To apply, please complete an employment application and Equal Opportunity Employment Form. Equal Opportunity Forms can be completed digitally and emailed to Management Analyst Valerie Moll at vmoll@deerfield.il.us or attached to the application.
Lateral Officer Minimum Requirements
- At least two years of full time law enforcement work, including but not limited to police officer experience and/or military police work, but excluding security agency experience
- A minimum of two years of college course work at an accredited institution with at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent) of college level course work
- State of Illinois Police Officer certification or eligible for waiver by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board
- Individual must be at least 21 years of age but not yet 35 years of age at the time of application
- Valid Driver's License
- Must be a citizen of the United States
- Must agree to comply with all requirements of the position and have the ability to pass all examinations and training requirement
Interview Process
Applicants who successfully meet the qualifications for lateral entry will be screened by Department personnel. A list of recommended candidates will be submitted to the Board of Police Commissioners for consideration of oral interviews. Oral interviews are expected to be scheduled within 3-4 weeks from receipt of application.
Applicants who successfully complete the oral interview may be subjected to a background investigation and polygraph. A psychological examination and complete physical with drug test will be given to candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment.
Entry -Level Police Officer Application Information
Police Officer Application Instructions
When the Department is hiring entry level police officers, application information can be found here.
Police Officer Minimum Requirements
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
- Valid driver’s license
- At least 21 years old but not yet 35 years of age at the time of the exam
- Bachelor’s degree within 6 months of hire OR 2 years sworn law enforcement experience AND 60 college credit hours
- POWER Test card dated within 6 months from the date of exam
- Successfully pass in-person exam
Testing Information
Candidates must attend the mandatory in-person orientation and written examination at the Village of Deerfield, Village Hall Board Room, 850 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL 60015. Applicants will need to provide a photo ID and a copy of a valid POWER Test card dated within the past 6 months of the date of the exam. Additional details will be released to eligible candidates approximately one week before the exam.
Physical Fitness POWER Test Information
At the written examination, applicants must provide proof of successful completion of the POWER Test from NIPSTA, Joliet Junior College or Southwestern Illinois College within the past six months. For testing details including; registration, fees, location, date, and time:
https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest/power-testing
Eligibility List
Applicants who successfully pass the written exam will be scheduled for an oral interview. After all oral interviews are complete and scores are reviewed, the Eligibility List for the position of Police Officer will be established and posted. This entire process will take approximately eight weeks from the date of the exam. Applicants who make the Eligibility List for the position of Police Officer may be subjected to a background investigation and polygraph. A psychological examination and complete physical with a drug test will be given to candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment.
Candidates failing to qualify during any part of the process may not reapply until the beginning of the next testing cycle. The Village of Deerfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Why Deerfield?
Salary: $93,870 - $129,833
Upon hire date through the first year of employment, Police Officer annual salary is $91,136. Police Officers receive annual contractual increases with top pay achieved after seven years. Effective January 1, 2025 top pay for the position of Police Patrol Officer is $126,051.
General Information
The Deerfield Police Department is comprised of 43 sworn officers and 15 professional civilians who are committed to the core values of community, integrity, and excellence. Our department is equipped with the latest in law enforcement technology, including a state-of-the-art, on-site Communications Center. We take pride in our supportive leadership and strong focus on training and career development. Officers have access to a wide range of training and specialized assignment opportunities, such as the Drone Unit, Investigations, School Resource Officer, and Bike Unit, as well as participation in regional task forces including MEG, MCAT, LCMCTF, NIPAS, and NORTAF. Additional opportunities include roles such as Honor Guard, Firearms Instructor, and Range Officer.
Benefits & Opportunities
- Specialty Assignments
- Training Opportunities
- Career Development
- Strong Community Support
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Six-Weeks Paid Paternal Leave
- On-Site Fitness Center
- Employee Wellness Programs
- Beards and Tattoos Allowed (with restrictions)
Work Schedule
Officers assigned to the Patrol Division work an 8.5 hour shifts with five days on/two days off, five days on/three days off work week schedule.