Entry Level Police Officer Recruitment March 2026
Requirements:
Examination: (click link for testing registration) FrontLine National Exam - complete by March 26, 2026
Cost of examination is the responsibility of the candidate unless eligible for hardship fee waiver; no refunds. Select ‘Find Jobs’, then select Law Enforcement Jobs and sign up for Gurnee Police Department. Candidates may take the test virtually or in-person at an NTN testing center. For assistance with virtual examinations, click here for more details. For other problems or questions, email NTN Customer Support:
support@nationaltestingnetwork.com.
Application: (click link to apply) Gurnee Police Officer Online Application - complete by March 26, 2026
Minimum Qualifications:
United States citizen or Naturalized citizen.
Minimum 20 years of age (21 years of age by police academy graduation date) and less than 35 years of age as of application deadline unless otherwise exempt. Military Veterans may exceed the maximum age by the number of years served on active military duty, but by no more than 10 years of active military duty.
Graduation from high school or equivalent thereof.
Valid driver’s license.
Other Qualifications (must meet a minimum of one of the following):
College coursework towards 60 hours of college credit [must provide proof of 60 hours completed prior to hire]; OR
At least two (2) years United States military service; OR
ILETSB Basic Correctional Officer Training certification*; OR
Experience as a full time sworn law enforcement officer; must be able to be certified in accordance with 50 ILCS 705/8.1
*IDOC, Federal Bureau of Prisons, or out of state corrections certifications are not accepted
Duties:
The mission of the Gurnee Police Department is to defend the lives, rights, and quality of life of all the residents and visitors we serve with honor and integrity. The men and women of the department are fully committed to accomplishing this mission by achieving four fundamental objectives of: Crime Prevention – Crime Control – Community Involvement – Team Building
We are seeking candidates for entry level Police Officers who value these objectives. If you value these same objectives, consider applying with the Gurnee Police Department.
Gurnee Police Department – What We Offer:
Competitive Pay Range - starting salary $88,376 annually; top salary $125,329 [as of 5-1-2025]
12 hour shifts
Approved GI Bill on-the-job training program
Required equipment, uniforms, and bullet proof vest provided by the Department
Excellent benefits - paid time off: vacation, holiday, personal time; paid sick leave and sick leave incentive programs; health / dental / vision / life insurance plans; retirement savings options (pension, 457, Roth IRA); tuition reimbursement; uniform allowance; annual voluntary fitness bonus
Robust wellness program - includes monthly on-site physical therapy visits
Visible tattoos permitted within department policy parameters [no head, face, neck, hand/finger tattoos]
Facial hair - mustaches, sideburns, goatees and beards permitted within department policy parameters
No residency or living radius requirement
Department commitment and focus on Officer training and mental health / wellness
Future promotion opportunities and specialized assignments
Department Personnel: Sworn Officers: 71; 110 total members including sworn officers, sworn supervisory, management, civilian, and 911 Emergency Dispatch staff
Minimum Qualifications:
Selection Process - each phase of the process is pass / fail and required to proceed to the next
Complete FrontLine National Exam by March 26, 2026.
Complete Gurnee Police Officer Application and submit required documents no later than March 26, 2026.
Oral Interview with Gurnee Police Department Command Staff
Ability to pass the Illinois Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER test) upon department request.
Post-offer examinations / screenings include but are not limited to: proof of completion of 60 hours college credit prior to date of hire (if applicable); verification of all qualifications; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; background investigation; oral interview with Civil Service Commission; medical / vision examinations and drug screen.
Completion of the FrontLine National Examination and / or Gurnee Police Officer Employment Application is not a guarantee of eligibility to continue in the testing process. Candidates may be disqualified after completion of the test or submission of application for reasons including but not limited to: failure to complete testing / application submission by required deadline; not meeting minimum position qualifications; not meeting minimum passing standards for the examination; missing or incomplete documents; or other disqualifying factors related to Police Officer candidacy or employment.