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Current Career Opportunities • Police Officer Benefits • Collective Bargaining Agreement (Patrol) • Collective Bargaining Agreement (Sergeant) • Downstate Police Pension – Tier 1 • Downstate Police Pension – Tier 2
Current Career Opportunities
Police Officer Benefits
Base Salary (2,080 hours):
As of May 1st, 2025 (3.5%):
Starting – $69,472.13
Step 1 – $73,834.17
Step 2 – $78,196.21
Step 3 – $82,556.98
Step 4 – $86,921.54
Step 5 – $91,282.32
As of May 1st, 2026 (3.5%):
Starting – $71,903.65
Step 1 – $76,418.36
Step 2 – $80,933.08
Step 3 – $85,446.48
Step 4 – $89,963.80
Step 5 – $94,477.20
Educational Incentive Pay (per yearly):
Associates Degree – $1,500
Bachelors Degree – $2,000
Masters Degree – $2,500
Holiday Pay:
11 paid holidays at regular day’s pay in addition to regular pay PLUS additional pay for hours worked on a holiday.
Overtime:
24 hours preceding your first shift back after your scheduled days off is double time.
Vacation Time:
After 1 year of service [80 hours], 2 years [80 hours], 3 years [90 hours], 4 years [100 hours], 5 years [110 hours], 6 years [120 hours], 7 years [120 hours], 8 years [130 hours], 9 years [140 hours], 10 years [150 hours], 11 years [160 hours], 12 years [160 hours], 13 years [170 hours], 14 years [180 hours], 15 years [190 hours], 16 years [200 hours], 17 years [200 hours], 18 years [210 hours], 19 years [220 hours], 20 years [230 hours], 21 years [240 hours], 22 years [240 hours], 23 years [250 hours], 24 years [260 hours], 25 years or more [270 hours]
Roll over of up to 80 hours per year. Cash out of unused hours allowed yearly.
Personal Time:
20 hours per year. Must be used during the year. No roll over or payout of unused hours.
Sick Time:
120 hours per year. Maximum bank of 600 hours. Cash out of unused hours allowed yearly.
Comp Time:
Officer’s option of taking comp time in lieu of overtime. Maximum bank of 100 hours. Cash out of unused hours allowed yearly.
Health Insurance / Dental / Vision / Prescription Drug:
Group coverage through Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Illinois. HMO or PPO.
Total premium is paid as follows: 85% by city / 15% by employee.
Life Insurance:
$25,000 provided by the city.
Pension:
Participation in Article 3 Downstate Police Pension. Sworn police officers contribute 9.91% of their salary towards their pension.
More Information: Tier 1 (hired before 01/01/11) Tier 2 (hired after 01/01/11)
Health Savings Account
Shifts:
12 hour shifts. Every other weekend off.**
**With the exception of officers assigned to some specialty positions.
Uniform Allowance:
Initial equipment, uniforms, and Glock 22 firearm issued upon hire. After one year each officer is allotted $725 for equipment upkeep.
Opportunities and Professional Growth:
Special assignments include K9 Handler, General Assignment Detective, D.A.R.E. Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Range Master, Evidence Custodian, Crime Scene Evidence Technician training, Explorer Program Advisor, etc…