You're not starting over.
You're building on the experience you've already earned.

Join a progressive department serving one of Illinois' most dynamic communities, where technology, community engagement, professional development, and specialized assignments create opportunities for every stage of your career. 
  
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The Gurnee Police Department offers experienced officers the opportunity to continue building their careers in a professional, progressive, and well-supported environment. Our officers serve a unique community that combines residential neighborhoods, major retail destinations, entertainment venues, schools, corporate campuses, and over 23 million annual visitors. 

We recognize the experience lateral officers bring to our department. Previous law enforcement experience is considered when determining starting pay and may be considered when pursuing future specialty assignments and promotional opportunities. 

Whether you are coming from another Illinois agency or relocating from out of state, our goal is to make your transition as seamless as possible while providing the equipment, training, technology, and support needed to succeed from day one.
 
Officers in group
Officers and squad1 - Copy - Copy

A Career Worth Moving For
Few departments offer the variety of calls and experiences found in Gurnee.

Officers handle everything from neighborhood concerns and traffic enforcement to large-scale events, retail crime investigations, entertainment district incidents, school-related issues, and community engagement initiatives.

Career Development Opportunities
Gurnee officers have opportunities to pursue assignments including:
  • Detective Division
  • Crime Prevention & Community Engagement
  • School Resource Officer
  • Visitor Oriented Policing Team
  • Drone Team
  • K9 Team
  • Evidence Technician
  • Field Training Officer
  • Honor Guard
  • Crisis Intervention Team
  • Specialized Regional Task Force Assignments (MCAT, NIPAS, Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Lake County SWAT, COaST)

Training & Professional Growth
The department places a strong emphasis on officer development and continuing education. Officers are encouraged to pursue advanced training, instructor certifications, leadership development opportunities, and specialized assignments throughout their careers.

What You Get on Day One
  

Credit for Experience

Prior qualifying law enforcement experience is considered when determining starting pay

Career Growth

Advance your career after successfully completing the 1-year probation period

Paid Training

We invest in you through paid training, continuing education, and professional development

Work Schedule

12-hour patrol shifts (6 AM–6 PM or 6 PM–6 AM) with every other weekend off

Holiday Time

Front-loaded holiday time, with vacation and personal leave earned through service

Equipment & Uniforms

Uniforms, body armor, and duty equipment provided (including your duty weapon)

Benefit Plans

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance plans; retirement savings options (pension, 457, Roth IRA)


Why Laterals Choose Gurnee
  
The Gurnee Police Department values the knowledge, skills, and experience lateral officers bring to the department. Prior law enforcement experience is considered when determining starting pay and may be considered when pursing specialty assignments and promotional opportunities.

Experienced officers often bring established investigative, patrol, leadership, and problem-solving skills that can contribute immediately to our team. While every officer must learn Gurnee's policies, procedures, and community expectations, we recognize that a successful lateral officer is not starting from day one of their law enforcement career.

2026_Pay Scale

To be considered for a lateral police officer position, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Law Enforcement Certification

Applicants must meet one of the following:

  • Be a certified full-time law enforcement officer in Illinois through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB), with no more than 40 hours of training required for recertification.

OR

  • Be a certified full-time law enforcement officer in another state and eligible for Illinois reciprocity through ILETSB.

Out-of-state officers may be required to complete Illinois-specific training and testing requirements, including firearms qualification, the Illinois Law for Police course, and the Illinois equivalency examination. These requirements must be completed within the timeframes established by ILETSB.

Law Enforcement Experience

Applicants must:

  • Be currently employed as a full-time sworn law enforcement officer.
  • Have successfully completed their probationary period with their current agency.
  • Be in good standing with their current law enforcement agency.
  • Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of an experienced police officer.
Physical Fitness

Applicants must successfully complete the Illinois Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER) Test prior to hire.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen.
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED.
  • Hold a valid driver's license.
Not Sure If You Qualify?

Our recruitment team is available to answer questions regarding certification, reciprocity, probationary status, and eligibility requirements. We encourage interested officers to contact us before applying.

Patrol officers work a 12-hour schedule, either 6:00 AM–6:00 PM or 6:00 PM–6:00 AM. This schedule provides every other weekend off and offers a predictable work-life balance that is highly valued by our officers.
Yes. Gurnee officers have access to voluntary contract overtime opportunities throughout the year. Most of these assignments are compensated at double-time pay and may include community events, traffic enforcement initiatives, special assignments, and other department-supported activities. Officers can choose opportunities that fit their schedule, creating significant potential for additional earnings beyond their regular salary.
Field training for lateral officers is tailored to the individual's experience, performance, and familiarity with Illinois law enforcement practices.

The primary goal of field training is to ensure officers become familiar with Gurnee Police Department policies, local ordinances, reporting systems, patrol operations, and community expectations. Officers who demonstrate proficiency may progress through training more quickly, while additional training will be provided whenever necessary to ensure success.

Our focus is not checking boxes. It is on making sure officers feel confident and prepared to work independently.

Officers certified outside of Illinois may be eligible for certification through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) reciprocity process.

Qualified candidates may receive a conditional waiver of Illinois basic training requirements and must successfully complete applicable Illinois-specific training and testing requirements. These requirements may include:

  • Illinois Law for Police course
  • Illinois equivalency examination
  • Firearms qualification requirements
  • Any additional requirements established by ILETSB

The Gurnee Police Department works closely with qualified candidates throughout the process and strives to make the transition to Illinois law enforcement as smooth as possible.

Each phase of the hiring process is pass/fail and must be successfully completed before moving to the next step.

Step 1: Application Review

Applications are reviewed to ensure candidates meet the minimum qualifications for the lateral officer position.

Step 2: Command Staff Interview

Qualified candidates will participate in an interview with members of the Gurnee Police Department Command Staff to discuss their experience, background, and interest in joining the department.

Step 3: Conditional Job Offer

Candidates selected to continue in the process will receive a conditional offer of employment.

Step 4: Background Investigation & Post-Offer Screenings

Following a conditional offer, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive evaluation process, which may include:

  • Verification of employment history, training, and qualifications
  • Background investigation
  • Polygraph examination
  • Psychological evaluation
  • Medical and vision examinations
  • Drug screening
  • Illinois Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER Test), if required
Step 5: Civil Service Commission Interview

Candidates who successfully complete all post-offer requirements will participate in a final interview with the Gurnee Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

Step 6: Welcome to Gurnee

Successful candidates will receive a final offer of employment and begin their transition to the Gurnee Police Department.