Police Officer (MULTIPLE POSITIONS) (35413)

Position Summary

The position of Police Officer is a responsible professional public safety position with full executive law enforcement authority. Individuals working in this capacity protect the safety and security of persons, property, equipment and facilities, and protect and preserve individual civil rights in and around Northern Illinois University controlled lands.

Police personnel enforce all applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations and University policies and procedures. Police officers maintain the public peace and order and assist in facilitating the adjudication of infractions of the University judicial Code and State or Federal Criminal or Civil Code violations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Enforce fair and impartial State criminal, traffic and motor vehicle laws, and adopted edicts from the University Board of Trustees through a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Illinois State Statutes and the University’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations and how they should be applied.
• Collecting information relative to civil and criminal investigations.
• Preparing cases for and providing testimony in court and preparing detailed reports on assigned complaints and communicating the outcomes in formal judicial and informal non-judicial settings effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Assist other jurisdictions upon request in non-emergency or emergency circumstances as provided for in the parent agency policies.
• Operate communications equipment while temporarily functioning as a telecommunicator, observing all of the policies and procedures pertaining to that position and caring for and maintaining the equipment in their control.
• Promote exceptional relationships with the university community.
• Performing building security and parking regulation enforcement.
• Render, in the capacity as an Emergency Medical Technicians ( EMT ), effective medical assistance within their level of certification and expertise as may be necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of anyone requiring such assistance.
• Maintain certification as an EMT throughout the term of their employment.
• Preventing death or injury and protecting property while preserving the public peace, order and tranquility through the use of sophisticated technologies, aggressive mobile and foot patrols, covert and overt surveillance initiatives and the employment of appropriate investigative strategies.
• Operating and maintaining department equipment in accordance with agency policy and procedures including but not limited to: emergency vehicles, RADAR, LIDAR or other speed measuring devices, breath/alcohol analyzers, mobile computing systems, automated defibrillators and office machines.
• Engaging in regular foot and mobile patrol activities, responding to alarms, handling emergency complaints, serving warrants as required, engaging in self-initiated police activities and transporting prisoners.
• Directing motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic, conducting motor vehicle accident investigations, preparing required state motor vehicle accident reports and maintaining complete accurate, articulate accident investigation documents.
• Performing other related duties as may be required by supervisory or command personnel.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. Possession of a valid driver’s license
3. No record of conviction of a felony or misdemeanors as identified in the Illinois Police Training Act (50 ILCS 705 et seq.), or a crime involving moral turpitude
4. Eligibility for bonding, if required by the employing institution
5. Successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Officers’ Training course as prescribed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board, if required by the employing institution. All recruit law enforcement officers who successfully complete this course after September 1, 1984 are required to successfully pass the Law Enforcement Officers’ Certification Examination. (Applicants lacking such training at time of appointment will be required to complete such requirement during, and as a part of, their probationary period of employment in this class.)
6. At least 21 years of age upon employment. (This requirement may be further defined by local recruitment, examination, and employment policies, provided age requirements have been met with regard to all other applicable state and federal regulations in this respect.)
   
   

NOTE : Persons who have not successfully completed the mandated firearm training course, as approved and recognized by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board, must complete the course during their probationary period. Police officers are not authorized to carry a service weapon until successfully completing such training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

1. Integrity (Being honest and ethical.)
2. Knowledge of Principles, Practices, and Procedures of Police Work (Ability to develop and maintain working knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of police work (such as Illinois Criminal Statutes, Illinois vehicle code, local ordinances, University rules and regulations, and civil law related to the police mission.))
3. Verbal Communication (Ability to verbally communicate effectively during normal as well as stressful and emergency circumstances; ability to communicate clearly in writing, using correct grammar and spelling.)
4. Decision Making and Problem Solving (Ability to analyze information and evaluate the potential results to choose the most appropriate solution.)
5. Verbal Comprehension (Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.)
6. Information Seeking (Ability to pay attention to detail; gather and arrange information; and prepare complete, concise, and accurate reports.)
7. Conflict Management (Ability to handle complaints, settle disputes, and resolve grievances and conflicts.)
8. Knowledge of areas such as (but not limited to) psychology and customer service.
9. Defensive Techniques (Ability to develop and maintain skill in the use of firearms and other defensive techniques (armed and unarmed.))
10. Vehicle Operation (Ability to operate a vehicle in a safe manner during normal as well as stressful and emergency circumstances.)
11. Computer Skills (Ability to use computer hardware and software (such as charting, data base, and word processing software).)
12. Ability to develop and maintain working knowledge of University community geography.
13. Ability to enforce laws, ordinances, rules and regulations with tact, impartiality, and firmness.
14. Ability to mentally and physically react effectively, quickly, calmly, and rationally during time of conflict and emergencies.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Additional Requirements (SPS)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Physical demands/requirements

Police officers may be required to exert themselves with no prior notification. In emergency circumstances an officer may be required to run up several flights of stairs and then provide emergency medical attention to include CPR for an extended period of time.

An officer may have to get on his or her knees, bend over a person and provide effective chest compressions for up to ten (10) minutes without relief.

The officer must be able to perform both at exceptional physical and cognitive levels. He or she must be able to assess the situation and make appropriate decisions regarding the use of available resources and appropriate responses.

Officers may also be required to chase an on-foot-fleeing suspect for several hundred meters and then engage in unassisted hand-to-hand combat for two (2) to three (3) minutes. Offenders can range in weight from ninety (90) pounds to in excess of two hundred fifty (250) pounds or more. These encounters can be life threatening and require the officer be able to protect him or herself until assistance can arrive.

Police officers must be able to think clearly in a crisis. They must have sufficient intellectual capacity to remain in control while managing stressful circumstances.

Police officers are required to undertake foot patrol activities, which may entail up to sixteen (16) hours with limited breaks in the activity. They may have to stand while directing traffic for several hours or stand for several hours while performing security functions. Patrol officers may be required to sit for several hours in a patrol vehicle or a classroom with limited ability to stretch or reposition themselves.

Police officers work in a variety of conditions. They may have to walk patrols in sub-zero conditions or temperatures above 90 degrees. They often wear protective clothing that exacerbates body temperatures in extreme heat. Police personnel may be confined to a patrol vehicle for extended periods or have to remain in a classroom for up to eight (8) hours per day. Police personnel may be required to enter areas filled with smoke or other toxins. They may be required to enter tight places or areas that have low light conditions. Officers often work at night, during weekends, on holidays and are subject to shiftwork.

The job of a police officer is unpredictable. He or she may be required to engage in extremely stressful and strenuous activities on a moment’s notice. While many of the activities listed above will not occur on a regular basis an officer must be prepared to undertake them at any given time.

An officer must not suffer any physical or mental condition that could impair his or her ability to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the position or that would compromise his or her safety or endanger another.

Police officers may be exposed to loud noises as a result of the use of firearms or other circumstances where excessive noise may exist. They must have good hearing and not suffer a deficit that is not correctable that may compromise their safety or that of another.

Police personnel must have good vision. They must not suffer any visual deficit that is not correctable that could interfere with their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position or jeopardize their safety or that of another.

There are minimum standards established by the State for a police officer. These standards are reasonable basic fitness measures for determining an officer’s ability to engage in regular police activities. There are four standards and can be found at the following link(s):

new-power-test-chart-2023.pdf (illinois.gov)
https://www.ptb.illinois.gov/media/1755/new-power-test-chart-2023.pdf

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

4/15/23

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

1.00

Standard Hours Per Week

42.00

Salary

$67,704.00 annually

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

$31.00/hour

Earn Type

Hourly

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Additional Position Details:

• Click on Police Officer for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
• Please click on Human Resource Services – Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package.
• Applicants must be a current citizen or resident of the State of Illinois to move forward in the hiring process.
• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Application Review Details:

• Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience.
• If you have education and/or training in excess of what is required, we encourage you to upload your unofficial transcripts and/or other documentation.
• This position requires a valid Firearm Owners Identification ( FOID ) card. We encourage you to start the process of obtaining a FOID card now if you do not currently possess one. See the Illinois State Police FOID card website to apply for a FOID card.
• If you have achieved a P.O.W.E.R. card at one of the four locations approved for use by the State Universities Civil Service System, dated within the past 90-days, please attach a copy of the card to your application materials. If you do not possess a current P.O.WE.R. card (or plan to obtain one prior to testing), please plan to participate in the Physical Fitness Testing.
• After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a notice that you are invited to the Physical Fitness Testing and more information will be forthcoming about the physical fitness testing process. Physical fitness testing will be held:
  • Tuesday, April 25, 2023, morning
  • Wednesday, April 26, 2023, afternoon
• Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and NIUisHiringPoliceOfficers@niu.edu. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of future communication.
• We STRONGLY recommend that contact information used in your online profile be personal use, not professional/work information: personal email address, home address and phone numbers. The information that you provide is used to make contact on search updates, department referrals and interviews, etc. We must be able to relay sensitive and important information in a way that protects your privacy concerning job search activity, now and in the future.

Exam Details:

• The Civil Service examination for this classification is a three-part process, including a physical fitness test, a written knowledge and integrity exam, and a structured oral interview.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.
• After completion of all three phases of the testing process for these positions, names will be referred to the Police Department for interviews and next steps to fill multiple positions.

Additional Questions & Inquiries:

• Please reach out to NIUisHiringPoliceOfficers@niu.edu for questions you may have about the application, testing, and/or interview process.
• There will be two Information Workshops for applicants (as well as those interested in applying) to be hosted by the Police Department and Human Resource Services. The dates of those workshops are:
  • Thursday, April 6, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
• All workshops will be held in the Human Resource Services building located at 1515 W Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL 60115.

Special Instructions

N/A

Quick Link to Applicant

https://employment.niu.edu/postings/70173

Is Background Check Required?

Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.

Read the Fire Safety Report . Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

1. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
2. Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
3. Transcripts #3 (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. Certifications/Licensure #1
5. Certifications/Licensure #2
6. P.O.W.E.R. Card
7. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
8. FOID Card
9. Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * The requirements for this position dictate that you be 21 years of age by date of hire. Are you now 21 years of age or older?
   • Yes
   • No
   • Will be 21 at a later date
2. If you answered that you will be 21 years of age at a later date, please provide your date of birth.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
3. * Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?
   • Yes
   • No
4. Please mark all the completed degrees which you hold. Please remember to upload your unofficial transcript for all that have been marked.
   • Associate's Degree
   • Bachelor's Degree
   • Master's Degree or higher
5. * Have you recently tested and received a P.O.W.E.R. card? Where and when did you achieve this? Please attach a copy of your current P.O.W.E.R. card to this application packet.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
6. * If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
   • Yes
   • No
   • Not Applicable
7. * Do you possess a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card? Please submit a copy of your FOID card with your submission. If you do not possess a valid FOID, we recommend starting that process now as the State of Illinois has a 4-5 month processing time backlog.
   • Yes
   • No
8. * Do you possess a valid State of Illinois driver's license?
   • Yes
   • No