Police Officer

Position Title: Police Officer

Salary Range (non-certified applicants) - $70229.14 - $92531.04

The Sterling Police Department is conducting ongoing testing to develop a list of candidates for Police Officer. The Sterling Police Department receives tremendous support from our residents the City Council and the City Administration. We are seeking entry level and experienced officers who are looking to work in a team environment. We offer many training opportunities and exceptional equipment.

Entry Level Applicants will be required to complete the written National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) at Sauk Valley Community College.

Application & ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTSto be turned in with application.

• High School diploma or GED certificate (copy)
• Certified Birth Certificate (copy)
• College or University degree (copy) Note: A copy of a certified transcript may be requested for application of education points.
• Veterans: Military Service record and DD214 (copy)
• Drivers license (copy)
• Citizenship and/or naturalization papers if applicable
• Social security card (copy)

The City of Sterling offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance Article 3 Pension (Downstate Police Pension) Deferred Compensation Investment Plan - 457(b) Flex Spending Account Paid Vacation and Sick time.

• All uniform equipment provided- Firearm ballistic vest etc.
• Collective Bargaining Agreement - Fraternal Order of Police

Department Overview: The Sterling Police Department consists of 29 sworn officers amongst two divisions Operations and Investigative. Authorized staffing includes: A Chief of Police 2 Deputy Chiefs 5 Sergeants 17 patrol officers 3 detectives 1 School Resource 2023 Sterling PD logged 16774 calls for service. We strive to employ good people who have a strong work ethic and are committed to a community-oriented approach to policing. We are dedicated to the people tradition and diversity of our community.

City Information: The City of Sterling is approximately 100 miles due west of the Chicago loop 55 miles southwest of Rockford Illinois 55 miles East of the Iowa-Illinois Quad Cities and 70 miles north of Peoria. Sterling has an abundance of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Rock River provides plenty of summertime fun for boaters skiers paddlers and fisherman. Kayak fish hike bike or walk the Hennepin Feeder Canal a 29-mile canal and path that connects to the 105-mile Hennepin Canal. There are golf courses indoor/outdoor tennis and pickleball courts a pump track walking paths and trails. There are 4 State Parks within 40 miles plus additional State Recreation areas. The Sterling Park District also operates a marina a dog park an indoor pool along with fitness centers and an abundance of recreation programming.

Population: 15370

Age: Must be 20 years of age and not have reached your 35th birthday at the time of application unless exempt from age limitation ILCS 5/10-2.1-6. Shall not be appointed until applicants reaches 21 years of age.

Citizenship Required at Time of Filing Application: Yes

High School Grad/GED: Yes

Valid Drivers License Required: Yes

Vision: Vision must be at least 20/20 or correctable to 20/20. Contact lenses are permitted with the above requirements.

Residency: 30-minute response time to City of Sterling required within 1 year of employment.

Academy Certification: Academy required upon hire.

Prior Experience: None required.

Additional Requirements: Successful completion of POWER Test prior to attending police academy.

New Police Officer:
Join our Team
New Officer Application

Lateral/Certified Police Officer: Certified Police Officers are not required to take the POST test at this time and may apply thru the below links.
Certified/Lateral Information
Certified/Lateral Application
Lateral Work History

Department Contact
Sara Young