Recruitment

About the Palos Heights Police Department

• 28 Sworn Full-Time Officers
• Patrol Division
• Investigations Division
• 4 Federal Task Force Positions (FBI, DEA and Investigations to Homeland Security Investigations)
• Community Relations Unit
• Crisis Intervention Team
• Members of SSERT (South Suburban Emergency Response Team)
• Members of the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force
• Members of the Southwest Major Case Unit
• Drone
• Kubota (ATV) and electric bike patrol

About the City of Palos Heights

• 12,068 residents (2020 census)
• Located in Cook County
• 3.89 square miles
• 2.09 average household size
• Surrounding towns are Orland Park, Worth, Crestwood, Palos Park, Alsip, and Palos Hills
• Several surrounding forest preserves, downtown district, nature center

Benefits

• Starting salary of $81,834 and tops out at $122,828 after 6 years
• 12-hour shifts (every other weekend off)
• 84 hours of vacation time, 144 hours of holiday time, and 96 hours of sick time each January 1^st and up to 120 hours of compensation time accrued
• Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Uniforms, equipment, and on and off duty firearms provided
• Squads are newer model Chevy Tahoes
• Members of the Article 3 Down State Pension Systems
• Overtime opportunities
• Educational Incentive (up to $6,100/year)
• Numerous training opportunities
• No residency requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be between the ages of 21 and 34 by the time of appointment unless exempt from such age limitation as provided in Illinois State Statute Section 5/10-2.1-6 of the Fire and Police Commissioner’s Act
• No felony convictions and must be of good moral character
• Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license
• Required Education: Must possess either an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field -OR- a Bachelor’s Degree in any field

The following is required in the application process:

• Submit an online application. Required documentation includes: birth certificate or passport, driver’s license, social security card, college transcripts/diploma, high school transcripts/diploma, military service records (if applicable)
• Written Test
• Power Test (physical fitness test) 2023 Standards
• Interviews (including polygraph)
• Medical and Psychological Exams

If you have a specific question or want more information on a certain area, please fill out this form and we will get back to you.

Community Service Officer

We are regularly on the lookout to hire community service officers. 

Job Summary

Community Service Officers (CSOs) perform a multitude of tasks, including traffic control, vehicle lockouts, department errands and other duties as may be assigned by command staff. This position offers significant exposure to police operations and can be a valuable experience to anyone interested in a career in criminal justice.

CSOs are employed on a part-time basis and staffed 7 days a week from 8am-4pm, and on an as needed basis. Scheduled days are flexible and accommodations can be made depending on availability.

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record
• Current pay is $19.42/hour

Daily Responsibilities

• House watches
• METRA money collection
• Transportation of paperwork to Bridgeview Courthouse and Southwest Center Dispatch
• General upkeep and other errands for the department

Service Calls

• Property damage traffic crashes
• Animal complaints
• Parking tickets
• Citizen and Community assistance

Special Duties

• Traffic control for special events
• Traffic/Speed trailer deployment
• Trailer and vehicle inspections

If you are interested, fill out an application here and turn it in at the police department during regular business hours.

If you have a specific question or want more information on a certain area, please fill out this form and we will get back to you.