Board of Fire and Police Commissioners » Lateral Certified Police Officer

Lateral Certified Police Officer

Police Information Packet

Required Documentation Checklist

BFPC Rules and Regulations

If you should have any questions, please contact Renee Morris by email or phone 708-714-3561.

For questions regarding the observer ride-along program, please contact Sergeant Ben Ransom by email or phone 708-714-3543.



Minimum Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Applicants must be certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB).
  • At the time of application, applicants must have been employed as a full-time sworn law enforcement officer, for a minimum of 24 months, of a regular police department in any municipal, county, university, or State law enforcement agency, provided they are certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.
  • Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of application.
  • As one of the conditions for hire as a River Forest Police Officer, applicants must possess a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours from an accredited College or University.
  • Character Requirements: As set forth and required by 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6.
  • Applicants must submit proof of a valid Firearms Owners Identification Card (FOID).
  • Applicants must submit proof that they have passed the Illinois Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER) Test issued within a year of the exam date. Candidates will be reimbursed by the Village for POWER Test fee if hired.

To Apply:

STEP 1:

Submit an online application. 

Please upload the following required documentation:

  • A copy of your Driver’s License
  • Birth Certificate
  • College Transcript(s) or documentation establishing your enrollment in a College or University. A copy of your diploma will not be accepted.
  • Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Certificate
  • Firearms Owners Identification Card (FOID)
  • Power Test Card issued within a year of the exam date. 

If you are unable to obtain a copy of the above documentation at the time of submitting your application, you will be required to bring the documentation with you on the day of testing. 

STEP 2:

Written Examination: The minimum passing grade is 70%.

Applicants who qualify will be notified of the exact time and location for the examination.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants must successfully pass: 

  • Background investigation and credit check
  • Polygraph Examination
  • Post-offer examinations to include:
    • Psychological evaluation
    • Medical examination
    • Drug screening

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

POWER TEST CERTIFICATE

If you need to obtain a POWER Test Card, we accept certifications from any vendor as long as they are certified to administer the test. The vendors below administer Power Test Certification classes.  Please contact them directly for more information:

  NIPSTA
  2300 Patriot Boulevard
  Glenview, IL 60026
  Phone:  847-998-8090 Ext 106
  Fax:  847-998-8091
  https://secure.rec1.com/IL/nipsta-il/catalog

  Joliet Junior College
  1215 Houbolt Road
  Joliet, IL 60431
  For any questions regarding our testing services contact:

  Janet Graham

  Phone:  (815) 280-2674
  jgraham@jjc.edu

 https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest/power-testing