ENTRY LEVEL POLICE OFFICER

Entry Level Testing is NOW OPEN until July 31, 2026!

The City of Lincoln Police Department is accepting applications for

Entry Level (New Hire) Police Officers.

Ability to:

The Lincoln Police Department asks applicants to be able to think clearly and act quickly in a variety of situations. Applicants should be able to judge situations and people accurately and without bias. Maintain contact and preserve good relations with the public; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Applicants must understand and carry out oral and written directions. Applicants are also expected to maintain the highest standard of integrity and empathy while conducting interactions within the community and confidential information.

Benefits

  • Salary

    • Entry Level (New Hires) is $57,369
    • Certified Salary $63,429 
    • Probationed/Lateral Hires is $78,950 (Eff 5/1/26)
    • 2027 Base Pay $82,109
    • 2028 Base Pay $85,393
    • 2029 Base Pay $88,809

  • Schedule

    • 12-Hour Shifts
    • Vacation, PTO, Sick time, Comp Time (x2)
    • Holiday pay for certain holidays
    • Every other weekend off

  • Insurance/Pension

    • Health
    • Vision
    • Dental
    • Life Insurance
    • Retiree Health Insurance
    • Downstate Pension Plan/Article 3

  • Other Benefits

    • College Reimbursement(BA/BS) while employed
    • Officers provided all equipment and required clothing
    • Take home fleet program for those residing within City limits
    • Residency to surrounding counties, Dewitt, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Menard, Sangamon, and Tazewell

Entry Level Hiring Process

Step 1: Orientation

More Information

Step 2: Background

More Information

Step 3: Final Offer

More Information

Please note that academies in Illinois require you to pass the ILETSB POWER Test prior to admission. Failure to pass the POWER test will result in immediate termination. Please review the POWER test requirements prior to application.

If you are certified as a law enforcement officer in another state you may qualify for a transition course through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to gain your Illinois certification.  More information can be found on the ILESTB website.

Email the application to

admin@lincolnil.gov

Mail or In-person

delivery to:

Lincoln Police Department

710 5th Street

Lincoln, IL 62656

Click below to submit online and

directly to the Police Department

Submit Entry Level Application

Contact Us for recruiting information

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Must be United States Citizen
  • Must be 21 to 35 years of age (Military Veterans have extensions per state law)
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • Residency within surrounding counties
  • New employees must remain for 2 yrs or will be required to reimburse for certain expenses

  • Must possess a High School Diploma or GED

  • Must be able to pass the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board POWER Test

  • No felony convictions
  • No misdemeanor convictions of moral turpitude