Police Recruitment
The role of a police officer is an important job that helps keep our communities safe and secure. It’s a profession that comes with challenges but is also very rewarding. On behalf of the City of Champaign, thank you for considering a career to serve and protect our residents.
We are seeking officers who reflect our community’s values and a commitment to making a difference. We want individuals who are willing to go the extra mile for each resident and visitor. If you’re interested, we encourage you to learn more about our agency, hiring process, and community.
Learn more about job postings, including for civilian positions.
Learn more or apply for an entry-level police officer position, including requirements and deadlines.
The City has also introduced a temporary hiring incentive for experienced police officers. For more information, click on the Experienced Officer Incentive Program drop-down below.
Join Champaign PD
Ready to get started? Want to know more? Find out what a career with the Champaign Police Department can do for you at JoinChampaignPD.com.
Champaign Police are looking for dedicated and diverse individuals for our team. committed to providing quality service and protection to our community.
Champaign Police respond to around 50,000 calls for service each year. Our mission is to protect all community members through service and collaboration. We welcome all applicants who share our dedication to serving others.
We accept applications for both new and experienced (lateral) police officers year-round. Use the drop-down options below to learn more about the hiring process. You may also visit the City of Champaign Jobs Page for postings related to civilian positions. Complete a Job Interest Card for future hiring notifications.
Experienced Police Officer
Applications for experienced police officers are accepted on an on-going basis and are reviewed weekly. Oral interviews are determined by the hiring needs of the Department. Start an application online today. The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Requirements: The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applications are taken on a continuous basis. Applications are pulled the 13th of each month for review. Click here to apply. Q: Where/when is the test? A. Information on each written exam for the new Police Continuous Recruitment pilot can be found through the National Testing Network. Q: How can I prepare for the written exam? A. You are encouraged to purchase study materials from the National Testing Network. Q: If I don’t pass the written exam, can I take it again? A. Candidates who do not pass the written exam with the National Testing Network may apply and retest. If a candidate decides to retest in hopes to gain a better written score, the most recent written score is current and valid. Q: What should I wear to the interviews? A. Professional attire is recommended for the interview with the Police Chief’s Interview Panel. Q: How is the final score for the entire testing process figured? A. The final testing score is calculated by adding the score of the written exam and applicable preference points. Q: How are the candidates placed on the eligibility list? A. Candidates are placed on the eligibility list according to their scores in rank order at the beginning of each month. If a candidate decides to retest in hopes to gain a better written score, the most recent written score is current and valid. Q: What happens after the eligibility list is approved? A. Once the eligibility list is approved each month, the top candidates will be required to complete a background investigation packet. The background investigation packet pertains to past employment, personal references, driving record, education, training, and criminal history. Following a review of those packets, candidates may be invited to an interview with the Police Chief’s Interview Panel. After the interview, the Police Chief will order a complete background investigation for the top candidates. The Chief of Police then makes a recommendation for hire. Q: How can I prepare for the POWER test? A. The police academy requires that all police candidates pass the POWER test at the beginning of the training. Please see nationaltestingnetwork.com for the Power test requirements. Q: How long is the eligibility list in effect? A. During this two-year Police Continuous Recruitment pilot, eligibility lists will be recommended for approval monthly. Q: What should I do if my contact information changes? A. If your address, phone number, or e-mail address changes before the eligibility list has been posted, please contact National Testing Network to update your personal information. If your information changes at any time while the eligibility list is in effect, please contact City of Champaign Human Resources by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Q: Is there a maximum age limit? A. No, there are no maximum age limits for applicants. Q: Do you reimburse for moving expenses? A. Champaign Police Officers who establish residency within the City of Champaign will receive a one-time residency incentive reimbursement of up to $10,000, an amount intended to cover expenses related to moving. Q: I cannot find an answer to my question. Who may I contact for further questions? A. Please contact National Testing Network.
Entry Level Police Officer