Police Officer Employment Guide 

Entry Level Police Officer Testing & Selection Process 

Please direct all questions regarding the application, required documents, or testing to recruitingteam@schaumburg.com

Starting Salary Range: $80,472 - $97,860

The Schaumburg Police Department is the third largest municipal police department in Cook County. We are an organization that embraces change and innovation. Career development through various assignment opportunities and training will provide a great foundation for the future. We value service in answering calls, solving crime, problem-solving and providing education. 

Entry Level Police Officer - Eligibility Requirements 

Basic Requirements

• U.S. Citizen
• Valid driver’s license
• Age 21-35 at time of application (up to 40 with proof of military service; per state law or Village ordinance)

Education: High school diploma or GED required; and one of the following within the next 5 months: 

• Bachelor’s degree in any field; or   

• Associate’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration, or a related field; or   

• For non-specific associate’s degrees, candidates must provide documentation from the college that confirms emphasis in either Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement with the associate's degree; and  

• A minimum of 21 credit hours in criminal justice or other law enforcement-specific coursework.  

• Three or more years of full-time military service with an honorable or general discharge.  

• Valid POWER card. If a current card is available, it must be included with the application. If a card is not available at the time of application, applicants may still apply but will be required to present the card at the interview. 

• Ability to obtain a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card within six (6) months of employment, per Police policy 40-200 Firearms and Weapons. It is recommended to apply for the FOID card at the time of application.  

Certified Police Officer - Eligibility Requirements 

Basic Requirements

• U.S. Citizen
• Valid driver’s license
• Age 21 or older (must not have reached 40 birthday; per state law) 
• Certified full-time sworn law enforcement officer with two or more consecutive years of full-time experience

 Reciprocity

• Officers from another state must meet Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) reciprocity requirements
• Must have been employed as a full-time law enforcement officer in good standing for at least 12 months preceding the application 

Education

• Associate’s degree in any field; OR 
• Three or more years of full-time military service with honorable discharge 
• Minimum High School Diploma or GED required

Additional

• Offer letters are contingent upon successful completion of all ILETSB requirements

Beginning Salary

• Certified Officers with prior police experience may be started at up to Step 3 ($97,860), in which case the officer will advance to the next Step on their next anniversary date.
• Entry-Level starting pay annual rate: $80,472 based on a 40-hour work week. 

Equal Opportunity Employer