What to Expect When Working for the Urbana Police Department
The Patrol Division is divided into the Blue and Gold teams. Two Patrol Division lieutenants and four to five sergeants manage each team, which is divided into three 12-hour shifts of days (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), nights (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.), and evenings (3 p.m. to 3 a.m.). One of the best benefits of this schedule is that you are off every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Also, each officer can accumulate comp time, vacation, and personal days. The work hours are long, but the reward is the amount of time off. Police officers in the City of Urbana also enjoy a competitive benefits package and representation through the Fraternal Order of Police.
Hiring Process for the Urbana Police Department
We continuously accept applications for both experienced and entry-level police officers. We offer the entry-level test in Urbana with no testing fee, or you can test at your convenience through the National Testing Network. If you pass the test, you will be placed on the eligibility list. Your eligibility is good for two years from the date you tested, and we will interview the top candidates as positions become available. Ready to start? Get started with the application to join the Urbana Police Department today.
Qualifications to Work For the Urbana Police Department
- Age Requirements: You must be at least 21 years of age and no more than 34 years of age on the exam date, except if you were previously employed as a police officer or have prior military experience. Applicants may exceed the age of 35 years by the number of years served on active military duty, but by no more than 10 years. The age limitation does not apply to candidates with prior law enforcement experience, as detailed in state statute 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6.
- Education Requirements: You must possess a high school diploma or educational equivalent.
- Residence Requirements: If you are hired as a Police Officer, you will be required to live within a 30-mile radius of the city limits of the City of Urbana by the time you complete your probation, which is typically around 12 months. Check to see if you reside within these limits here: Urbana Residency Requirement Map
- Other Requirements:
- Valid driver's license
- Must be a United States citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States
- Must cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others
- Must analyze situations quickly and objectively, and always be ready to take emergency courses of action
- Must develop skill in the use and care of firearms and other equipment used by police
- Must perform multiple tasks within the same period of time
- Must learn and use basic computer operations as it relates to police work
- Must be able to learn the following through training, and then be able to retain and apply this information:
- Ability to learn the geographic area of designated patrol area
- Knowledge of first aid
- Knowledge of controlling laws and ordinances respecting arrest, admissible evidence, and prosecution of persons
- Knowledge of the court system
For more information about the Police Officer application process visit UrbanaCareers.org/police-careers.