Apply to be a police officer

Serve your community as an Effingham police officer. We offer a state-of-the-art facility and generous benefits package.

Important dates

• Application due October 3, 2025 by 11 a.m.
• Orientation and eligibility testing is October 10, 8 a.m.
• Interviews on October 21 (tentative, date may change)

Eligibility

• At least 21 and under 35 years old (unless exempt)
• Valid driver’s license
• High school diploma or GED

Include copies of these documents with your application:

• Social security card
• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• College or university degrees (if applicable)
• Military service record and discharge papers (if you served)
• POWER (Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report) certificate (if you have this)

You can upload these electronically if you apply online.

If your application is not complete, you cannot participate in the testing process.

POWER certificate

If you have a valid Illinois POWER certificate, you are not required to participate in physical fitness testing.

If you do not have a valid POWER certificate, you are required to complete and successfully pass the Illinois POWER test during the testing process.

1. Gather required application documents.

When you apply, you need to upload several documents. You cannot submit your application without them. Gather these documents before you start the application.

2. Submit your application.

Online

The easiest way to apply is the online police officer job application form. You can upload required documents and sign the various required agreements in the online form.

In-person

If you prefer, you can download a PDF version of the police officer job application to print. At the bottom of this page you'll find a checklist and all the required application documents. Turn your application in by the deadline with all the required documents, to Jane Kemper, Secretary to the Board on the second floor at City Hall, 201 East Jefferson Ave, Effingham, IL.

3. Provide follow-up documents.

After you submit your application you will receive an email confirmation. This will include a link to a supplemental document upload form. Use this form to upload these documents by the date of orientation or bring them with you to orientation. The reimbursement agreement requires a notary signature. We will have a notary at orientation if you need one.

• Reimbursement agreement for hiring, training, and uniform expenses
• If your POWER certificate is older than 365 days from the testing date:
  • Physical ability test release of liability form
  • Physician's certification of physical fitness

If your application is complete and you have provided the required documents, you will be invited to the orientation and testing.

Orientation and testing

The mandatory orientation starts promptly:

• 8 a.m.
• October 10
• Training Room at Effingham Police Department (110 South 3rd Street, Effingham, IL)

Bring a valid photo identification.

Doors open at 7 a.m. and you are not allowed to enter after orientation starts at 8 a.m. We will explain the testing process in detail. We encourage you to bring your spouse or significant other.

The physical ability test starts at 9 a.m. at the outdoor track. If you pass the physical test, then you will take a written test. The top 50 candidates who score at least 75% on the written test will be invited to interview.

Interview

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for October 21. If you qualify, we will provide you with a specific time and location. You cannot request a different date or time.

If you pass the interview, we will put you on the 2-year eligibility list for an entry level police officer position. If an appointment becomes available from the existing eligibility list.