A Guide to Becoming a Police Officer in Chicago

A Chicago police officer holding his radio.

With a department featuring a diverse collection of police officers from a variety of backgrounds, the Chicago police department is a strong career opportunity for those looking to make a real difference in their communities while at the same time providing them and their families with great benefits and a competitive Chicago police salary. But where does one start? 

Minimum Qualifications for Becoming a Chicago Police Officer

Before making a difference in your community, it’s important to know how to become a police officer in Illinois and have a resume that will help advance your career inside of the police force. 

    • Applicants must be 21 years of age, but can apply when they are 20, and cannot apply over the age of 40.
  • Police officer candidates must have at least 60 semester hours from an accredited higher education institution with documentation to prove it. 

OR

  • Have spent 24 months in active duty and received an Honorable Discharge.

OR

  • Served 1 year in active duty and has 30 semester hours at a university.

OR

  • Spent two years of full-time employment as a peace officer

There are a few more qualifications for Chicago police candidates, but for most individuals, the quickest (and best) option to satisfy the requirements for the Chicago Police Department is to receive an Associate in Criminal Justice. 

The Benefits of Studying Criminal Justice as a Police Officer Candidate  

The Proper Skills of a Police Office 

Chicago police recruitment is about making sure to find the right candidate for what many would find to be a difficult but rewarding career, and studying criminal justice beforehand gives you a huge leg up before enrolling in proper police training. During your time in the criminal justice program, you’ll learn about criminology, forensic science, court systems, and much more, all of which are closely related to the aspects of a Chicago police officer’s day-to-day routine. 

More Opportunities for Career Advancement 

A Chicago police department’s hiring process, especially when it comes to promotions, is about assessing each candidate to see if they qualified for more advanced positions, and an academic background focusing on criminal justice is an impressive factor for higher-ups in the police department. This informs them that you are serious, not just about getting a job after college, but about having a broader perspective on criminology and community engagement. 

Maximizing Your Time

On average, an associate’s degree takes about two years to complete, making it the perfect option for those who want to jump-start their career right out of high school. By graduating from school around 18, and then finishing your degree around the age of twenty, someone interested in becoming a Chicago police officer would be able to graduate and start their application process to the CPD in the same year. 

How to Study for the Chicago Police Officer Examination (CPOE)

After receiving your Associate’s degree in criminal justice, the next step is to pass the written exam on your way to becoming a Chicago police officer. The CPOE is a series of multiple-choice questions that test your cognitive ability as a potential officer of the law. These questions include topics such as verbal comprehension, selective attention, and visualization, all of which are derived from logical reasoning, along with proper reading comprehension. The best way to feel confident and comfortable is by taking a look at the Chicago Police Officer Exam Guide. This in-depth prep booklet includes both tips and examples of actual questions you could receive on the CPOE, giving you all the practice you could need to be confidence before taking the exam for the first time. 

How to Prepare for the Police Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER)

After passing the CPOE, you now need to take the wellness evaluation report. This is to determine during the Chicago police recruitment process that you are physically fit enough to work as a police officer. This includes being able to run 1.5 miles, perform mobility tests, do a 1 rep max bench press, and do sit-ups for an entire minute. The POWER test chart from 2023 can be a great referral, as you can see the benchmark and where your physical prowess compares on the scale. Once this is complete and you take a psychological screening, congratulations! You are now a police officer in the city of Chicago. 

Chicago Illinois Police Department Salary 

As reported by ZipRecruiter, the average salary of an entry-level police officer is $65,245. Nationwide, on average, a police officer makes $62,148. The benefits of being a police officer in a city like Chicago, include quality family-wide health insurance, a pension plan, and deferred compensation.

Starting your Career in Law Enforcement 

Regardless if you are a high school graduate or an adult learner looking to change your career, it starts with a two-year degree in criminal justice. At SAC, a school designed for Hispanic learners, adults looking to transition careers, and other candidates looking for upward mobility, you have the freedom and flexibility to make money in your career while receiving a proper education with online classes, accommodating professors, and an administration that works for you and your family’s future. Want to learn more? Contact us here for more.