Police Officer - Entry Level

Overview

The Crystal Lake Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Testing is being conducted to fill current full-time Police Officer vacancies and to establish an Eligibility List for future available positions.

The City of Crystal Lake Police Department is the largest municipal department in McHenry County covering 18 square miles and serving 40,743 residents. The Department is comprised of 77 sworn officers and 14 civilian employees who strive on a daily basis to provide professional, courteous and uncompromised service to the community. The Department is a CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.)

accredited agency and is committed to providing the highest level of police services to the people who visit, live, and work in the City of Crystal Lake.

Salary Range: Effective May 1, 2026: $80,828 - $124,529 (7 steps)

City of Crystal Lake Employment Final date to receive applications: Monday, March 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST

There is NO application fee.

To apply, click the green button in the top right corner.

Written Exam

There are two written examination dates.
Please attend only one, choose preferred date on application
.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM

POWER Test: Must be dated between 3/30/25-3/30/26

POWER testing dates fill up fast, so do not delay scheduling your POWER test.

Information regarding the POWER test can be obtained by visiting one of the following:

• McHenry County College (3/21/2026) 3/21/2026: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
• Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA) (2/4/26 and 3/4/26): -POWER
• Joliet Junior College (multiple dates): http://-testing

Documents to upload to your application:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Birth Certification, U.S. Passport, Naturalization Certificate) or Employment Authorization Document that contains a photo
• Valid driver's license
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• POWER Test Card dated between 3/30/25-3/30/26 (can be provided to Human Resources prior to the written exam if not available to upload at the time of your application)

Questions:

Contact Julie Meyer, Director of Human Resources
jmeyer

All portions of the testing process are mandatory. Failure to attend and complete any portion of the process will result in elimination from employment consideration.

• A legal citizen of the United States, or individual legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, subject to all requirements and limitations of other applicants and the authorization under federal law to obtain, carry, purchase and possess a firearm.
• No Felony Convictions
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Valid Driver’s License
• Applicant must be 20 years of age at time of Final date to receive applications, and UNDER 35 years of age at time of Final date to receive applications, except as otherwise determined by State Statute. Applicants who are age 20 are required to be age 21 by date of hire or age 21 at time of graduation from the police academy if they have two years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university.
• Must possess a current and valid POWER Test card issued within 12 months PRIOR to the written exam date (cards considered valid only if issued between 3/30/25 – 3/30/26).
• Information regarding the POWER test can be obtained by visiting one of the following:
  McHenry County College (3/21/2026) http:///
• Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA) (2/4/26 and 3/4/26) -POWER
• Joliet Junior College (multiple dates) http://-testing
• Meet Visual Acuity Standard of correctable to 20/20 and shall not be color blind.
• Residency within 40 nautical miles of the Municipal Complex upon completion of probationary period.

All portions of the testing process are mandatory. Failure to attend and complete any portion of the process will result in elimination from employment consideration.

The Crystal Lake Police Department accepts for employment and promotes its employees without regard to race, age, sex, color, religion, political preference, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, order of protection status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military (except dishonorable), work authorization status, or family responsibilities or other protected status under applicable law.

The Crystal Lake Police Department bases its hiring practices and promotions on merit, experience, education and other qualifications applied to all applicants and in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity and as required by any other applicable federal, state, or local law. The Crystal Lake Police Department complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).…