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Career Opportunities
Contact a Recruiter
Do you have questions or want to learn more about joining the Peoria Police Department? Whether you want to learn about the application process, the qualifications for the job, or what it’s like to be a police officer, our recruitment team is here to help.
Choose one of several easy ways to get in touch:
Fill out the online recruitment form for a recruiter to get back to you or Scan QR Code to PPD Recruitment Team (fastest)
Email the recruiting department.
Text words "JoinPPD" to 309-326-7112
- Officer Christopher Collins (309) 573-7830
- Officer Ciara Baker (309) 573-6274
- Application: All candidates must submit a job application to the City of Peoria; be sure to submit the correct application. Apply for entry-level. Application website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/peoria/jobs/4508737/police-recruit-examination-cycle-january-2025
- Written Exam: All candidates must complete a written exam administered virtually or in person through the National Testing Network. There is no cost to applicants who reside in one of Peoria’s residential zip codes. NTN website: nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm
- Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test. You must complete the Public Safety Self-Assessment.
- Review all the City of Peoria information, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.
- Review detailed information about the testing process.
- Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).
- Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Peoria. Candidates who pass the entry-level exam will be placed on the City of Peoria's eligibility list. The City of Peoria will contact candidates on the list and invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.
- The following week, candidates who pass the written examination will be emailed their scores. You will need to schedule your POWER Test.
- Physical Test: Complete and pass the POWER Test held at a location designated by the Police Department
- In-person Interviews with Police Personnel and a Panel of Fire/Police Commissioners
- Background Investigation: Once candidates have completed the testing process, PPD will conduct a thorough background investigation.
- Evaluations: All candidates must complete a medical evaluation, a psychological evaluation, and a polygraph exam. Applicants must meet minimum standards for vision and hearing. Applicants who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses must meet minimum visual acuity standards. Vision with corrective lenses should not be less than 20/20 in the better eye, 20/40 in the worst eye, and 20/20 with both eyes open. Uncorrected vision is 20/40 and should not be 20/200 or worse with either eye.
- Employment Offer: Candidates who successfully completed pre-employment hiring may receive an offer of employment after completing and passing all the above steps, depending on the candidate’s scores, results, and application.
- Recruit Officers report to the Police Training Institute (PTI)
Age: Must be 21 years of age by the date of the last written exam (01/18/2025), or 20 years of age for applicants who have successfully completed 2 years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university. By State Statute, you cannot have attained age 35 when the application is submitted. (Exceptions made for individuals with prior municipal police experience).
Education: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent is the minimum to apply; applicants with an associate degree or credit hours towards a bachelor’s degree are a plus.
Military: A Veteran shall be allowed to exceed the maximum age provision by the number of years served on active military duty but by no more than 10 years of active military duty. (45 years old) You will need to submit a Form DD214.
Citizenship: Hold United States citizenship or have legal permanent residency in the U.S.
Driver's License: Must possess a valid driver's license.
Record: Must agree to be fingerprinted and found not to have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors as listed in Illinois State Statutes.
During Police Academy training, earn $70,000.00 annually
Following Academy training, earn $75,000.00 annually
Excellent medical, dental and vision plans
Paid holidays, personal days, stress days, sick days, and vacation days
Retirement benefits including pension plan and deferred compensation
Tuition Reimbursement Program: Available on a class-by-class basis, paid in full by the department.
Yearly equipment allotment provided through GALLS.
The Peoria Police Department online applications for May 2026 is now open. The following information is for candidates with completed and returned applications for the January 30, 2026 deadline.
Orientation & Interview Prep (Not Mandatory):
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (4 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
Saturday, February 7, 2026 (9 a.m. - 11 a.m.)
Sessions will meet at the Peoria Police Department, 600 SW Adams Street – Community Training Room.
In-person Written Examinations (You must register with the National Testing Network (NTN) to take the exam)
Located at Peoria Police Department, 600 SW Adams Street, the test begins promptly at start time; arrive early.
- Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 8:00 AM
- Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM
- Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 8:00 AM
POWER Test
Thursday, February 12, 2026 - 2:00 p.m.
Police Department, 600 SW Adams Street, Peoria, IL 61602
Saturday, February 14, 2026 - 2:00 p.m.
Police Department, 600 SW Adams Street, Peoria, IL 61602
Mock Interview - Must register the week of February 9th, contact Debra Bush at 309-494-8578
It's not mandatory, but it would be a great opportunity to practice your interviewing skills.
- Monday, February 16, 2026
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Peoria Park District Noble Center, 1125 West Lake Ave, Peoria, IL | Time 5 - 8 p.m.
Swearing in Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on Monday, April 27, 2026
Police Training Institute
Recruit Officers will report to the Police Training Institute (PTI) on Sunday, May 3, 2026