Northern Illinois University
Department of Police and Public Safety

First-time Applicants

The NIU Police Department conducts open testing for original entry officers multiple times a year. Interested persons, wanting to start a career in law enforcement can monitor the university's employment website or email Commander Larry Ellington at lellington@niu.edu to be directly notified when the full hiring process is started.

Current Rate

• Entry level: $76,440 ($35 hourly)

Interested candidates must successfully complete the Human Resources hiring process, including a fitness test, background investigation, psychological exam and medical examination.

Candidates can also opt to present a P.O.W.E.R. Test card from an ILETSB-approved entity such as NIPSTA, Triton College, Joliet Junior College, Southwestern Illinois College, etc., in lieu of taking a fitness test during the Human Resources hiring process.

Certified Eligible Lateral Police Officer Transfers

Minimum Qualifications

All lateral transfer entry process candidates must provide documentation to show that they are currently or recently employed within the past 12 months as a full-time certified peace officer in the State of Illinois. Applicants must show they have been employed by the State of Illinois law enforcement agency as a full-time police officer for at least two years. Applicants must provide documentation that they have fulfilled the requirements of the Illinois Police Training Act.

Current Rates

• Two years experience: $77,968.80 ($35.70 hourly)
• Five years experience: $100,376.64 ($45.96 hourly)

These are the only two steps available, based on the current officer's contract.

Years of experience only apply to rates of pay. Lateral transfers will be considered entry-level employees for purposes of seniority.

The application link below should only be accessed if you have already been certified as a police officer.

Apply Today

Current Certified Eligible Transfer Status

The current list is open and will expire on July 1, 2024.

If an opening in the department occurs, and it is decided a certified eligible transfer candidate will be selected, the individual from this pool of candidates will be selected based on the current needs.