Lateral Transfer Candidates

Find challenge and rewards in Park Forest

The Village of Park Forest is regarded as a regional leader in policing. Join a modern, community-oriented police department, and bring your experience with you. Park Forest Police officers enjoy opportunities for advancement and specialization. The lateral transfer program allows applicants to accelerate up the pay scale quickly. Take advantage of an excellent benefits package, including Illinois' pension system.

Accelerated salary schedule

Out-of-state certified police officers with full-time experience above will start at the contract probationary salary of $69,740, but upon successful completion of the State of Illinois certification process, their salary will be raised to the step equivalent to their experience:  

  • 12 months full-time experience – Step B: $75,382
  • 24 months full-time experience – Step C: $81,777
  • 36 months of full-time experience – Step D: $86,654
  • 48 months of full-time experience – Step E: $93,048
  • 60 months or more of full-time experience – Step F: $98,762

Excellent benefits 

The Village of Park Forest provides the following benefits to its officers:Bike Raffle

  • Illinois’ pension plan
  • An additional, optional deferred compensation retirement savings plan
  • Village paid life insurance equal to one year salary 
  • Medical and dental insurance, with either 75% or 80% of the cost paid for by the Village
  • Tuition assistance is available
  • Ability to accrue compensatory time in lieu of overtime in most situations at their discretion 
  • Patrol officers work 12-hour shifts, providing ample days off of work

Grow in your career

Officers who excel at patrol work may be qualified for assignments in the Investigations Division, South Suburban Emergency Response Team, the ILEAS Mobile Field Force, South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, South Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team, South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, K9 team, and a variety of task forces. 

Learn more and apply now

Learn more about the Park Forest Police Department's current recruitment process for new and lateral officers and apply online by Oct. 19 by clicking here.