Police Officer - Lateral Transfer

City of Sycamore

Contact Information

Address:

Website:

• www.cityofsycamore.com

Phone:

• 815-899-1564

Email:

• kgriffey@cityofsycamore.com

Application Deadline:

• 01/18/26

Salary:

• Starting: $81,548 - $106,405 (January 1, 2026)

  The starting salary for a lateral hire is based on years of qualified experience. Lateral candidates can start at up to Step 5 of a 7 Step Wage Schedule. Officers move to the next step every January 1.

  Benefit Information:

  • Start with 144 hours of vacation time – maximum vacation time is 360 hours
  • 108 hours of paid holiday time
  • 9 Sick leave days per year
  • 12-hour patrol shifts with every other weekend off on a 3-day weekend
  • Excellent Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
  • Career Service Bonus ($300-$1,800)
  • Education Incentives ($1,200-$2,400)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Deferred Compensation Plans available
  • Downstate Police Pension Fund/401a Plan
  • Firearm, Ballistic vest, and all uniforms provided
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement with FOP

Sworn:

• 34

Population:

• 18,913

Position Details

The City of Sycamore is seeking applications from experienced police officers to fill at least one vacancy in January 2026.

The Sycamore Police Department receives tremendous support from our residents, the City Council, and the City Administration. We enjoy excellent relationships with all area law enforcement partners and the State’s Attorney’s Office. Professional experienced police officers looking to work in team environment, with excellent equipment, many training opportunities, and welcomed by our citizens are encouraged to apply or contact us regarding current opportunities!

Department Contact:

Kate Griffey

Kgriffey@cityofsycamore.com

Department Overview:

The Sycamore Police Department consists of 34 sworn officers from two divisions, Operations and Support Services. Authorized staffing includes: a Chief of Police, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 7 sergeants, 18 patrol officers on 12-hour shifts, 2 detectives, and 2 School Resource Officers. In 2022, Sycamore PD logged 24,234 incidents including 8,329 calls for service. The Sycamore Police Department is an accredited agency that strives to employ quality people to provide professional policing to a supportive community. We are looking for individuals with a strong work ethic who are committed to a community-oriented approach to policing.

City Information:

The City of Sycamore is located 60 miles west of Chicago and 30 miles southeast of Rockford. The City encompasses approximately 10 square miles and is the county seat of DeKalb County. Sycamore has a vibrant downtown business district, a stretch of historic homes, and continued growth in housing starts. Sycamore hosts over 25 special events including an annual car show, street dances, food festivals, and PumpkinFest which draws thousands during a weeklong festival culminating in a 10K run and parade.

Job Requirements:

• Must have successfully completed the Illinois Basic Law Enforcement Academy and possess certification or be qualified for certification from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
• Individuals must be at least 21 years of age. 
• Applicants must be a US citizen.
• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Must be able to read and speak English.
• Applicant must be in good standing with his/her most recent law enforcement agency.
• Must have no felony convictions and be of good moral character.
• Must have two (2) years as a full-time certified Illinois law enforcement officer and have been employed as a certified full-time officer in the last twelve (12) months.

Hiring Process:

• Application through the City of Sycamore
• Polygraph
• Background investigation
• Oral examination
• Medical exam
• Drug screening
• Psychological examination 

Certified Police Officers are not required to test and may apply directly at:

https://cityofsycamore.com/Jobs.aspx

Application must be submitted no later than January 18, 2026.

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