Lateral Police Officer

• Position Type:
  Police / Lateral Police Office
• Date Posted: 12/18/2025
• Location:
  
  Police Department
• Closing Date: 1/18/2026

A Police Officer is under general direct supervision of the Police Sergeant and Police Commander. The officer enforces all laws and ordinances, protects life and property, maintains peace and order within the City of Evanston, and provides any service necessary for the department's mission.

• Maintains all working relationships and activities according to the philosophy of the police department.
• Proactively identifies potential police hazards and problems and uses problem‑solving techniques to correct them.
• Focuses upon citizen satisfaction in all dealings with the public.
• Maintains regular contact with business and citizen groups within the assigned beat to enhance communication.
• Participates in activities under the direction of the Police Sergeant or designee.
• Targets proactive enforcement of traffic law violations to increase citizen satisfaction and reduce traffic infractions.
• Obeys all lawful orders of superiors.
• Reports for duty at the specified time and remains on duty until relieved.
• Attends and testifies at court as required.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of federal, state, local laws, statutes, and ordinances.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of judicial case law in self‑incrimination, right to counsel, arrest, search and seizure, interrogation, evidence preservation.
• Maintains knowledge of department policies, rules, and reference materials.
• Maintains physical condition and weight in accordance with department rules.
• Maintains uniform and personal appearance to enhance public image.
• Prepares and submits required reports promptly.
• Reviews daily bulletin, crime analysis, and traffic data for timely awareness.
• Attends training courses assigned by the Chief of Police.
• Uses proper radio procedures, maintains discipline, and responds promptly.
• Observes safety standards when using vehicles and equipment.
• Operates police vehicles within assigned area to deter and detect crime.
• Investigates suspicious persons and determines activity.
• Remains alert to citizen emergency needs and takes appropriate action.
• Fosters positive relationships with residents and merchants.
• Issues citations for violations of the Vehicle Code and local ordinances.
• Issues parking citations for violations.
• Directs vehicular traffic as required.
• Assists disabled motorists to facilitate traffic flow.
• Identifies and arrests I‑U‑O drivers.
• Conducts premises examinations of commercial and residential buildings.
• Interviews and interrogates suspects to obtain information or confessions.
• Searches individuals and property before custody.
• Incarcerates arrested persons pending investigation.
• Intervenes in domestic disturbances using appropriate techniques.
• Disperses unruly gatherings to restore order.
• Counsels juveniles and adults and refers them for assistance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED and 60 college credit hours.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Must not possess any felony or misdemeanor convictions (50 ILCS 705/6.1).
• Must possess a valid Illinois Firearm Owner Identification card.
• Must be currently or recently employed as a full‑time sworn law enforcement officer in Illinois and certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
• Must have successfully passed a probationary period for full‑time sworn officer.
• Must be able to carry the department’s approved firearm and complete the field training program.
• Preferred qualifications:
  
  residency in Evanston, IL and/or one year of active‑duty military service with honorable discharge.

• Read manuals, journals, department SOPs, and reports.
• Prepare work assignments, summaries, reports with correct punctuation, grammar, and style.
• Give verbal direction to subordinates.
• Listen and understand resident needs, responding timely with information.
• Take action to achieve goals without constant supervision.
• Maintain high productivity during sustained work hours.
• Remain effective under pressure and relieve stress acceptably.
• Present…