Police Sergeant

Job Description - POLICE SERGEANT )

Job Description

POLICE SERGEANT

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

536 N. Harlem

Posted:
Aug 17, 2026, 3:29:05 PM

Closing Date:
Sep 17, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

Posting Salary : $81,211.90 / Annually

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is a mission-driven organization, protecting and preserving diverse habitats across Cook County so that residents today and for generations to come can enjoy the many benefits and amenities available in nature. Under the general direction of the Command Staff, the Police Sergeant performs supervisory functions as a first line supervisor. Provides guidance to patrol officers, observes patrol officers’ response to calls for police service, routinely meets with patrol officers in the field to provide leadership and feedback.

Creates and maintains an environment in which laws, rules and regulations are enforced in a friendly, consistent, and assured manner. Utilizes available resources to ensure the safety and security of visitors, employees, and staff of the District at all times. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Supervises, evaluates, and provides guidance to sworn and non-sworn Department personnel on an assigned shift.
• Reviews essential information and provides training and briefing sessions on special tasks or assignments during roll calls.
• Inspects Department personnel, equipment and vehicles for appearance, readiness, and preparation for duty.
• Supervises and participates in all normal shift duties as assigned, including enforcement of local, state, and federal laws, issuing citations, making arrests, transporting offenders, and conducting crash scenes and preliminary criminal investigations.
• Responds to major crimes, crash scenes and emergencies; assumes initial on-scene command and acts as Incident Commander until relieved by a higher-ranking person who assumes command.
• Analyzes reports prepared and submitted by Department personnel for accuracy, completeness, essential elements, fundamental soundness, and substantiation of action taken.
• Provides administrative support to management staff; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence as required or requested.
• Creates and maintains an environment in which people are safe, where laws, rules, and regulations are enforced in a friendly and consistent manner and that ensures their security and well-being.
• Manages Department personnel assigned to a shift to assure pro-active police services as required and needed.
• Utilizes available resources to ensure the safety and security of visitors, employees, staff, and District property and facilities at all times, including during a serious incident or catastrophic event.
• Ensures the consistent application of Department policy and procedure by subordinate personnel on an assigned shift.
• Addresses personnel administrative matters involving personnel actions, including the evaluation, training, and investigation of employees in the Department.
• Implements emergency response and mutual aid plans.
• Serves with enthusiasm and passion for nature, conservation and outdoor activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned under the direction of the Deputy Commander.

Internal candidates must possess at least 3 years of full-time work experience as a sworn Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB)-certified law enforcement officer.

External candidates must possess at least six (6) years of full-time work experience as a sworn Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB)-certified law enforcement officer; OR 3 years of full-time work experience as an ILETSB-certified Sergeant or higher rank at any local, county, or State of Illinois police agency OR at least 3 years of full-time work experience as a Military Police Supervisor or equivalent supervisory position in the United States Armed Forces.

Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license at the time of application.

Must possess a valid Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card at…