Be the force.

Be The Badge

of courage.

Immediate Openings for Experienced Police Officers

Lateral Hire Application

$5,000 Signing Bonus

For Experienced Lateral Hires

$71,971

4+ Years Experience Starting Salary

$68,567

2-4 Years Experience Starting Salary

** additional increases based on educational level

*** additional increases based on longevity bonuses of 5% up to 22% based upon years of service (first longevity bonus realized at an officer’s 4th year)

**** ample overtime opportunities

“ The Mission of the Centralia Police Department is to work in partnership with our community to preserve safety, maintain human rights, protect property and improve the quality of life by providing excellent police service to all in a fair, sensitive and professional manner.”

“The Centralia Police Department has embarked on historic changes which will transform our policing methods and outreach to the community. This agency is dedicated to supporting our officers, proactively enforcing the law and building strong partnerships with our community. We welcome you to challenge yourself, join our team and make a difference. “

– Chief Locke

Why Us?

We are the right size, the right fit and the right place to start a career or make the right move up the ladder. We have 26 commissioned police officers & 8 civilian support staff.

New police recruits receive 560 hours of basic law enforcement training mandated by the State of Illinois followed by a department 12-week field training program.

Competitive salary and benefit package
Officers have various opportunities to earn overtime and special assignment pay
50 mile residency requirement
Medical insurance is provided for officers at approximately $65.00 per month cost plus pension.
12 Paid Holidays per year
Competitive promotional examinations are offered every 3 years by the Board of Police & Fire Commissioners for the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant.
There is opportunity to become part of Special Task Force Teams including safe streets, investigations, narcotics, K9 & SWAT.

Discover The Centralia Police Department Difference.

Salary & Benefits

2025 SALARY

includes holiday pay and in-service training stipend

Lateral Entry Officer

Hiring Bonus: $5,000
2-4 Years Experience Starting Salary: $68,567
4+ Years Experience Starting Salary: $71,971

New Officer

Starting Salary: $63,670
After 1 Year: $68,567

** additional increases based on educational level

*** additional increases based on longevity bonuses of 5% up to 22% based upon years of service (first longevity bonus realized at an officer’s 4th year)

**** ample overtime opportunities

Benefits

HEALTH INSURANCE

Employee’s Choice of 3 Different Health Plans

PAID TIME OFF

1-5 yrs: 8 hrs a month
6-10 yrs: 10 hrs a month
11-15 yrs: 12 hrs a month
16-20 yrs: 14 hrs a month
21-25 yrs: 16 hrs a month
25+ yrs: 18 hrs a month

LIFE INSURANCE

$10,000 Term Life Provided

PENSION

20 Years of Service – Age 50 = 50% Salary
30 Years of Service = 75% of Salary
Tier 2 – Age 55 & 20 Years of Service = 50% Salary

Please Note: Sworn Officers DO NOT contribute to the Social Security Program

SICK LEAVE

8 hrs a month

COMP TIME

Up to 80 hours

UNIFORMS

Provide upon Hire
$800/year maintenance allowance

HOLIDAYS

12 Paid Holidays/year

SCHEDULE

12 Hour Shifts
Every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday off

PERSONAL DAYS

4 Per Year

SPECIALIZATIONS

Internet Crimes Against Children
Investigations Unit
Child Death Task Force
Firearm Instructor
ILEAS Members
Bicycle Unit
ILEAS Mobile Field Force
High Risk Entry Team
K9 Officer
Field Training Officers
School Resource Officer
Federal Gang/Crime Task Force
Juvenile/Housing Officer

Lateral Hire Process.

Officers with 2 years of experience may apply and participate in our accelerated entry process. Experienced officers transferring to CPD are not required to take the entry level test or the physical agility test. Orientation for experienced officers is optional.

Call Lt. Steve Whritenour today to learn more. 618.533.7607

Not an Officer Yet?

Next Testing Date

January 2025



Become A Cop

Don’t have any law enforcement experience?
That’s okay! Apply Now!



Military

Are you a military veteran who is interested in law enforcement? You are just what we are looking for. Apply Now!

What You Need.

To participate in the entry level selection process for the position of police officer, a candidate must possess the requirements of the Illinois Statutes and the following requirements:

U.S. citizen or an alien admitted for permanent residency or authorized to work in the U.S.
Be between the ages of 21 and 35.
High School Diploma
Individuals who are currently certified as police officers with a municipal, county, state or federal agency and have a minimum of two years experience can apply that experience in lieu of the college degree/credit requirement.
Possess or able to obtain a valid Illinois drivers license
Able to meet the requirements of Centralia Police Officer job description.

Exceptions:

Candidates who are over 35 years of age, and have any amount of full time law enforcement experience with a municipality in any state, are eligible.
Candidates who have Illinois Sheriff Deputy and/or State of Illinois Police patrol experience are eligible up to the age of 40
Candidates who are 20 years of age and have successfully completed 2 years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university, are eligible.
A military veteran shall be allowed to exceed age 35 by the number of years served in active military duty, up to 10 years.

The Process.

TESTING: Each applicant must pass a series of exams. Testing includes entry level testing process, mandatory orientation, application form, physical agility test, and written examination. The written examination scores of qualified candidates are forwarded to the Centralia Board of Police & Fire Commissioners.

Further participation in the selection process will take place as vacancies occur. Candidates will be invited, in rank order to participate in and successfully advance through the following steps:

Background investigation including personal, financial, business, employment references, and criminal history
Polygraph examination
Oral interview with the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners
Conditional offer of employment; conditional on the successful passage of:
1. psychologial evaluation
2. medical examination
3. urinalysis drug screen

Following appointment, a new police officer is required to satisfy certain other requirements during the first 18 months of employment including attending the Police Academy.

Call Lt. Steve Whritenour today to find out when our next test is taking place. 618.533.7607