Lateral Police Officer Opportunity

The Palatine Police Department is seeking certified police officers who are currently working for another agency who may be interested in a lateral transfer to Palatine.  This opportunity is open-ended, and interested parties should contact Kasia Cordell for more information.  Kasia can be reached at kcordell@palatine.il.us or 847-359-9010.

Lateral entry candidates do not need to follow the same recruitment process as entry-level candidates.  This includes waiving the written exam and physical ability test (POWER exam).  Candidates will initially be screened with the department administration.  Advancement through the process will include a formal interview with the Village of Palatine Board of Fire & Police Commissioners followed by a polygraph and background investigation.

Successful passage of these steps will place the candidate's name on an eligibility list, from which the Chief of Police may extend a conditional offer of employment.  The lateral eligibility list runs concurrent with the entry-level list, and the Chief of Police may select a lateral candidate at any time.  Starting salary is flexible and at the discretion of the Chief of Police, depending on experience.

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To qualify for lateral entry, the following qualifications must be met:

1.  Currently must be a certified Police Officer

2.  Must have a minimum of 2 years of continuous service as a police officer

3.  Education:  Bachelor's Degree from accredited 4-year college

4.  Vision 20-40 both eyes corrected/uncorrected

5.  Have no tattoos visible wearing a long-sleeve shirt (none below wrists or above neckline)


Candidates must be certified as a police officer through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, or if from another state, be eligible to obtain a waiver from ILETSB.

Palatine Police Recruitment Video: