COMMUNITY
INNOVATION OPPORTUNITYTRAINING
The Oswego Police Department is recruiting diverse candidates to strengthen our community.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR POLICE OFFICER TESTING
Join the Oswego Police Department
The Oswego Police Department intends to establish a Police Officer Eligibility List (Register) with candidates interested in growing with our community, who come from diverse backgrounds to strengthen our community-oriented approach to policing, and who are up to the challenge of approaching each day as an opportunity to do things better.
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The Village of Oswego is one of the fastest-growing communities in Illinois. For our officers, that means opportunities for advancement throughout the course of their careers. But more than that, it means the opportunity to innovate. The men and women of the Oswego Police Department are extremely proud to be nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, reflecting the commitment of the Department and our officers to constantly improve the quality of service we provide to our residents.
Download the position advertisement, with a full list of qualifications and application instructions here.
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Ready to apply? Complete the online application.
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If you are on one of the Oswego Police Department's current lists and have a follow-up question, please contact Executive Assistant Denise Lawrence at 630-551-7326 or use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
BENEFITS
SALARY
The starting salary as of January 1, 2026 is $82,687.50. Those meeting lateral qualifications could start anywhere from $93,075.06 to $124,237.73, depending on years of experience.
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BENEFITS
Excellent medical (BCBS PPO or HMO), dental, vision and life insurance benefits. Optional benefits are available, including 457(b) plans, Aflac, and more.
PAID TIME-OFF
The benefits package includes 13 paid holidays annually (104 hours), plus paid vacation and sick/personal time that starts accruing immediately. Officers work 12-hour shifts with alternating weekends off.
PENSION
Sworn personnel are enrolled in a police pension and 115 Trust program for retirement.
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RECOGNITION
Officers are awarded for both going above and beyond in the field and for innovating in the organization.
WELLNESS
Officers may work out on duty. Private “wellness and education” appointments provided annually.
POLICE GEAR
Uniforms, ballistic vests, boots, duty weapons and equipment are provided by the department.
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY
Completed in 2018, the Oswego Police Headquarters includes a complete training wing with an on-site indoor range, fitness center, mat room and other amenities.
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EXTRAS
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Police officers have opportunities for additional training, specialized assignments, and overtime or compensatory time which is assigned through a fair and equitable manner.
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OPD employees attend more than 8,000 hours of training annually.
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No residency requirement.
MEET OUR OFFICERS
“Crime scene work has always been fascinating to me. I love that we have opportunities to grow as officers, to develop skills and get training that helps the community. If you’re willing to train and put in the work, you can do this job.”​
— Cherese Spears, Detective
Join the Oswego Police Department
QUALIFICATIONS/
REQUIREMENTS
​To qualify, you must comply with the following:
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Must be under 35 years of age, at the time of hire, unless exempt from such age limitation as provided in Section 5/10-2.1-6 of the Fire and Police Commissioners’ Act; and
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Must be at least 21 years of age as of July 26, 2025; and
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Be a U.S. Citizen or will possess U.S. Citizenship by July 26, 2025; and
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Possess valid driver's license, Illinois FOID card, and Social Security number at the time of hire; and
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Possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent by July 26, 2025, and
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MUST HAVE A POWER CARD (NIPSTA, Joliet Junior College, etc.) not older than one year at time of Orientation on July 26, 2025; and
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Pass written examination, oral interview, in-depth background investigation, which includes a polygraph; and
After background approval or conditional job offer, you must comply with the following:
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Pass medical (including drug screen, hearing and eye exam) and psychological examinations
CONTACT
Contact Executive Assistant Denise Lawrence by email with questions.
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Please note: Applications and payments are only accepted online. Follow the instructions above to apply.
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The Oswego Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN WE ARE HAVING OUR NEXT LATERAL POLICE OFFICER TESTING, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Must be with your CURRENT law enforcement agency for a minimum of two years.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for our Police Officer Testing, please click to fill out the online application.
A non-refundable $25 fee is required at the time of submittal. Complete the application and submit payment online by Noon (12:00 p.m.) CST Monday, July 21, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
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The full advertisement, with a list of qualifications/requirements and application instructions, is available here.
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Do not submit anything other than the application and fee. A resume, certificates, transcripts, etc. are NOT needed at this time, but should be immediately available at the request of a background.
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ORIENTATION / TAKE THE EXAM
A mandatory orientation and written examination will be held at the Oswego East High School at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 (there are NO make-up dates for the orientation or written examination). Any information or additional instructions will be emailed in advance. Applicants must bring BOTH a POWER card and a photo ID. The photo ID may be a state ID, driver's license, or passport. At the time of the orientation, no other items, such as a resume, certificates, or transcripts, will be accepted. Those items will be submitted later in the process.
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Dress comfortably for the orientation and written examination.
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The Oswego Police Commission is the authority responsible for hiring new police officers, guided by the appropriate State and local statutes. For more information, visit the Police Commission's website.