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Police Recruitment
Whether you are currently a police officer or interested in pursuing a law enforcement career, Edwardsville is a vibrant, growing City to serve. Our public safety team is committed to providing highly skilled, compassionate service and care to our community. We offer ample opportunities for collaboration with those who live, work and visit Edwardsville, and are proud to do our part in building a welcoming, safe community. Follow the Edwardsville Police Department on our Facebook page for the latest information on recruitment and job availability.
The City of Edwardsville is recruiting for entry-level applicants and lateral transfers:
- ENTRY LEVEL: There is currently no test scheduled for entry level applicants. To keep informed, please complete the police candidate interest form at the bottom of the page.
- LATERAL TRANSFER: Apply to be a Lateral Police Officer.
Check the requirements (below) for those currently employed as an officer or those interested in pursuing a law enforcement career to make sure you qualify before you apply. Explore our Employment Opportunities page for all current job openings.
Lateral Police Officer Requirements
For current Illinois police officers:
- Currently employed certified Illinois police officer
- Associate's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice or a bachelor's degree in any field
- Completed minimum standard basic law enforcement training course
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have a valid driver's license
For current out-of-state police officers:
- Currently employed out-of-state police officer
- Must have attended basic law enforcement academy
- Must have been employed at least one year after certification
- Associate's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice or a bachelor's degree in any field
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have a valid driver's license
Lateral Police Officer Benefits
- Accelerated starting salary: $90,941
- 36 hours of vacation at time of hire
- Uniforms and equipment provided
- 12-hour shifts
- Vacation days, sick leave, personal leave, comp time
- 12 holidays (paid or comp time)
- Downstate pension/degree stipends
- Employee medical/dental/vision paid 100%
Learn more and submit an application to be a lateral police officer.
New Police Officer Requirements
- Associate degree in law enforcement or criminal justice or a bachelor's degree in any field
- Must be 21-35 years of age
- Ability to pass a POWER test
- Must have a valid driver's license
- Passing score on mandatory written test also required (to be considered for application process)
New Police Officer Benefits
- Starting salary: $81,834
- Second year salary: $90,941
- Uniforms and equipment provided
- Vacation days, sick leave, personal leave, comp time
- 12 holidays (paid or comp time)
- 12-hour shifts
- Downstate pension
- Degree stipends, longevity pay
- Employee medical/dental/vision paid 100%
TEST DETAILS: 8 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Public Safety Building, 333 S. Main Street
TEST REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 4 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026
Register for the written test (required of all probationary police officer candidates)
View a printable PDF for entry-level police officers.
View a printable PDF on the entry-level testing process.
Department Organization
The Edwardsville Police Department is organized under the laws of the State of Illinois and the City of Edwardsville. Commissioned personnel are hired through the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Sergeants and patrol officers of the Edwardsville Police Department are members of and represented by the Fraternal Order of Police.
Testing
The Edwardsville Police Department periodically conducts examinations for new law and lateral transfer enforcement applicants who are subsequently placed on a roster in their relative order of excellence. When a vacancy is created the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners appoints the necessary personnel. Testing dates will be posted on the city website and Facebook pages when available.
Testing Practice
Applicants may purchase the “Police Aptitude and Character Test, PACT Candidate Orientation Guide” by clicking the following link: https://www.fpsi.com/police-sheriff-applicants/
The PACT Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam and can be downloaded instantly as a PDF file and saved or printed (a download link also will be sent to the email address you provide; please verify that your email address is correct at checkout). Two different versions are offered. Payment options include Venmo, PayPal, or credit/debit card.
Instructions to save PDF on mobile device:
- iPhone: Tap the download link, then tap “Share” and choose “Save to Files” to save the PDF to your device.
- Android: Tap the download link and select “Download” (if prompted); the PDF will save automatically to your downloads folder.
POWER Testing
All candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide a valid POWER test certification card. It is your responsibility to schedule and complete the POWER testing examination. Candidates may take the POWER Test at their own expense by going to the SWIC website.
Residency
By the end of probation, Edwardsville Police Officers must live within Illinois and no more than 25 miles from the Public Safety Building located at 333 S. Main St, Edwardsville IL.
More Information
The City of Edwardsville appreciates your interest in joining our public safety team. If you have questions about the Edwardsville Police Department hiring process, please call Chief Michael Fillback or Major Mike Lybarger at 618-656-2131.
Police Candidate Interest Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a residency requirement?
Yes, by the end of probation, Edwardsville Police Officers must live within Illinois and no more than 25 miles from the Public Safety Building located at 333 S. Main St, Edwardsville IL.
Do I need a degree or education?
Yes, new and lateral transfer police officers must have an associate degree in law enforcement or criminal justice or a bachelor's degree in any field. The Board of Fire and Police do NOT accept work experience or military service as a replacement for the degree requirement.
What is the POWER test?
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, in recognizing the importance of physical fitness status for academy performance (and eventual job performance), has established the Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER) test for entering any of the Illinois certified police academies. You should familiarize yourself with and prepare for the POWER test. If the applicant does not meet all the standards, the recruit will NOT be allowed to enter the academy. More information on test requirements and test dates can be located on the SWIC website.
Is there an age requirement?
Application may be submitted at 20 years of age, however applicants must be 21 years of age or older at the time of job offer. If 35 years of age or older at the time application is filed, you must have prior full-time employment with a police department, information regarding your time served as an auxiliary police officer, or military service. (State Requirement 65 ILCS 5/Illinois Municipal Code)