New recruits sought for career opportunities with the Edwardsville Police Department

The Edwardsville Police Department is seeking candidates with an interest in law enforcement and a passion for serving their community as part of a spring campaign for new recruits. The opportunity to take the first step in the process to join the City’s Police Department as a new recruit comes up just once every one to two years.

“We’re trying to spread the word as much as possible. We welcome all qualified candidates to explore this career opportunity,” Edwardsville Police Chief Michael Fillback said. “The hope is that we’ll be able to bring aboard recruits who will represent our City, our department and our citizens with the utmost professionalism.”

A written test that is required of anyone new to law enforcement is the first step in the recruitment process. No law enforcement knowledge or experience is necessary for that test, which has been scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Edwardsville Public Safety Building, 333 S. Main Street. Pre-registration for the test is required by 3 p.m. Friday, March 29.

The written test is a standardized third-party comprehension exam that is administered by the City’s Board of Fire & Police Commissioners, which oversees the hiring process for Edwardsville’s Police and Fire Departments. Those who pass the written test are then eligible to be asked to sit for an oral interview. The number of people who will be interviewed is determined by the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners.

In addition to passing the written test, requirements to participate in an oral interview include either an associate’s degree in criminal justice or a bachelor’s degree in any field. Applicants must be between 21 and 35 years old, hold a valid driver’s license and provide proof that within the past 12 months they have passed the Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report, or POWER Test, which is the physical fitness assessment used by Edwardsville and most other Illinois police agencies.

The Board of Fire & Police Commissioners creates an eligibility list for new recruit hiring based on a combination of the interviews and successful completion of other requirements. Preference points also are awarded for those who have military service, are bilingual and/or have earned a bachelor’s degree. The eligibility list is valid for up to two years or until it has been exhausted. Those who are offered a position are provided all training, including enrollment in the 16-week police academy, plus all equipment and uniforms.

Lt. Brandn Whittaker said law enforcement is a career with a lot of potential for personal and professional satisfaction. “It can be very rewarding helping those who need it – whether it’s the victim of a crime or someone whose car has broken down,” he said. “You have an ability to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Those with questions about the department’s career opportunities and recruitment can contact Chief Fillback or Maj. Michael Lybarger at (618) 656-2131. The City of Edwardsville is an equal opportunity employer.

To register for the written test, visit www.cityofedwardsville.com/hr