Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) — The Springfield Police Department is searching for dedicated individuals to join its next class of officers.

New officers start with a salary of $82,783 and receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus. Applications are now open, with testing dates scheduled for March 10, 22, and 26.

SPD salary and sign on bonus

What does it take to join the force? Capitol City Now spoke with Sgt. Kristoffer Rhodes to learn more about the hiring process and requirements.

The Hiring Process

Before becoming an officer, candidates must complete several steps, including a physical agility test, written exam, oral assessment, background check, psychological and medical evaluations, and a one-on-one interview with Chief Ken Scarlette.

The physical agility test includes a sit-and-reach assessment, a one-minute sit-up test, a maximum bench press, and a 1.5-mile run. Rhodes said standards are based on age and gender.

Prep sessions are offered to assist applicants in preparing for the physical and written exams.

If an applicant passes the physical agility test, then it’s on to a written exam – study guide provided. Pass the written exam, and it’s on to an oral assessment with a panel.

After that, prospective officers are ranked by grades into groups or “bands”. Rhodes said this is where the department starts the hiring process. Top candidates have a one-on-one interview with Scarlette. The final steps include a background investigation, psychological exam, and medical exam.

“Every step of the process is designed to identify candidates with integrity and high moral standards,” Rhodes said.

The background check is extensive, he said, beginning with a 45-page personal history questionnaire. Investigators review the candidate’s driving, employment, education, and criminal history. According to Rhodes, applicants with a felony conviction or certain misdemeanors are not eligible for hire.

What about a DUI? Rhodes explained that the decision is up to the civil service commission, a seven-member group appointed by the mayor, which has the final say.

For review, the candidate’s information—without their identity—is submitted to the civil service commission for consideration, Rhodes said.

Who Makes a Good Officer?

While there is no one-size-fits-all ideal candidate, Rhodes emphasized that integrity, strong moral character, and a commitment to doing the right thing as key traits the department looks for.

“We come in all different shapes and sizes and backgrounds,” Rhodes said. “But the common thread is a high level of trustworthiness and the willingness to serve the community.”

Addressing Challenges in Recruitment

Like many law enforcement agencies nationwide, the Springfield Police Department has experienced a decline in applicants.

“It’s a trend across the country, not just here,” Rhodes said. “Over the past four or five years, we’ve seen a decline of at least 50% in applications.” The department expects to receive about 100 -120 applications.

He attributed the drop to multiple factors, protests, negative press and messages about law enforcement, COVID and a changing job market.

Despite these challenges, the department is actively working to retain and attract officers. The starting salary is set by the department’s union contract, and a $5,000 sign-on bonus is being offered through a grant from the Illinois Law Enforcement Standards and Training Board.

Rhodes said the salary offered is also based on what other comparable cities like Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur and Peoria are offering.

Training and Preparation

The department has implemented programs to help applicants succeed.

“We have fitness prep sessions twice a week at the Salvation Army, written exam study guides, and oral assessment preparation,” Rhodes said. “We want to set applicants up for success.”

Once hired, recruits attend the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center. The department covers all training costs, including salary and benefits during the academy period.

A Commitment to Diversity and Standards

Rhodes said the department seeks to reflect the community it serves while maintaining high hiring standards.

“We want officers who are representative of Springfield, but at the end of the day, the standards remain the same,” he said. “We will only hire those who meet the necessary qualifications.”

Looking Ahead

The department aims to fill up to 15 seats in the upcoming training class but will not lower standards to meet that goal, according to Rhodes.

“We won’t hire just to fill a spot,” Rhodes said. “We’re committed to hiring the best candidates who are prepared for the responsibilities of the job.”

Interested applicants can find more information at joinspringfieldpd.com.

 

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