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Joining the UPD

The City of Urbana, Illinois is now offering the following incentives for all new, Entry-level Police Officers who begin employment between February 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

  • A bonus of $5,000 on your first paycheck!

  • A second bonus of $5,000 upon successful completion of probation

What to Expect

The Patrol Division is divided into two teams - the Blue and the Gold. Each team is managed by two Patrol Division Lieutenants,  four to five sergeants and has three 12-hour shifts: Days (7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.), Nights (7:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.) and Evenings (3:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.). One of the best benefits of this schedule is that you are off every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Also, each officer can accumulate comp time, vacation and personal days.  The work hours are long, but the reward is the amount of time off. Police Officers at the City of Urbana also enjoy a competitive benefits package and representation through the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

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Hiring Process

We continuously accept applications for both Experienced and Entry-Level Police Officers. We offer the entry-level test both in Urbana (no testing fee) or you can test at your convenience through the National Testing Network. If you pass the test, you will be placed on the eligibility list. Your eligibility is good for two years from the date you tested, and we will interview the top candidates as positions become available. Ready to start? Click here to start the application process.

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Qualifications

At least 21 years of age and no more than 34 years of age on the exam date.

EXCEPTIONS: If you were previously employed as a police officer or have prior military experience. Applicants may exceed the age of 35 years by the number of years served on active military duty, but by no more than 10 years of active military duty. The age limitation does not apply to candidates with prior law enforcement experience, as detailed in 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6.

Age
Requirements
Education/
Experience

You must possess a high school diploma or equivalent high school education. 

Residency

If you are hired as a Police Officer, you will be required to live within a 30-mile radius of the city limits of the City of Urbana by the time you complete your probation, which is typically around 12 months.  Check to see if you reside within these limits here:  https://urbana.ccgisc.org/portalurbana/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=553cc58349bb4c8b81f63c65fbf88bd7

Other Qualifications

  • Valid driver's license.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States

  • Cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others;

  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to take emergency courses of action;

  • Develop skill in the use and care of firearms and other equipment used by police;

  • Perform multiple tasks within the same period of time;

  • Learn and use basic computer operations as it relates to police work.

  • Must be able to learn the following through training, and then be able to retain and apply this information:

    • Ability to learn the geographic area of designated patrol area.

    • Knowledge of first aid.

    • Knowledge of controlling laws and ordinances respecting arrest, admissible evidence, and prosecution of persons.

    • Knowledge of the court system.

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