NOTE: There is no application fee for this hiring process.
The City of Watseka, Illinois Board of Police Commissioners is accepting applications for the position of police officer with the Watseka Police Department.
Starting Salary: $53,452.53 (Contract expires 4/30/2026)
Sworn Police Officers: 12
Population: 4,679 (2020 US Census Bureau)
All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements established by the City of Watseka, Illinois Board of Police and Fire Commissioners:
- US citizen or otherwise eligible under 55 ILCS 5/3-6033;
- No felony convictions (Note: a misdemeanor or serious traffic offense may also disqualify applicants from further consideration);
- Possess a valid state-issued driver's license;
- Minimum of 21 years of age -AND- UNDER 35 years of age by the application deadline date (January 2, 2026) unless otherwise exempt from such age limitations as provided in 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6 of the Fire and Police Commissioner's Act;
- Be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D. equivalent;
- Must successfully pass a written examination;
- Must successfully complete an oral interview and background investigation (applicants will be required to fully disclose all personal matters, to include agreements and sealed files);
- Must successfully complete a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, or voice stress analysis, and medical screening (including drug and alcohol screening);
- Must hold a valid FOID by hire date
- Possess a valid P.O.W.E.R. Test card issued within 12 months of the application deadline date (issued between January 2, 2025 and January 2, 2026) - OR - participate in POWER Testing to be conducted on January 14, 2026 at Watseka High School, 138 S. Belmont Ave., Watseka, IL.
- Submit all application documents online by Friday, January 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
Preference points will be awarded as determined by the City of Watseka for the following:
Education: Possess an Associate's Degree in the field of criminal justice or related field from an accredited community or junior college - OR - a Bachelor's Degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university. A copy of the diploma and/or official transcripts must be submitted with application to qualify.
Military: Persons who were engaged in active military or naval service of the United States for at least one year and were honorably discharged. A copy of Form DD-214 (indicating status of discharge) must be submitted with application to qualify.
Current Illinois Law Enforcement Officers: Persons awarded a certificate attesting to the successful completion of the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Training Course as provided in the Illinois Police Training Act. A copy of your certificate must be submitted with application to qualify.
Copies of the following documents MUST be included with your application:
- Valid driver's license
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- High school diploma (or transcripts) or G.E.D. equivalent
- College transcripts or diploma, if applicable
- Military Form DD-214 (must indicate status of discharge), if applicable
- Law Enforcement Officer Certification, if applicable
Submission of Application
- Applications MUST be submitted online by Friday, January 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM (CST). Faxed, e-mailed, mailed or dropped off applications will NOT be accepted.
- Applications submitted after the deadline will NOT be accepted.
Mandatory Next Steps in the Hiring Process:
POWER Test - Applicants that do not submit a POWER Test card with their application will be required to take the POWER Test prior to the written exam.
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: Check-in starts at 6:00 PM; Written exam will be held after successful completion of the POWER test.
Location: Watseka High School, 138 S. Belmont, Watseka, IL
Written Exam Testing Date - Please mark your calendar and ensure you are available for this mandatory stage of the hiring process. Applicants will receive notification approximately one week prior to the date pertaining to their status. NOTE: Please be sure to check your email spam folder. Many email account providers automatically send our emails there in error (i.e. Google, Yahoo, etc.).
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: Check-in starts at 7:00 PM; Test begins promptly at 7:30 PM - No exceptions will be made for late arrivals.
Location: Watseka City Hall, 201 Brianna Dr., Watseka, IL
Important Disclaimer for Potential Applicants:
As part of this application form, you will be required to submit various documents, records and/or additional forms. Be sure to allow sufficient time to gather this documentation and fully complete the application before the deadline. In other words, do not wait until one day before the deadline to collect and submit additional required documentation. In order for your application to be accepted, ALL materials must be submitted and received prior to the deadline. You may wish to print this page for your records.
The City of Watseka is an Equal Opportunity Employer.