Probationary Pay (effective July 1, 2025 through and including June 30, 2026):
Without an associate's degree: $75,526.47
With an associate's degree (or equivalent): $77,763.96
This position includes a generous benefits package. Details are available at: www.urbanacareers.org/fop-benefits
Full Annual Salary Range: https://www.urbanail.gov/media/476
The City of Urbana invites qualified applicants for the position of Entry-Level Police Officer. Officers perform police protection and other services to safeguard the lives, property, and constitutional rights of the citizens of Urbana. Duties include investigating complaints, disturbances, accidents, and reported criminal activities; testifying in court; training new police officers; responding to crime and accident scenes, emergency situations and other requests for assistance; detecting, apprehending and arresting criminals; enforcing the laws and ordinances of the City; and performing a variety of specialized duties as assigned.
The Urbana Police Department provides a wide range of public service while carrying out the basic police mission through a Community Policing philosophy. The ideal candidate for this position will: be able to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others; possess excellent communication skills, including written, verbal and interpersonal skills; have a desire to help and serve others; demonstrate honesty and integrity; have close attention to detail; will be reliable, responsible, dependable and fulfill obligations; be able to tolerate highly stressful situations calmly and effectively; maintain composure and keep emotions in check, even in very difficult situations; be open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace; and be understanding and helpful on the job. Successful candidates in this occupation will be comfortable following set procedures and routines, and a clear line of authority to follow; frequently working with, communicating with, and teaching people; helping or providing service to others; taking risks; leading others; and working with practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
Position Summary: For complete information, please refer to the job description. Additional information is available by downloading the UPD Recruiting Playbook.
Minimum Qualifications include:
- High school diploma or equivalent high school education
- At least 21 years of age and not more than 34 years of age by exam date. You 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 or if you have previous police officer experience. (65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6)
- U.S Citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Valid driver's license
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a desire to help and serve others
- Physically fit and ability to pass a medical and a physical agility exam. See the POWER Test handout for more details
- Able to pass a psychological exam and background check
Application/Exam Information:
Click the red "Apply" button located at the upper-right of this page.
For more information on the test, click here. For more information on practice tests, visit www.frontlinetest.com.
You have three testing options; each uses the same test:
1) You may test virtually, at home, through NTN. You will need to complete both a City of Urbana employment application for this position and an application through NTN. To complete the City of Urbana application, click the organg "Apply" button on the upper-right hand side of this page. For more information on NTN's virtual testing option, including technical requirements and pricing, visit the NTN Virtual Testing FAQ page. Please note that you must select Urbana as a department you want your test scores submitted to the first time you test, otherwise NTN will impose a 90-day waiting period before you can pay to submit your test scores to us.
2) You may test at any test location in the National Testing Network (NTN). You will need to complete
both a City of Urbana employment application for this position and an application through NTN. To complete the City of Urbana application, click the orange "Apply" button on the upper-right hand side of this page. To start an application for NTN or for more information including pricing, visit: Candidate Frequently Asked Questions. We encourage applicants to delay scheduling an exam through NTN until they have received confirmation from the City of Urbana that their application has been approved.
3) You may test in-person in Urbana. Tests are offered periodically throughout the year.
There is no cost to this option, but you will not be eligible for consideration until your test scores are received. You will receive additional information on this option if you are invited to test.
Eligibility List:
Names on the eligibility list are valid for two years. This test will add to the existing register, not replace it. Per Urbana Civil Service Rules, applicants may retest within one year of testing ONLY under the following conditions: you have gained experience, training, or certification that directly affects eligibility. If you have questions regarding your eligibility to retest, please contact Femi Fletcher at the e-mail or phone number listed below.
Testing Accommodations For People with Disabilities:
If you need special testing accommodations due to a documented impairment, please contact your testing site.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Many frequently asked questions are answered in the UPD Recruiting Playbook.
Selection Process:
This Civil Service examination process will establish an open competitive register to fill current and/or future vacancies that may occur. The Civil Service eligibility register for this position is subject to continuous modifications as a result of the open and continuous nature of the process and rank will be adjusted based on future tests. Questions may be directed to Tamra Lighty, Human Resources Coordinator, at:
[email protected] or (217) 384-6293. The City of Urbana provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities; if you need information, please contact the Human Resources Division at the number or e-mail above.
Compensation and Benefits
The city of Urbana offers competitive compensation and benefits to our employees. The starting salary for Entry-Level Police Officer is $75,526.47. The City of Urbana provides its employees with a robust benefits package that includes the following options:
For more information about City benefits for this position, please visit www.UrbanaCareers.org/fop-benefits .
