Step 1: Apply and Complete Selection Process
Employment opportunities for new officer or lateral officer positions are posted on the Village of Lake in the Hills employment opportunity link, police recruitment page, police department social media, and on https://www.theblueline.com/.
Once an applicant has successfully completed the selection process and is sworn in as a Lake in the Hills Police Officer, they take the first step in a journey that will last the remainder of their careers.
Step 2: Attend Accredited Police Training Course
Next, the new officer will attend an accredited police training course (typically the Police Training Institute), for a minimum of 640 hours (roughly 16 weeks). These courses cover topics such as criminal law, Illinois Vehicle Code, defensive tactics, firearms skills, emergency vehicle operation, first aid, civil rights and civil liability, control and arrest tactics, and scenario based training. This provides the officer with the rudimentary skills necessary to return to the department and begin the police training officer program.
Step 3: Complete Field Training and Evaluation Process
Upon return from the police academy, the new officer will begin field training at the police department. The Field Training and Evaluation process utilized by the Lake in the Hills Police Department is based on a nationally accepted program (The Reno Model) which is designed to assist new officers in making the transition from an academy environment to the practical policing application. Field Training is divided into 4 phases of training, which typically lasts approximately five months. Trainees and trainers work together during their 4 phases of training to apply concepts learned in the academy to real-world situations in the following categories: Patrol Activities, Non-Emergency Incident Responses, Emergency Incident Response and Criminal Investigations.
Step 4: Successfully Complete The Probationary Period of 18 Months
After successful completion of the field training program, the probationary police officer will begin their patrol assignment. The probationary status ends 18 months from the date of hire with a successful completion and review of the new officer's probationary period.
