Multiple Departments Seeking Police Officers in SE Illinois

Police Departments in Southeastern Illinois are trying to beef up their ranks and add additional officers.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Olney Police Department posted they were looking for Lateral Transfer Police Officers to join their ranks. According to their hiring information, officers must have worked a minimum of 2 years with another department and within a year, must live in either Richland, Clay, Jasper, Crawford, Lawrence, Wabash, Edwards, or Wayne Counties. Officials say that pay is $31.72 per hour plus 10 vacation days for police officers with 2 years of experience. For officers with 3 or more years, the pay is $32.27 per hour and 10 vacation days. A $10,000 signing bonus is being offered for lateral transfers. Applications may be obtained by contacting Kelsie Sterchi at Olney City Hall. You can email cityclerk@cityofolney.com

On Wednesday Afternoon, the Robinson Police Department also announced they were seeking new officers to join their ranks. Successful candidates may be eligible for a hiring bonus of up to $7,500. The application deadline is 3:00pm on Monday, October 27, 2025. Robinson Police will also continue to accept applications from those seeking a lateral transfer. Applications can be found on the city website http://cityofrobinson.com/police-department/.  Applications can also be picked up at the police department during normal business hours. Beginning pay for entry level police officer in Robinson is $66,699.36. The first two patrolman pay increases are at 1 year $73,338.72 and 5 years $76,243.44.  Benefits include: health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, pension plan, supplemental 457(b) retirement plan, and uniform allowance. Qualified entry-level applicants will be contacted via email and must attend the physical and written testing on Saturday, November 1st, 2025. The physical testing will be conducted at 9:00am at Robinson High School, located at 2000 North Cross Street, and the written testing will be conducted at 10:00am at the Robinson Community Center, located at 300 S. Lincoln St. Lateral applicants are not subject to testing and will be notified of their interview date and time via email.

Finally, Illinois State Police are seeking new troopers to join their force. The state offers $4290 per month while in academy, $90k per year with benefits upon graduation, job security with purpose, and a fully equipped squad car at your doorstep. You can apply for a position with the Illinois State Police here.