Police Officer Recruitment

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Join the Wheaton Police Department

The current application period is closed. Please check back at a later date for future opportunities.

At the heart of the Wheaton Police Department is a simple but powerful purpose: to protect and serve our community with unwavering excellence. That purpose begins with our people.

Each of our 71 sworn officers is more than just a badge; they’re dedicated members of the community who understand that policing is about more than just protocols and patrols. Every shift is an opportunity to build trust, create meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact on the lives of Wheaton residents.

Police Patch

For us, service isn't just a duty, it's a calling.

The City of Wheaton is proud to offer a benefits package that does more than just support our officers, it empowers them to thrive. From competitive pay and retirement plans to wellness programs that prioritize both body and mind, we’re invested in your future every step of the way.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • A Strong Start with a competitive base salary, extensive training to prepare you for the field, and leadership support to help you succeed
  • A Broader Purpose by becoming guardians of the community, promoting justice, and serving others through transparency, trust, and building strong community partnerships
  • Wellness That Works through our comprehensive Wellness Program and Fitness Initiative that supports your health on and off the job, including on-duty workouts and meaningful connections with our dedicated Peer Support Team
  • Top-Tier Coverage with excellent health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits
  • Peace of Mind through paid vacation, sick and personal leave, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and participation in the Police Pension Fund
  • Financial Flexibility with deferred compensation plans and flexible spending accounts

Specialty Assignments

But it doesn’t stop there; career growth is part of the journey. In addition to full-time assignments, the Wheaton Police Department actively identifies and develops qualified officers for a variety of specialized roles, giving you the chance to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and advance within the department. These roles include:

  • Evidence Technician
  • Detective 
  • School Resource Officer
  • Bicycle Patrol
  • Honor Guard
  • Traffic Unit Officer
  • Digital Forensics Examiner
  • Community Engagement Officer
  • D.A.R.E Officer
  • Training Officer
  • Drone Operator
  • ALICE Trainer
  • DEA Task Force 
  • MERIT (Metropolitan Emergency Response & Investigative Team)
  • Crash Reconstruction Team
  • SWAT Team
  • Major Crimes Investigative Team

Minimum Requirements Include:

  • Legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Possess a valid driver’s license, which will be used for identification at all phases of testing
  • Be at least 20 years of age and under 35 at time of application deadline, unless exempt by state statute
  • Must have corrected vision to 20/20
  • If a veteran of the military or currently serving, include a copy of your DD-214
  • Must be able to pass the POWER test at time of hire in order to meet the physical requirements of the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy
  • An applicant for the Police Department must have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or if they have not yet received a bachelor’s degree, but are enrolled in an accredited college or university at the time of the submittal of an application, they must complete the Educational Waiver Request form from the Board with a commitment to obtain a bachelor’s degree within 24 months of service, or the applicant has served for 36 months of honorable active duty in the United States Armed Forces and has not been discharged dishonorably or under circumstances other than honorable or (2) the applicant has served for 180 days of active duty in the United States Armed Forces in combat duty recognized by the Department of Defense and has not been discharged dishonorably or under circumstances other than honorable, with a commitment to obtain a bachelor’s degree within 60 months of service.

Hiring Timeline*

*This timeline provides estimated dates for key points in the hiring process. Dates are subject to change
Date Details
July 23 Applications due by 4 p.m.
Aug. 18-20 At-home virtual written exam
Aug. 27 Candidates notified of written exam results
August-October Candidate background investigations conducted
September Polygraph exam and ride-along with the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners
October Candidate interviews with Police Department Command Staff
Beginning of November Candidate interviews with Board of Fire & Police Commissioners
Middle of November Conditional offers of employment given to candidates
End of November Psychological exam and medical tests
Beginning of December Official offers given to candidates
Dec. 15 Official start date for new police officers
Middle of December POWER Test given to candidates
Jan. 5, 2026 First day of Police Academy at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA)