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Police Officer (Lateral Transfer/Future Openings)

Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago, IL · $33.01–$38.88 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This posting is for lateral transfers. Tell me about your current police experience and why you want to move to a university department.

What they are checking: Whether their motivation fits campus policing, which leans more on community relations than many city assignments.

Tell me about a report you wrote that was used in court or in a disciplinary hearing.

What they are checking: Whether they write clear, accurate reports that hold up when other people rely on them later.

How do you build trust with students and staff who may be uneasy around police?

What they are checking: Whether they see relationship building as part of the job, which affects whether people report problems.

Tell me about a time you used discretion and chose not to make an arrest. Why?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain sound judgment calls and stay within policy when they use discretion.

What would you do

How is policing a university campus different from policing a city beat?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the student population, university rules and the community relations the posting stresses.

You see a student drinking in a parking lot late at night. Walk me through how you handle it.

What they are checking: Whether they use good judgment and discretion with students while still enforcing the law and university rules.

A student in emotional crisis is refusing to leave a classroom building. How do you approach it?

What they are checking: Whether they use de-escalation and bring in mental health resources instead of rushing to force.

During an emergency, you need to work with Chicago police and other agencies. What does good coordination look like?

What they are checking: Whether they understand mutual aid, clear roles and communication during large incidents.

You notice a broken utility or a dangerous hole on a campus walkway. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they take hazard reporting seriously as part of public safety, which the posting lists as a duty.

About the work

How do you decide whether an incident is a university policy issue, a state crime or both?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the overlap between university regulations, state statutes and city and county ordinances.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Northeastern Illinois University from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Northeastern Illinois University.

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students. Job Summary: In this role: Employees will safeguard lives and property by enforcing applicable laws, regulations and promote good university and community relations. Future Openings / Lateral Hires: This posting is intended to build a pool of qualified candidates for future lateral Police Officer opportunities. Job Description: • Patrols assigned post, investigates incidents, and makes arrests on view or on warrant violations of State statutes, city and county ordinances, or university regulations. • Conducts investigations, as required, and submits reports to supervisor’s infractions of rules and regulations of the university, State laws, and city and county ordinances. • Directs vehicle and pedestrian traffic and enforces parking and traffic rules and regulations. • Investigates and reports obstructions in streets and sidewalks, holes, leaking or faulty utility services, or other unusual conditions that might endanger the public safety. • Controls pedestrian traffic. • Assists local police agencies during emergencies. • Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimal Qualifications: Required Qualifications: • Successfully completed at least 2 years of employment as a full-time sworn and certified law enforcement officer; and • Either possess certification from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) and has satisfied the requirements established by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, or, be eligible to be certified by ILETSB. • The applicant must not have been suspended for disciplinary reasons by the current or most recent employer. • Possession of a valid driver’s license. • The applicant must pass a background investigation which may include features such as fingerprinting, police records checks, credit checks, and inquiries of neighbors, relatives, and employers. • The applicant must successfully complete a screening such as a psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug screen as required by the hiring department. Note: Any applicant hired must serve a probationary period of 12 months. Functional Expectations: Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation: • Ability to walk/stand during patrolling duty. • Ability to wear utility belt weighing up to 15 pounds as part of the official uniform. • Ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to maximum physical ability during emergency situations. • Ability to bend, crouch, kneel and reach overhead. • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Shifts Available: Officers will work one of three shifts: • 6:00 am – 2:00 pm • 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm • 10:00 pm – 6:00 am Application Instructions: Please note: All documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to submitting your application: • Resume • Cover Letter • 3 Professional References Hourly: $33.01 - $38.88 ($68,663.44 - $80,865.70) This position requires a background check. ‎ Benefits University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System. Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.

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