Police Lieutenant
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Wheaton, IL
The Police Lieutenant position leadership and administrative oversight for the daily operations of the department, assisting the Chief of Police with managing personnel, policy compliance, training programs, and specialized departmental initiatives. This role supervises records, property/evidence management, and departmental standards, ensuring compliance with local, state, and national law enforcement regulations.
What You'll Do
- Supervise and coordinate personnel handling police records, reports, statistics, evidence, property, and body-worn camera program, ensuring legal and policy compliance.
- Oversee accreditation efforts and maintain compliance with national law enforcement standards; update policies as needed.
- Serve as liaison for records management systems, ensuring integration with external agencies; monitor functionality, generate reports, and communicate procedures.
- Assess and improve administrative workflows; recommend and implement approved changes.
- Collaborate with the Chief to develop departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
- Direct and manage training programs, ensuring state-mandated and ongoing in-service training (firearms, defensive tactics, electronic devices) and field training for new officers.
- Prepare and analyze monthly field activity reports and officer schedules.
- Perform patrol duties as needed, including responding to incidents, issuing citations, and making arrests.
- Manage budget preparation, approve expenditures, and monitor spending within limits.
- Oversee asset seizure and forfeiture processes with State's Attorney's Office and Illinois State Police.
- Maintain department inventory and property in compliance with procurement and asset policies.
- Investigate and resolve citizen complaints, ensuring accountability and transparency as directed by the Chief.
- Assist with collective bargaining, ensure contracts language is followed to help ensure grievances are avoided when possible.
- Manage and oversee department operations in the absence of the Chief of Police.
- Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and counseling in a constructive manner, and confront challenging situations directly with a positive approach, aiming to support and mentor employees in their development and progress.
- Resolve and rectify issues, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation.
- Supervise staff, including hiring, scheduling, and assigning work, reviewing performance, and recommending salary increases, promotions, transfers, demotions, corrective actions, or terminations.
- Foster a work environment that promotes safe work habits, become familiar with work procedures and policies, and observe and follow all safety best practices.
- Maintain a supportive work environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
- Perform other duties as required.
What You'll Need
- Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of hire.
- Possess an interest in the preservation of natural resources and demonstrate an ability to understand the role of law enforcement in the management of recreational areas.
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field required; More than 7 years of related experience with 3 or more years of supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board as a Sworn Peace Officer required.
- Valid Driver's License in good standing.
- Must pass a medical evaluation and fit test, per OSHA regulations, to ensure a respirator can be safely worn when required.
- Physical capability for exertion and quick response during emergencies.
- 12 week Northwestern School of Police Staff & Command or FBI National Academy required.
- Ability to pass Command Officer's Development course within two (2) years of employment.
- Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification.
- Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire.
- Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card required.
- Skilled in leadership and personnel management, fostering a strong team culture.
- Proven ability to make sound decisions under pressure during critical incidents.
- Skilled in interpreting and enforcing laws, policies, and procedures effectively.
- Excellent customer service, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
- Ability to utilize software programs; workorder systems, Outlook, etc.
- Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
- Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.
- Successfully pass all stages of the hiring process.
Schedule, Pay & Benefits
- Mostly Monday through Friday during the day, however, may need to adjust to fill supervisory patrol shifts as needed between 6 am-12 pm.
- Starting Pay: $124,446-137,384 per year.
- We offer an outstanding and affordable benefit package including medical, pension program, and more. To find out more, visit our website.
Work Setting
- Based out of the district's headquarters location located in Wheaton, IL, with additional travel required throughout DuPage County.
- Includes working both indoors and outdoors in all-weather types throughout the district and forest preserve system. There is exposure to working on uneven terrain, in bodies of water, insects, wildlife, bloodborne pathogens. This role requires the ability to remain physically responsive and adaptive.
Apply Today
Follow the link to apply directly and be considered for the position.
Additional information about the position and job duties can be found in the attached job description or on our website.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an equal opportunity employer.