The City of Ottawa hires patrolmen through a process overseen by the City of Ottawa Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. This process includes a mandatory orientation followed by both written and physical agility testing. Those candidates who successfully complete these steps are then subject to an interview process before the Board. At the completion of this process, an initial eligibility list is posted containing the names of those candidates who have successfully passed all of the requirements of the application process as prescribed by the Fire and Police Commission Rules. Veteran's preference or educational points are then accepted and a final eligibility list is posted listing candidates in the order of their final cumulative scores. The final eligibility list is valid for a period of two years from the date of its posting.
When a patrolman position comes or is about to become available, thorough background checks are performed on the eligible candidates. Upon passing the background check and prior to any official hiring of a candidate, he or she will then be subjected to physical and psychological examinations as well as a drug screen. Employment will be granted only after the candidate has successfully completed of all of these processes.
An eligible applicant must be a United States Citizen with no felony convictions and at least 21 years of age on the final date that applications are being accepted. To be eligible for hiring, the applicant must not be more than 34 years of age at the time of hiring. Other application and hiring restrictions may apply.
Bookmark this page and check it periodically. If the City of Ottawa is preparing to establish a new eligibility list, additional information will be made available including dates relating to the application process.
Potential applicants may also send an email to the Chief of Police (as listed on the contacts page) to indicate an interest in applying. The email should include the interested person's full name, address, date of birth, email address for contact purposes and a brief statement indicating interest in applying. The email will be saved until the next application process is about to begin, at which time all interested parties will be contacted about the pending application process. The City of Ottawa and its employees will not be responsible for misdirected or lost emails.
The City of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer.
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS
City of Ottawa, Illinois
