Entry-Level Police Officer

Open Testing & Applications

The Carbondale Police Department hosts open testing for entry-level police officers once in the spring and once in the fall. 

  1. Entry-Level Police Officer Exam Procedures (PDF)
  2. Entry-Level Police Officer Application (Online) or (PDF)

Carbondale Police Application Requirements

  • Age 21 (20 with certain restrictions)
  • Associates Degree (or 60 semester hours) - Education requirements go down with police experience and prior completion of a police academy
  • No record of felony offenses, or certain misdemeanor offenses
  • No visible tattoos
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Valid Driver’s License

Selection Process

The Carbondale Police Officer selection process is conducted in six steps:

  1. Pre-Application Contact – Meeting the candidate and the candidate submitting an application
  2. Written Examination
  3. Physical Agility Exam- Illinois Power Test
  4. Interview with Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
  5. Administrative Interview with Human Resource Officer, Chief of Police, Deputy Chiefs, and other selected members of the Carbondale Police Department.
  6. Pre-employment Screening - Includes Background Investigation, Psychological Exam, Medical Exam, and Drug Testing