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APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER

May 1, 2008

THE DEPARTMENT:
The Morris Police Department is a professional law enforcement organization dedicated to serving this beautiful and unique riverfront community.  The Morris Police Department has twenty-six (26) full-time officers which include: a chief of police, deputy chief, four patrol sergeants, one detective sergeant, sixteen patrol officers, two detectives, and one school resource officer.  We have a number of different patrol vehicles, which include Dodge Durango’s, Ford Explorer’s, Ford Crown Victoria’s, and two Harley Davidson motorcycles.  The Morris Police Department is also home to a recently updated 911 communication center which services not only the police department, but the Morris Fire and Ambulance Protection District and the City of Morris Public Works Department.  The 24-hour enhanced 911 center has a dispatch supervisor, assistant dispatch supervisor, and six dispatchers.  The center has upgraded to a computer aided dispatch system, as well as a new records management system and mobile field reporting operations.  We are a very proactive law enforcement agency who is dedicated to:

1. Developing and maintaining partnerships with the community
2. Providing responsive and personalized police services
3. Detecting and apprehending criminal offenders
4. Maintaining the highest degree of integrity and professionalism by our actions
5. Employing proactive policing strategies

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

1. Starting Salary - $46,806 per year ($21.43 per hour)
2. Longevity steps after years 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10 ($61,579 after 10 years)
3. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 10 years, and 5 weeks after 15 years
4. 48 hours of personal time per year
5. 11 paid holidays per year
6. Paid health insurance, including vision and dental
7. Participation in the Downstate Police Pension System
8. Life insurance of $60,000
9. Deferred compensation (employer contribution with voluntary employee contribution)
10. $650 uniform allowance per year
11. Tuition reimbursement for approved coursework

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
There are three phases to the competitive hiring process at the Morris Police Department.  First is the application/orientation phase.  All interested parties must complete a detailed application and must be present at the orientation.  Next is the initial testing phase.  All candidates must successfully complete a number of physical tests, along with a comprehensive written examination.  Additionally, included in the initial testing phase, all candidates must successfully complete a structured interview with the City of Morris Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.  Candidates who successfully complete these two phase of testing are then listed, according to their ranking.  The third phase of the process includes various screenings and investigations.  Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation, reference checks, pre-placement medical examination and other appropriate requirements/examinations of the position of Police Officer.

THE COMMUNITY:
The City of Morris is located in northern Grundy County, approximately one-half hour southwest of the Joliet area.  Morris has a population of just under 13,000 residents.  Morris is located approximately 60 miles southwest of Chicago, but is also located within seventy-five (75) miles of many metropolitan areas, such as Bloomington/Normal, Peoria, and Rockford.  The scenic Illinois River and the Illinois and Michigan Canal wind through the southern portion of the city, while Interstate 80 travels through the north portion of the city.  Morris is the county seat of Grundy County and many county offices are located in the city, including the Grundy County Courthouse.  The city encompasses over six (6) square miles and over seventy-five (75) miles of streets and roadways.  Morris has seven (7) nicely developed parks within the city limits, while there are four beautiful state parks in and around the Morris area.  The Morris Municipal Airport is located just north of the city and over fifty aircraft are based at the airport.  Over 48,000 landings and take-offs occur each year on the 5,000 foot lighted runway.  Nostalgic downtown Morris is beautifully decorated and is the home to many yearly events, such as the Grundy County Corn Festival, The Gus Macker three on three basketball tournament, monthly summer cruise nights, Nostalgia Days, Brown Bag Fridays, and many concerts on the Grundy County Courthouse lawn.  

THE PATROL OFFICER POSITION:
A career with the Morris Police Department is both rewarding and challenging.  Traditionally at the beginning of an officer’s career, the majority of time is spent in the Patrol Division, however there are a number of specialty positions/assignment at the police department which become available to officers as they gain experience, such as; detective, school resource officer, D.A.R.E. officer, motorcycle officer, evidence officer, traffic enforcement officer, field training officer, firearms instructor/range officer, child safety seat technician, bicycle officer, and breath analysis operator.  Patrol is the backbone of any law enforcement agency and this is where officers learn the basics of police work.  Patrol officers enforce traffic laws, conduct preliminary investigations, arrests criminal offenders, investigate automobile accidents, identifies potential security problems to personal and public property, enforces states laws and city ordinances, identifies and collects physical evidence, processes prisoners, recognizes and/or reports public hazards, and assists fire and emergency medical services agencies, just to name some of the duties. 

THE CITY OF MORRIS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Applicant Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizen
• High School Graduate or Equivalent
• Possess a Valid Driver's License
• Must be 20 Years of Age and Must be 21 Years of Age at Time of Appointment
• Possess Strong Moral Character

Application Must Include:

• Copy of Driver's License
• Copy of DD-214 (Military Discharge Papers)
• Copy of Birth Certificate
• Copy of High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• College Transcripts
• Resume (Optional)

Application Procedure:

• Application
• Mandatory Orientation Meeting
• Written Examination
• Physical Examination
• Power Test

Candidates who pass the above application procedures may be required to complete these additional application procedures:

• Oral Interview
• Background Examination
• Polygraph Examination
• Medical Examination
• Psychological Examination