Application Cycles

1. The written test (National Testing Network) is open while our application process is open. Note: If you test for another department, your scores CAN transfer to our department, however, you must reach out to Human Resources (Ldenny@cityblm.org). Scores are good for up to 1 year. You can retake the test after 90 days. 

2.  After BOTH the application is submitted and the written test is completed and passed, we will reach out to you when the deadline is closed to set up the physical testing date. 

To check your scores, you must use your profile on the NTN website. We will not email you the scores. 

Once the deadline is closed, we begin the hiring process. If you complete the entire process, you are placed into a hiring "pool" for one year from your application date.  

You can check your progress on your GovernmentJobs.com profile, click "Applications & Status." You will see if you have submitted your application, as well as where you are at in the hiring process. 

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Entry Level Packet for New Officers

Lateral Hire Packet for Experienced Officers

All applicants 

• Be at least 20 years of age and not more than 34 years of age* at the time of application. Be at least 21 years of age to accept the appointment.

* Veterans' Exemption- a veteran shall be allowed to exceed the maximum age provision by the number of years served on active military duty, but by no more than 10 years.

• High school diploma or its equivalent
  
  
• Be a United States citizen.

• Must be of good moral character as determined by a background investigation. Must agree to be fingerprinted and found not to have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors.

Eligibility Requirements for Experienced Officers

• Must have 2 years out of the last 3 years employed as a full-time police officer with a municipal, county, or state law enforcement agency. 

• Must be in good standing or separated from previous department in good standing.

• Must also have successfully completed the Illinois Basic Training Academy or a recognized equivalent. 

• ILESTB (Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board) certified candidates are not required to take the written test. Any candidate working as a Patrol Officer outside of Illinois must complete the entry level written exam. Upon successful completion (physical agility, oral interview process, background and polygraph), the Chief of Police or his/her designee shall make a recommendation of the experienced hire candidate to the City Manager for consideration of hiring. The City Manager or his designee shall approve the final candidate

• Candidates who served in Illinois must be certified according to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Officer Lookup Database (https://www.ptb.illinois.gov/resources/officer-lookup). Any listed misconduct may disqualify the candidate

*Equivalency is determined by the Illinois State Training and Standards Board (ILETSB). The Bloomington Police Department may not contact the board prior to hiring a candidate. If a candidate is determined to be unqualified following the hiring process, they will be required to attend a certified State of Illinois Basic Training Academy. Candidates trained in or out of state, may contact ILETSB to verify their qualifications at http://www.ptb.illinois.gov/ 

More information can be found within the Bloomington Police and Fire Board Rules and Regulations and the Administrative Rules for Hiring. 

New Officers - Fill out the Online New Officer Application

Experienced Officers - Fill out the Lateral Officer Application

In state lateral / experienced officers:

The written test is NOT required for in-state laterals offices who have a minimum of two years of full-time law enforcement experience. Once you apply, you will be contacted and moved on to the next step. 

Out of state laterals must complete the NTN Exam.

Apply on our website by clicking the link above. DD-214 is required for Military points.

After you apply, please sign up for an exam through National Testing Network (NTN). National Testing Network directly contracts with public safety departments across the country to test candidates for jobs. Once a candidate completes this simple process, information and test scores will be sent directly to each department. You can get more information about their site here.  

NTN is now offering virtual testing. Please view this video to see how to sign up for a virtual test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3g_1LwpjE4. 

*Exam must be completed by application deadline.

You will be tested on 3 portions (Video, Reading & Writing) and must pass each portion. An average score of all 3 portions will be determined. The Police Department has set a cutoff score of 80%. Scores will be available to view in your NTN account within 2-3 days.

Video - 65 or above

Reading - 70 or above

Writing - 70 or above

Disqualification

 Per the Police and Fire Commission's Administrative Rules

The City may refuse to examine a candidate, or after examination refuse to certify the candidate as eligible who:

(a) is found lacking in any of the requirements established by law or ordinance for the service for which he or she applies;

(b) is physically or mentally unable to perform the duties of the position to which he or she seeks appointment;

(c) has taken or consumed illegal drugs, marijuana or consumed alcohol excessively unless such conduct has ceased and is unlikely to be resumed;

(d) has been convicted of a felony or any disqualifying misdemeanor enumerated in the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Act or in these Administrative Rules;

(e) has been dismissed from any public service for good cause;

(f) has made any misstatement of fact in his or her written application, or orally to the City;

(g) has unsatisfactory character and/or employment references;

(h) does not possess a high school education or its equivalent;

(i) does not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of application; or

(j) is ineligible to maintain a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card.

Take the written exam online (Pass / Fail)
Online through the National Testing Network

After you apply, please sign up for an exam through National Testing Network (NTN). National Testing Network directly contracts with public safety departments across the country to test candidates for jobs. Once a candidate completes this simple process, information and test scores will be sent directly to each department. You can get more information about their site here.  

NTN is now offering virtual testing. Please view this video to see how  to sign up for a virtual test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3g_1LwpjE4.  *Exam must be completed by application deadline.

You will be tested on 3 portions (Video, Reading & Writing) and must pass each portion. An average score of all 3 portions will be determined. The Police Department has set a cutoff score of 80%. Scores will be available to view in your NTN account within 2-3 days.

Video - 65 or above

Reading - 70 or above

Writing - 70 or above

Other Resources

Click here to sign up to take a practice test for a fee through NTN. 

Video Tutorial on using the NTN website

Learn about the testing process through NTN

Get answers to FAQ's through NTN

Physical Test (Pass / Fail)

The Physical Ability Test is designed to assess a candidate’s capacity to perform the tasks ordinarily The Physical Ability Test is designed to assess a candidate’s capacity to perform the tasks ordinarily performed by a police officer while on the job. This preparation guide has been distributed to help you prepare for the test. The test consists of the following items:

Tips for preparing:

Sit and reach - Knees must be straight (3 attempts)

Sit up - Hands behind the head and elbows must touch your knees when you come up.  Rest in the up position only.

Bench Press - Only lift one time.  Bar must come all the way down to your chest and all the way back up.  To find the weight you must lift take your current weight and multiply it by the % for your age group.  It is recommended that you come prepared to lift free weights.

Push up - Must go down far enough that your chest would touch a fist if on the ground beneath your chest.  Must extend your arms all the way when you come up.  Rest in the up position. 

Click here for a step by step plan to prepare yourself for the test. 

Completing a ride along with an officer is not a requirement for the application process, but is something we encourage all applicants to participate in. You get an inside look at the Bloomington Police Department and see why you will fit in here. 

This educational experience is limited to applicants and individuals who work closely with this Department in its objective to protect and assist the citizens of Bloomington.  

You can access the ride along waiver HERE. Simply complete this form to begin the process.

Let us know if you have any questions by calling 309-261-6018.

Interview (75% Average to pass)

Upon successfully passing the agility test, you will be invited to schedule an in-person interview and asked to complete a personal history questionnaire. 

The interviews will take place at:

Bloomington Police Department
305 S. East St.
Bloomington, IL 61701

You should plan on 2-3 hours to complete the interview and meet with background investigators.

Interview Structure

The Police Chief shall designate up to three (3) Police Department staff to score oral interviews. The City Manager or his designee shall designate up to two (2) staff members to score oral interview from the City Manager's Office or Human Resources. A minimum interview panel shall consist of three (3) members. 

Questions developed by Human Resources or an outside agency shall be asked of the candidate that will enable the interview panel to properly evaluate and grade the candidate on voice and speech, appearance, alertness, ability to present ideas, judgment, emotional stability, self-confidence, and personal fitness for the position. Candidate must score an average of 75% from the interview team panel to pass.

On completion of each oral interview, the Panel will discuss the candidate. The panel will then grade the candidate on a percentage basis. The candidate’s final grade will be the average of the panel’s grades. Candidates failing to secure the minimum grade of 75% required by the Administrative Directives are automatically eliminated from all further consideration

Resources:

Review our hiring rules including disqualifications (p.13)

Tips for completing oral board interviews

Immediately following the interview, those that pass will meet with background investigators. Many of the questions they will ask you will be follow-up to your responses to the questionnaire and application. Being honest and providing as much information as possible will help speed up the background process. 

Investigators will begin your background as soon as possible. This may include phone calls to references and numerous records checks.  You may be asked to assist investigators if they have trouble reaching people.  Investigators may also reach out to you if they have follow-up questions. 

Candidates not invited to participate in Step Four will remain eligible for future consideration based on the employment needs of the Bloomington Police Department. You will be notified, if you have been removed from the pool. 

Reasons for disqualification

Per the Police and Fire Commission's Administrative Rules:

If information is developed in the background investigation or a candidate admits, verbally or in writing, that the candidate has been convicted any of the following offenses, the background investigation will be automatically halted and the information will be presented to the Chief of Police and Human Resources, or his/her designee, for immediate dismissal action. If information is developed in the background investigation or a candidate admits, verbally or in writing, that the candidate has committed, but was not charged or convicted any of the following offences, the information will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if the background investigation will continue:

Homicide
Homicide: 720 ILCS 5/9 et seq.

Kidnapping
Kidnapping: 720 ILCS 5/10-1
Aggravated Kidnapping: 720 ILCS 5/10-2
Unlawful Restraint: 720 ILCS 5/10-3
Forcible Detention: 720 ILCS 5/10-4
Child Abduction: 720 ILCS 5/10-5
Harboring a Runaway 720 ILCS 5/10-6
Aiding and Abetting Child Abduction 720 ILCS 5/10-7
Sex, Prostitution, & Pornography Offenses Prostitution: 720 ILCS 5/11-14
Indecent Solicitation of a Child: 720 ILCS 5/11-6
Promoting Prostitution: 720 ILCS 5/11-14.3
Patronizing a Prostitute: 720 ILCS 5/11-18
Patronizing a Minor Engaged in Prostitution: 720 ILCS 5/11-18.1
Promoting Juvenile Prostitution: 720 ILCS 5/11-14.4
Sexual Exploitation of a Child: 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse: 720 ILCS 5/11-1.60
Criminal Sexual Abuse: 720 ILCS 5/11-1.50
Public Indecency: 720 ILCS 5/11-30
Child Pornography: 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1
Criminal Sexual Assault: 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault: 720 ILCS 5/11-1.30
Aggravated Assault and Battery Aggravated Assault: 720 ILCS 5/12-2
Criminal Transmission of HIV: 720 ILCS 5/12-5.01
Aggravated Battery: 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05
Reckless Conduct: 720 ILCS 5/12-5
Battery of an Unborn Child: 720 ILCS 5/12-3.1 
Domestic Battery: 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2
Intimidation
Intimidation: 720 ILCS 5/12-6
Hate Crime: 720 ILCS 5/12-7.1
Stalking: 720 ILCS 5/12-7.3
Aggravated Stalking: 720 ILCS 5/12-7.4
Compelling Confession of Information by Force or Threat: 720 ILCS 5/12-7
Deception Deceptive Practices: 720 ILCS 5/17.1
Forgery: 720 ILCS 5/17-3 Impersonating a Police Officer: 720 ILCS 5/17-2
Insurance Fraud: 720 ILCS 5/17-10.5
False Statement to procure credit or debit card: 720 ILCS 5/17-31
Computer Fraud: 720 ILCS 5/17-50
Aggravated Computer Tampering: 720 ILCS 5/17-52
Financial Exploitation of Elderly Person or Person with a Disability: 720 ILCS 5/17-56
Burglary Burglary: 720 ILCS 5/19-1
Residential Burglary: 720 ILCS 5/19-3
Home Invasion 720 ILCS 5/19-6
Robbery Armed Robbery: 720 ILCS 5/18-2
Robbery; Aggravated Robbery: 720 ILCS 5/18-1
Vehicular Hijacking: 720 ILCS 5/18-3
Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking: 720 ILCS 5/18-4

Arson
Arson: 720 ILCS 5/20-1
Aggravated Arson: 720 ILCS 5/20-1.1
Offenses Involving Children Endangering the Life or Health of a Child: 720 ILCS 5/12C-5
Luring of a Minor: 720 ILCS 5/10-5.1
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor: 720 ILCS 5/12C-30
Child Abandonment: 720 ILCS 5/12C -10 Disorderly Conduct
False Police Report: 720 ILCS 5/26-1.1; 720 ILCS 5/26-1 Mob Action: 720 ILCS 5/25-1
Looting: 720 ILCS 5/25-4
Firearms Unlawful Use of a Weapon: 720 ILCS 5/24-1
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition: 720 ILCS 5/24-3.1
Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm: 720 ILCS 5/24-1.2
Reckless Discharge of a Firearm: 720 ILCS 5/24-1.5
Defacing Identification Marks of Firearms: 720 ILCS 5/24-5

Theft
Theft: 720 ILCS 5/16-1 (Felony)
Retail Theft: 720 ILCS 5/16-25 (Felony)
Identity Theft: 720 ILCS 5/16-30
Interference with Public Officer Resisting, Obstructing, Disarming and Officer: 720 ILCS 5/31-1
Obstructing Justice: 720 ILCS 5/31-4
Refusing to Aid an Officer: 720 ILCS 5/31-8
Concealing or Aiding a Fugitive: 720 ILCS 5/31-5 Aiding Escape: 720 ILCS 5/31-7
Bringing/Possessing Contraband to or into a Penal Institution: 720 ILCS 5/31A-1.1
Interference with Judicial Procedure Compounding a crime: 720 ILCS 5/32-1
Perjury: 720 ILCS 5/32-2 Communicating with Jurors and Witnesses: 720 ILCS 5/32-4
Tampering with Public Records: 720 ILCS 5/32-8 Official Misconduct Bribery: 720 ILCS 5/33-1
Official Misconduct: 720 ILCS 5/33-3
Drugs Manufacture & Delivery of Controlled Substance: 720 ILCS 570/401
Delivery or Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance: 720 ILCS 570/401.1
Criminal Drug Conspiracy: 720 ILCS 570/405 Delivery to Persons Under 18: 720 ILCS 570/

Traffic Offenses
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (including a plea of guilty in return for court supervision) within 3 years of application date: 625 ILCS 11-501 (a)(1) - (a)(7).
Reckless driving within 3 years of application date: 625 ILCS 11-503
Fleeing or attempt to elude a police officer: 625 ILCS 11-204(b)
Supervising a minor while intoxicated: 625 ILCS 11-507

Additional disqualifying actions:

1. Having illegally sold any controlled substance or drug, (or any of its derivatives) other than marijuana (but see 2. below).

2. Having illegally sold a felony amount of marijuana.

3. Having illegally used any controlled substance or dangerous drug other than marijuana, including but not limited to anabolic steroids, cocaine, amphetamines, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Phencyclidine (PCP), Heroin, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/Ecstasy), Methamphetamine, other hallucinogenic, or any derivative of the aforementioned either synthetic or naturally occurring more than five (5) times or any time within the last three (3) years of application date.

4. No person shall be appointed to the Police or Fire department if he or she is determined to be a habitual drunkard or marijuana user. Candidates who continue usage of marijuana after their date of application will be eliminated.

5. Having used prescription drugs not legally prescribed to them, or in a manner not intended. All such instances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis provided there is no pattern of misuse or abuse. 

Resources:

Review our hiring rules including disqualifications (p.13)

Any candidate for an original position with the Police Department of the City of Bloomington, Illinois shall submit to a polygraph device deceptive test, commonly known as a lie detector test, at such time and place as determined by Human Resources. Refusal of the candidate to take or manipulate the polygraph test (breathing techniques) or failure to pass this examination shall disqualify him or her to enter upon the duties of the office for which the application for examination was filed. Examples of “failure to pass this examination” include:

(1) making statements of fact to the polygraph operator inconsistent with statements made orally or in writing to the Board;

(2) admissions to the operator which establish unfitness for the position applied for;

Statements made to a polygraph operator during an examination, and all written reports thereof, shall be deemed confidential and shall not be the basis for any criminal prosecution.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A candidate receiving a conditional job offer shall submit for a “medical examination” by a licensed physician designated by the Human Resources. A pass/fail recommendation will be determined by a licensed physician. Failure to pass this examination shall eliminate the candidate from further consideration. Notice of such results shall be presented to the City Manager. Patrol Officer candidates must have corrected or uncorrected vision of 20/30 binocular with worst eye no more than 20/200 and must be able to distinguish red from green for color blindness. Patrol Officer candidates may be subject to hearing tests as part of the medical examination. Patrol officer candidates may be evaluated on an individual basis to determine whether he or she is eligible for hiring. The standards required for police officer candidates are as follows: on audiometric testing, pure tone thresholds in the unaided worst ear, must not exceed 25 dB at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz, and must not exceed 35 dB at 3000 Hz, or must not exceed 30 dB at any one of the first three frequencies with an average loss of no greater than 30 dB for all four frequencies. Cochlear implants and hearing aid use are not considered reasonable accommodations.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

In addition to the medical examination herein provided for, a candidate receiving a contingent job offer shall be required to submit to a “psychological examination” by such psychological service as determined by Human Resources and the Police Department. Refusal of the candidate to take or failure to pass such examination shall eliminate him or her from further consideration. The term “Qualified or Unqualified” shall include evidence of any trait which in the Chief of Police’s opinion renders the candidate unfit for employment as a Patrol Officer.

After you have successfully completed the hiring process, the HR Department will reach out to you to schedule your onboarding date. Your onboarding date will be determined based on vacancies and academy date. For experienced officers, your date of hire will be determined based on the availability of personnel to start your training. 

All officers go through an orientation and equipment issue when hired.

New officers will attend a 16-week academy. There are currently three classes per year. 

Those who have completed the academy and experienced officers will enter a 3-4 week in house program before entering the Field Training Program. 

The Field Training Program takes a minimum of 16 weeks to complete for new police officers.

Your probationary period will end 12 months after you have been released to solo patrol.

Questions about your start date:

Human Resources 

(309)-434-2215 | HR@cityblm.org

Monday - Friday:|
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Questions about the hiring process or the police department:

Sgt. Kiel Nowers

knowers@bloomingtonil.gov

309-434-2583 - Desk

309-261-6018 - Cell

We currently use the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center (MCLETC) for the training of entry level officers (recruits). This training is conducted over a 16-week period. The academy was established in 2017 and provides core training to law enforcement and corrections officers. This facility features state of the art classrooms, firing ranges, and a large building devoted to simulated exercises.

The tuition for recruits is paid for by the hiring agency (The City of Bloomington). Tuition costs cover training, housing, and meals during days when class is in session. MCLETC is a residential academy with on-site dormitories. Recruits live at the academy during the week, returning home on weekends. Meals are provided.

1. Structured & Regimented Environment

• Recruits follow a paramilitary structure with discipline and high expectations.
• Daily routines often start with physical training (PT) in the morning.
• Uniform inspections, drill and ceremony, and adherence to professional conduct are emphasized.

2. Physical & Tactical Training  Recruits must meet and maintain physical fitness standards throughout the academy. There will be scheduled PT and time for recruits to conduct additional PT at times throughout the day. Training includes defensive tactics, firearms instruction, and emergency vehicle operations. Scenario-based training prepares recruits for real-world law enforcement situations.

3. Academic & Skills-Based Learning

• Classroom instruction covers criminal law, constitutional law, report writing, investigations, and ethics.
• Emphasis on community policing, de-escalation techniques, and cultural awareness.
• Recruits take written exams and practical assessments throughout the academy.

4. Firearms & Use of Force Training Hands-on instruction in handgun and rifle proficiency. Training in the Use of Force Model and decision-making under stress. Defensive tactics include handcuffing techniques, control holds, and ground fighting.

5. Scenario-Based & Realistic Training

• Simulated crisis response exercises, including active shooter drills and domestic violence calls.
• Training with simunition rounds (non-lethal training ammunition) for real-world engagement scenarios.
• Mock traffic stops, arrest procedures, and courtroom testimony practice.

6. Graduation & Certification

• Recruits must pass written exams, physical fitness assessments, firearms qualification, and practical scenario evaluations to graduate.
• Upon successful completion, graduates receive Illinois state certification to serve as sworn law enforcement officers.