What is the process for Homewood Police Department recruitment?
The hiring process is established by state statute with appointments made by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. To comply with these statutes, the Village contracts with a qualified third-party testing service.
Fill out an application
The Homewood Police Department follows a two-year Eligibility List cycle. When the list either expires or is exhausted a call for applicants is given. Applications and study materials are available at the Homewood Police Department.
Complete and pass a written test
The written test and the study materials are prepared and administered by an independent third-party testing service.
Oral interviews
The oral interviews are coordinated and arranged by an independent third-party.
Interviews are conducted by a group of current and retired law enforcement administrators from various municipalities in the region.
Points totaled
Points are tallied from the written test and oral interview. Additional points are added for candidates based on military service, education, and previous law enforcement experience.
List of qualified candidates posted
A list of qualified candidate names and final test scores sorted highest to lowest score is submitted to the Fire & Police Commission for review and approval. This list is posted and remains active for two years.
Conditional offer of employment
When there is a vacancy in the department, an extensive background check is conducted on a candidate in the order of his/her position on the Eligibility List. If the candidate passes the background check, a conditional offer is made. The offer is contingent upon the candidate passing a polygraph test, psychological assessment, and medical exam.
Police Academy Training
The candidate is enrolled in a 560-hour certified basic law enforcement course. Upon completion of the course, all candidates must take and pass the ILETSB certification exam.
Field Training
After successfully completing certified basic law enforcement course and passing the ILETSB certification exam, candidates begin 75 days of Field Training. This includes shadowing by a certified Field Training Officer.
Solo patrols begin
Upon successfully completing Field Training, the officer begins solo patrols with a one-year probationary period. If the officer fails to meet the expectations and requirements of the position, they are released from the department.
Does the Homewood Police Department have formal written policies and procedures?
Homewood Police Department: Policies That Protect
Policies create the foundation for all operations in public safety agencies and local governments. The Homewood Police Department utilizes Lexipol, an independent, unbiased third-party system that provides fully developed, state-specific policies researched and written by subject matter experts and vetted by attorneys.
These policies are based on national standards and best practices while also incorporating state and federal laws and regulations where appropriate. Best of all, they keep Homewood's policies updated and provide continuous education and training for every Homewood Police Officer each and every day. Polices are continuously reviewed and updated.
Is the Homewood Police Department adhering to the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing?
Yes. In 2014, an executive order was signed, establishing the Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The President charged the task force with identifying best practices and offering recommendations on how policing practices can promote effective crime reduction while building public trust. The task force recommendations are organized around six main topic areas or "pillars:" Building Trust and Legitimacy, Policy and Oversight, Technology and Social Media, Community Policing and Crime Reduction, Officer Training and Education, and Officer Safety and Wellness.
In 2015, the State of Illinois utilized the recommendations of the President's Task Force to sign into law the Illinois Police and Community Relations Improvement Act. The Act included several changes to Illinois law enforcement procedures the police department must follow, including:
Established training requirements for use of force, legal updates, constitutional and proper use of law enforcement authority, procedural justice, civil rights, human rights, and cultural competency
Established the requirement of third-party investigation of officer-involved deaths
Banned the use of chokeholds except when deadly force is justified
Established the right of private persons to video-record law enforcement officers performing official duties in a public place or where they have no expectation of privacy
Expanded the collection and reporting of traffic stop data to pedestrian stops
Established the requirement to report certain disciplinary measures to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board
Established the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act to set the standards, procedures, and regulations for the use of body-worn cameras, as developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.
Are officers trained to perform and seek necessary medical attention after an application of force?
Officers are required to perform first aid and immediately summon medical assistance if an individual is injured, complains of being injured, or if the officer believes the person is injured or in need of medical attention. In addition, all Homewood Police Officers are certified in use of AEDs, administering CPR, and trained in applications of tunicates. Each uniformed marked squad car is also equipped with an AED.
How does the Homewood Police Department utilize cameras?
Each squad car is equipped with an in-car camera, and each patrol officer is equipped with a body-worn camera. The squad car camera automatically activates when the officer initiates a traffic stop or otherwise activates the squad's emergency lights. The squad car camera and the body-worn camera automatically activate when the officer activates the squad's emergency equipment. Body-worn cameras are manually activated when officers are engaged in ANY law enforcement related activities. Supervisors periodically audit a random sample of each officer's traffic stops to ensure compliance with department policies. Click here for more information on the Homewood Police Departments body camera policy.
What should you do if stopped by a Homewood Police Officer?
Each traffic stop is unique, and the police officer must alter his/her response to fit the circumstance. Click here for detailed information in what to expect if stopped by a Homewood Police Officer.
How can a resident submit comments or questions about the Homewood Police Department?
Members of the public may attend Village Board meetings to make public comments. They may also contact the Homewood Police Department directly via email or phone.
