Message from the Chester Chief of Police

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[I wanted to take an opportunity to invite anyone interested in a law enforcement career to consider applying for a position with the Chester Police Department. We are a progressive police department with competitive salaries and benefits. All of our officers attend the State of Illinois Police Academy and must pass a State certification test prior to graduation from the Academy. Our officers return from the academy to participate in a comprehensive field-training program. In this program new officers learn to apply what they have learned in real-world situations under the supervision of an experienced officer. All of our full-time patrolmen and telecommunicators are members of the Fraternal Order of Police Union and receive insurance benefits, and a full pension plan.

Our department is a member of the Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission, a government supported training facility that oversees continued training of Illinois municipal and county law enforcement officers throughout the state. Chester Police Officers receive opportunities for advancement based on job performance and experience. We have several specialty positions within the department including tactical emergency response and drug task forces, field-training officer programs, evidence management and many others.

Our department has recently made several new positive changes in an effort to keep up with this ever-evolving field. A new command structure, changes in some of the day-to-day operations, and the addition of several new community oriented projects have allowed us to expand and specialize in many other areas. A career in law enforcement is demanding, but very satisfying! I personally cannot imagine any career I would prefer. I have met many amazing people and participated in some pretty amazing things over the years. I encourage you to take part in our application process and decide if law enforcement is for you.

Please see City Clerk Nancy Eggemeyer for an application and further details on our application process. If you have any questions please feel free to drop in and I will be happy to meet with you!

Sincerely,

Ryan Coffey, Chief of Police

Chester Police Department