Careers

BECOME AN OFFICER

The face of policing has changed over the years, but there is still a need for Sir Robert Peel's policing philosophy:

“The police are the public and the public are the police.”

Policing in this day and age can be challenging, exciting, and fast-paced. It takes a person of strong character, a giving heart, and a sense of community to wear an Elkhart Police badge.

Are you willing to stand up to adversity for your community and fellow man? Can you meet this challenge?

Interested but Want More Information? Submit Application

Police in Specialty Uniforms, Police Memorial

Benefits

» 10 Personal Days per year
» 10 Vacation Days per year
» Take Home Car Program
» Double Time Pay for call ins and posted overtime
» Holiday, Longevity, and Shift Differential Pay
» Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
» Public Employee Retirement Fund (PERF)
» 99% of Pension Contribution Provided by City

2026 Salaries

» 3rd Class Patrolman – $67,438.00 – 1st year
» 2nd Class Patrolman – $71,438.00 – 2nd year
» 1st Class Patrolman – $78,438.00 – 3rd year
» Investigator – $79,438.00

» Sergeant – $83,884.00
» Lieutenant – $88,242.00

» $2,000.00 Annual Clothing Allowance
» $1,200.00 (Approx.) Annual Sick Incentive

Salary Information Lateral Entry Program Information

Career Paths

» Patrol
» Elkhart County Bomb Squad
» K-9 Unit
» Drug Recognition Expert
» Field Training Officer
» Honor Guard
» Drone Operator
» Elkhart County Homicide Unit
» Hostage Negotiator
» Community Relations
» Detective
» S.R.O. (School Resource Officer)
» Uniform Evidence Technician
» Elkhart County S.W.A.T. Unit

» A.T.F. Project Disarm Task Force
» Accident Reconstructionist
» E.V.O.C. Instructor
» Defensive Tactics Instructor
» Firearms Instructor
» Breathalyzer Operator
» Armorer
» Tactical Field Officer
» Limited English/Sign Language Proficiency compensation

Applicant Information:

Once you’ve turned your application in, you will be notified of our next testing date. On testing day, we start with physical agility.

The ILEA Physical Agility Test (P.A.T.) will be the new fitness test standard for all of Law Enforcement in the State of Indiana starting August 1, 2026. This test reflects the job task analysis of what a police officer will do as part of their everyday work. As authorized by the Law Enforcement Training Board, the entrance standard time will be 4:08, and the exit standard time will be 3:58. Below you will find a video of the test in its entirety, a diagram of the course, an equipment list of all the training materials that will be used at the academies for testing, a scoresheet for the test, as well as testing protocols.

A video demonstration (also featured below), a course diagram and testing protocols can be found at https://www.in.gov/ilea/physical-fitness-standards/

Applicants who successfully complete this portion of the testing are then invited to take our general education test and a personality profile questionnaire. All of this is done on the same day.

Applicants who pass this portion proceed to the background investigation phase. Once completed, those applicants who meet department standards are invited to an oral interview with the department administration, the City Human Resources Department, and members of the Police Merit Commission.

Upon completion of the above, applicants receive a conditional offer of employment. If the offer is accepted, the applicant must complete a polygraph examination, as well as medical and psychological exams. If all applicants pass all of these exams, we request approval from PERF (the Public Employee Retirement Fund). Once approved by PERF the applicant is eligible to be hired.

Requirements:

» Must be a US citizen
» Must be 21 years of age, but not yet 40 years, when appointed
» High school graduate; or GED
» Must possess a valid unrestricted driver’s license
» Must be willing, if appointed, to reside in Elkhart or an adjoining county

Needed Documentation:

» DD214, if prior military
» High school, GED, or college diploma
» High school and/or college transcripts
» Birth certificate and a copy of a valid driver’s license

ILEA Physical Agility Test Demonstration