Automatic Disqualifiers for Police Applicants
Patrol Officer Job Announcement and Application Form
In August of 1999, the Governor signed into law, a bill that would automatically decertify any Illinois police officer convicted of certain misdemeanor criminal offenses. This bill also made the conviction for any of the decertifiable offenses, automatic disqualifiers for persons wishing to pursue careers as Illinois Police Officers. This program is closely monitored by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
The Decatur Police Department performs a complete background check and criminal history on all applicants for the job of police officer with the City of Decatur. No applicant will be accepted or will be allowed to proceed through the testing procedure for police officer if there is a conviction for any disqualifying misdemeanor offense. Disqualifying misdemeanor offenses in the State of Illinois appear in Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 720.
They are:
| Section | Description | Class |
| 5/11-6 | Indecent Solicitation of a Child | AM to 4F |
| 5/11-9.1 | Sexual Exploitation of a Child | AM to 4F |
| 5/11-14 | Prostitution | AM to 4F |
| 5/11-17 | Keeping a Place of Prostitution | AM to 4F |
| 5/11-19 | Pimping | AM to 4F |
| 5/12-2 | Aggravated Assault | AM to 4F |
| 5/12-15 | Criminal Sexual Abuse | AM to 2F |
| 5/16-1 | Theft; Includes Retail Theft (Shoplifting) | AM to 4F |
| 5/17-1 | Deceptive Practices/Worthless Checks | AM to 4F |
| 5/17-2 | Impersonating Police or Veteran Fraternal Org. | AM to 4F |
| 5/28-3 | Keeping a Gambling Place | AM to 4F |
| 5/29-1 | Offering a Bribe | AM to 4F |
| 5/31-1 | Resisting or Obstructing a Police Officer | AM |
| 5/31-6 | Escape | AM to 1F |
| 5/31-7 | Aiding Escape | AM to 2F |
| 5/32-4(a) | Harassing of Jurors/Families of Jurors | AM to 2F |
| 5/32-7 | Simulating Legal Process | BM |
| 550/5 | Manufacture or Delivery of Cannabis | BM to 2F |
| 550/5.2 | Delivery of Cannabis on School Grounds | AM to 1F |