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 thorough 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 allowed to proceed through the testing process for police officer if they have a conviction for any felony offense or any disqualifying misdemeanor offense. The following are examples of disqualifying misdemeanor offenses that are listed in The Illinois Police Training Act (50 ILCS 705). The Decatur Police Department may also disqualify individuals in the background check for other offenses that are not mandated as automatic disqualifying offenses.
Disqualifying Misdemeanor Offenses
- Indecent Solicitation of a Child
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child
- Prostitution
- Soliciting for a Prostitute
- Keeping a Place of Prostitution
- Patronizing a Prostitute
- Pimping
- Aggravated Assault
- Criminal Sexual Abuse
- Theft
- Deceptive Practices
- Impersonation of Police or Veteran Fraternal Organizations
- Keeping a Gambling Place
- Offering a Bribe
- Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer or Correctional Institution Employee
- Escape; Failure to Report to a Penal Institution or to Report for Periodic Imprisonment
- Aiding Escape
- Harassment of Representatives for the Child, Jurors, Witnesses, or Others
- Simulating Legal Process
- Manufacture or Delivery of Cannabis
- Delivery of Cannabis on School Grounds
- Domestic Battery (Per The Lautenberg Amendment; Title 18, United States Code, Section 922 (g) (9))
