The city of Joliet, Illinois is home to over 152,000 residents and is positioned about 40 miles to the southwest of the city of Chicago. Joliet’s size makes it the fourth largest city in the state of Illinois, but the crime statistics for the area are much lower than the larger cities such as Chicago and Rockford. The overall crime rate for Joliet sits at 235.5, which is far lower than the 301.1 average for the whole of the US. The violent crime rate is closer to the national average, but is still lower at 198.4 as compared to 214.
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The Joliet Police Department employs 291 sworn officers, including 41 detectives. Detectives that work within the Joliet police force are employed with the Investigations Division. The Division consists of the Division Commander, one Lieutenant, six division Sergeants, 33 detectives, and 3 auxiliary citizens.
Becoming a Detective with the Joliet Police Department
Before being eligible to become a police officer with the Joliet Police Department, applicants must first become a patrol officer within the department. In order to become a patrol officer with the Joliet Police Department, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be at least 20 and younger than 35 when applying to become an officer
- Have earned a high school diploma or G.E.D equivalency certificate
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Adequately pass both a written and oral examination that tests applicant’s aptitude
- Submit to, and pass, a background check, polygraph test, and psychological test
- Pass a medical exam, including a vision test
- Reside within the City of Joliet corporate limits, no later than 15 months after the date of appointment
- Pass a physical fitness examination
- Submit an application packet that includes a $40 non-refundable payment
After completing these steps, patrol officers will be eligible for transfer as a detective with the Investigations Division of the Joliet Police Department.
The Joliet Police Department Investigations Division
The Investigations Division of the Joliet Police Department is segmented into different subdivisions, each with their own primary focus. Detectives working for the Joliet Police Department can work in any of these sections:
General Assignment: This division is tasked with investigating violent crimes like homicide, sexual assault, and robbery, as well as property crimes in the vein of fraud and burglary.
The General Assignment section is also subdivided into more specific assignments such as: domestic violence, arson, and Crimestoppers.
Youth Crime and School Liaison: This division deals with crimes concerning the local youth, especially those that attend high schools in the area. One detective from the Investigations Division works full time at each of the public high schools in the area as a School Resource officer.
Criminal Intelligence: This division is primarily concerned with collecting, analyzing, and explaining data that will provide intelligence information to all sections of the Joliet Police Department.
Auto Theft Task Force: Focuses all crimes that involve automobiles, including theft and illegal information alteration.
Evidence Unit: Works directly on crime scenes, collecting, processing, and amassing evidence. This unit also works intimately with crime labs on the local, state, and federal level.
FBI Regional Forensic Computer Lab Task Force: Examines computer and technological crimes alongside the FBI.
FBI Fugitive Task Force: Assists the FBI in searching for fugitives.