The Chicago Ridge Police Department hires full-time officers in two separate ways.

Public Hiring
The Police and Fire Commission gives out applications for possible future employment. Applicants are required to have at least 60 semester hours of college education. Candidates must pass a written physical and oral interview to be placed on an eligibility list. This list is valid for two years. Additional testing is required for those candidates selected.

Internal Hiring
The Police Department also hires officers laterally. Applications are given to qualified candidates for these positions. Applicants must currently be working as full-time police officers in another jurisdiction for as least 12 consecutive months. These candidates will also undergo a series of examinations prior to being selected. These applications are also kept for two years.