Chief Police Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $73,866.00 - $92,410.50 Annually
Location : 5520 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI
Job Type: Full-Time 1.0 FTE
Job Number: 202600006
Department: Police Department
Division: Sworn Staff
Opening Date: 01/30/2026
Description
CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT
LATERAL CANDIDATES WITH PRIOR LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE MAY EARN UP TO $92,411.00 ANNUALLY WITH HIGHER VACATION TIME AND A SICK LEAVE BALANCE.
BILINGUAL CANDIDATES STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!
*A RESUME AND COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED*
While new Officers attend the Police Academy, the hourly base rate of pay is $27.85. Upon successful completion of the Police Academy, new Officers will move to $37.88 per hour and receive their first pay increase after one year. Please view the full union contract to view the salary schedule. Lateral hires, (Officers hired with prior law enforcement experience), may begin at the up to 10 year step and will receive higher PTO accrual and up to 100 sick time hours credited to their sick leave bank.
View the 2025-2027 WPPA Collective Bargaining Agreement
View our Police Officer Applicant Information flyer on our employment
Before you fill out the essay questions at the end, please read these helpful hints
Talk to someone who works in the Department and learn more by emailing or calling 608-270-4326.
Watch this video: Learn more about the minimum requirements, interview process, background investigation and other conditions to become a Police Officer with the Fitchburg Police Department
About Fitchburg -This is Us!
The City of Fitchburg Police Department is seeking individuals interested in becoming a part of an organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the diverse and growing City of Fitchburg. Situated between our state's capital and rural farmland, the geography of Fitchburg is as diverse as the people we serve.
The City of Fitchburg's location, diversity and its many other assets affords a great deal of opportunity for those interested in a career in community-oriented policing. Community-orientated policing has long served as the foundation for our department and community engagement remains a top priority.
The Opportunity
New officers will have the ability to participate in all aspects of police work, from community engagement and problem-solving, to criminal investigations and traffic enforcement. With an authorized sworn-staff strength of 55 officers, our department allows new officers to develop, and experienced officers to grow further, in a more connected work environment. Following completion of a probationary period, new officers become eligible to apply for specialized-positions including: K9 Handler, Evidence Technician, Honor Guard, Motorcycle Officer, S.E.T. (Special Events Team), Tactics Instructors and more.
The Ideal Candidate
Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, conscientious individuals, ready for a unique and challenging career who are able to think critically, solve problems and effectively communicate with a wide array of individuals. Prior law enforcement experience is not required, however the department welcomes experienced officers as part of our lateral-transfer program. Selected candidates who are not already certified law-enforcement officers or are not certifiable as a law enforcement officer in the State of Wisconsin will be sponsored through a 720-hour law enforcement academy.
The Hiring Process
All applicants will be provided the opportunity to share their relevant professional and life experience as it relates to the position of police officer via written essay. Applications will be scored and ranked based on essay responses, educational background, prior law enforcement experience, veteran status and other qualifications. A select number of applicants will be invited to participate in a panel interview. Invitations for an interview with the Chief of Police will be extended following the panel interviews.
Selected applicants will undergo a full-background investigation and must complete an eight-hour ride-along with a field-training officer. Applicants must also pass a drug-screen, medical evaluation and psychological assessment. Applicants who are not certified law enforcement officers or certifiable as a law enforcement officer must also pass the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice's Physical Readiness Test prior to beginning the law enforcement academy.
Bilingual Incentive Pay
The City of Fitchburg recognizes the value of employees who can communicate with residents and customers in languages other than English and offers incentive pay of $0.50 for all hours paid to employees who are fluent in one or more of the eligible languages of Spanish, Hmong, and American Sign Language.
Lateral Transfer Program
Recognizing recruiting issues and valuing the experience of veteran officers, the department recently added a lateral transfer program. Applicants with sworn law-enforcement experience, whether in Wisconsin or from another state are eligible to begin at up to the ten- year step based on:

• Years of full-time law enforcement service
• Certification(s)
• Agency size
• Specialized training and assignments
• Other job related factors that would help the officer be successful in our agency

Once hired, lateral transfer officers from out of state will have 12 months to successfully complete the State of Wisconsin Reciprocity Exam.
Responsibilities
Police Officer Responsibilities:

• Observe, detect, and apprehend violators of traffic and other laws.
• Observe and take appropriate actions regarding physical hazards and illegal criminal activities.
• Respond to emergency calls and assists fire and EMS services as necessary.
• Conduct investigations of incidents occurring on the shift.
• Determine appropriate action to be taken at each incident.
• Complete a written report of all activities during a shift.
• Complete State of Wisconsin forms when required for an incident.
• Complete departmental forms, logs, and summaries related to the processing of evidence.
• After reviewing reports, make necessary referrals to Dane County Social Services, Juvenile Reception, the District Attorney's Office, and private organizations.
• Review necessary reports and documentation of incidents.
• Provide testimony concerning each incident.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Supervisory Requirements:

• None

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Associate degree in police science, sociology or related field preferred. A new officer without a two-year associate degree or sixty credits from an accredited college at the time of hire must meet this requirement within five (5) years of hire.
• Must meet the minimum requirements as established by the Law Enforcement Standards Board.
• Previous experience dealing with the general public preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, etc.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver's License or have the ability to obtain a Wisconsin Driver's License by appointment.

Special Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to identify and analyze problems, evaluate alternative solutions and make sound judgments.
• Ability to move quickly and forcefully in response to unexpected situations.
• Ability to maneuver and work in a variety of ground conditions.
• Ability to operate patrol vehicles in emergency mode.
• Ability to get in and out of a patrol car on a frequent basis.
• Ability to successfully pass a physical skills and agility test at the time of graduation from the Police Academy.
• Possess the finger and arm dexterity and the strength necessary to safely operate a firearm.
• Knowledge and experience in the utilization technical equipment including computers, cameras, and radar units.
• Proficiency in word processing/typing.
• Ability to render credible testimony in a court of law.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a variety of people including co-workers, other professionals, appointed and elected officials, and the general public.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of this position.
Your unique experiences matter to us, even if they don't align perfectly with every requirement listed. We recognize that skills come from diverse paths, and we value what makes your journey special. If this role inspires you, we encourage you to apply!
Physical Demands:
Moderate Work: Exerting 76-100 lbs seldom. Exerting 31-75 lbs occasionally, and/or 0-30 lbs frequently. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree, or requires sitting some of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls, or requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.
Work Environment:
Inside: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. Inside work 60% (includes time spent in patrol vehicle) of the time and outside work 40% of the time. Environmental conditions: occasionally exposed to hazards or risk of bodily injury. Occasionally exposed to heat and cold extremes and temperature changes; seldom exposed to loud noises; occasionally exposed to moderate noise; seldom exposed to vibration, toxic conditions, odors, dust, and poor ventilation. Seldom exposed to hazards or risk of bodily injury.
Full-Time Employees
Fitchburg offers excellent benefits including the Wisconsin Retirement System, health, dental, vision, life insurance, income continuation insurance (disability), accident benefit, bilingual incentive, paid parental leave, an onsite fitness center, public student loan forgiveness, flexible schedules and wellness incentives. Check out the benefits in detail available to you as an employee in our
Part-Time Employees
You may be eligible for the same great benefits listed above but your monthly benefit premiums will be pro-rated to your FTE (Full-Time Equivalency). Please contact Human Resources directly at 608-270-4211 if you have questions about your benefit eligibility.
Seasonal/Limited Term/Paid-On Call
While you will not be eligible for the same benefits available to permanent full-time and permanent part-time employees, you are eligible to use our free onsite fitness center! The fitness center is available 24/7.
01
Are you applying as a lateral transfer, (prior law enforcement experience)?

• Yes
• No

02
Have you already completed the Law Enforcement Academy OR are you currently in the Academy?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you, or will you be, a United States Citizen prior to an employment offer (June 2026)?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06
If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide your driver's license number and State issued. (If you do not have a valid driver's license, enter N/A.)
07
Do you have vision correctable to 20/20?

• Yes
• No

08
Are you legally able to possess a firearm in the State of Wisconsin?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you have the ability to perform the essential job functions of the position of Police Officer?

• Yes
• No

10
Do you have any felony convictions or domestic violence convictions that have not been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon?

• Yes
• No

11
Screening Process. In addition to the State of Wisconsin requirements, the Fitchburg Police and Fire Commission have adopted additional standards in the selection of Police Officers. The Commission strives to employ officers that embody the mission of the Fitchburg Police Department and has directed staff to screen applications prior to the interview phase of the recruitment process. Your responses to the following questions, in addition to the content and completeness of your application will be used in evaluation your candidacy for this position. Information that is found to be contrary to your answers will be grounds for removal from the hiring process. Please initial below indicating that you have read and understand the screening process as described above.
12
Have you ever served in the US Armed Forces?If "yes," please indicate your Veteran status and dates of military service below.
13
E1. What is your highest level of education achieved?

• High School graduate or GED
• Some College, no degree
• Associate's Degree (2 yr degree)
• Bachelor's Degree (4 yr degree)
• Other

14
If you selected "other" for the previous question, please explain below.
15
What is your cumulative grade point average (GPA) for college credits earned?

• N/A
• 0.00 - 2.99
• 3.00 - 3.49
• 3.50 - 3.99
• 4.00 or above

16
Please select your proficiency level to speak Spanish from the list below. Ability to speak Spanish is not a re