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Lateral Police Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer - Lateral

Racine, WI · On-site

$79K - $93K/yr

... to the Police and Fire Commission Interviews. 10. For out of state lateral applicants, successful completion of the State of Wisconsin designated testing in lieu of attending a Wisconsin Law ...

... to the Police and Fire Commission Interviews. 10. For out of state lateral applicants, successful completion of the State of Wisconsin designated testing in lieu of attending a Wisconsin Law ...

Police Officer- Lateral Hire

Beloit, WI · On-site

$32.45 - $40.25/hr

Police Department Division: PD-Patrol Opening Date: 09/22/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Summary of ... Lateral Pay and Vacation for Law Enforcement Experience*** Equal opportunity employer Please click ...

Police Officer

Greendale, WI · On-site

$67K - $95K/yr

Successful lateral candidates who are currently employed full-time will start at a higher pay step than entry level candidates. Vacation time will also be adjusted according to police experience.

Police Officer

Greendale, WI · On-site

$67K - $95K/yr

Successful lateral candidates who are currently employed full-time will start at a higher pay step than entry level candidates. Vacation time will also be adjusted according to police experience.

Police Officer

Madison, WI · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Lateral hires, (Officers hired with prior law enforcement experience), may begin at the up to 10 ... The City of Fitchburg Police Department is seeking individuals interested in becoming a part of an ...

Police Officer

Fitchburg, WI · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Police Department Division: Sworn Staff Opening Date: 01/30/2026 Description CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT ... Lateral hires, (Officers hired with prior law enforcement experience), may begin at the up to 10 ...

Police Officer

Racine, WI · On-site

$70K - $86K/yr

Lateral Hiring: The Village may hire external certified experienced applicants and set initial ... If you are enrolled in the police academy or completed it but have not yet been hired...look no ...

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Lateral Police information

See Wisconsin salary details

$32.8K

$62.7K

$104.5K

How much do lateral police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral police in Wisconsin is $62,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $75,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by lateral police officers when transitioning to a new department?

Lateral police officers often face challenges adjusting to new departmental procedures, community expectations, and team dynamics. While their prior experience is valuable, learning a new agency’s policies, software systems, and patrol areas can require additional training and adaptation. Building trust with new colleagues and supervisors may also take time, as each department has its own culture and operational style. However, many departments offer structured onboarding and field training programs to support lateral hires during this transition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lateral police officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lateral Police Officer, you need prior law enforcement experience, POST certification, a solid understanding of criminal and civil law, and often a clean background check. Familiarity with police databases, body-worn camera systems, and evidence management tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively interact with diverse communities and handle stressful situations. These competencies ensure public safety, uphold legal standards, and foster trust within the community.

What is the difference between Lateral Police vs Police Officer?

AspectLateral PolicePolice Officer
Required CredentialsPolice academy certification, law enforcement training, state licensingPolice academy certification, law enforcement training, state licensing
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigationsLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigations
Employer & IndustryMunicipal, county, state police departmentsMunicipal, county, state police departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding lateral transfer options, qualifications, career pathsEntry-level roles, career progression, job duties

Both Lateral Police and Police Officers require similar credentials and work in law enforcement environments. The key difference is that Lateral Police are experienced officers transferring from other agencies, while Police Officers are typically new recruits. Lateral Police often have prior experience, making their transition smoother, whereas Police Officers are starting their careers. Understanding these differences helps candidates identify the right role based on their experience level and career goals.

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Lateral Police jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Lateral Police job openings:

Infographic showing various Lateral Police job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,730 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Police Officers - Lateral Applicants

City of Elkhorn

Elkhorn, WI • On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary of Job *THIS POSTING IS FOR LATERAL POLICE OFFICER APPLICANTS ONLY* The Elkhorn Police Department is actively seeking dedicated and experienced law enforcement professionals to join our team. As a Lateral Police Officer, you will play a vital role in serving and protecting our community. Through proactive engagement with residents, relationship-building, and responsive policing, you will help maintain public safety, preserve peace, and prevent crime.

Elkhorn is more than just a city - it is a close-knit community. Your work as a Police Officer will directly contribute to maintaining the quality of life that makes Elkhorn a great place to live and work. Lateral Transfer Eligibility A "lateral transfer" refers to a candidate who is certified and has been employed as a full-time law enforcement officer by a municipal, county, state or federal police agency for a minimum of one year.

Corrections, reserve officers and security officer experience does not fulfill our recruitment for certified police experience as a lateral applicant. Successful lateral candidates may start at a higher pay step than entry-level candidates at the discretion of the City Administrator. Factors considered in a lateral applicant's entry wage include the level of certification, education, agency size, specialized training and assignments and other job-related factors that would help an officer be successful in our agency.

Vacation time may also be adjusted based on prior law enforcement experience. 2026 Salary Schedule Police Officer Annual Salary Start $67,596 12 Months $73,193 24 Months $77,922 36 Months $80,719 48 Months $84,115 Ready to Serve. Submit an online application and materials This is a continuous recruitment, and applications will be reviewed on an ad hoc basis This posting is subject to close at any time at the discretion of the department Selection Process Each phase of the process is pass/fail and required to proceed to the next.

Department review of application materials Interview with Command Staff Interview before Police and Fire Commission Background investigation Post-offer examinations, including but not limited to, psychological assessment; medical examination; functional capacity evaluation; and drug screening Lateral Transfer Police Officer Candidate Pool Qualified applicants may be placed in a lateral police officer candidate pool. Placement is based on relative qualifications and overall evaluation The Police and Fire Commission may appoint candidates whose knowledge, skills, and abilities best meet department needs Applications remain active for one (1) year from the date of acceptance by the Police and Fire Commission Benefits The City of Elkhorn is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support you and your family: Medical Insurance: Premium-free for employee-only coverage, with a minimal 1% cost share for family plans Dental Insurance: Premium-free for all employees Vision Insurance: Available as a voluntary benefit Life Insurance: Two policies provided, with options to purchase additional coverage for yourself and your spouse or dependents Retirement Savings: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), a state-managed pension plan, along with access to a 457(b) deferred compensation plan Paid Time Off: Sick leave, vacation, and compensatory time available. Clothing Allowance: Initial uniform reimbursement amount and annual clothing allowance And more.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Under general supervision, in accordance with all applicable laws and established operating policies/procedures, the employee is responsible to detect and deter criminal activity; identify and apprehend criminal offenders; protect constitutional guarantees; facilitate the movement of people and vehicles; aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm; and provide other services on an emergency basis. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, or is a logical assignment for the position. Patrol assigned areas of the City in order to maintain the peace; discover and prevent the commission of crimes; enforce laws, regulations, and ordinances; respond to and investigate alarms; perform security checks of business, public and residential premises; assist stranded, distressed or injured motorists; and respond to complaints, traffic accidents, requests from persons requiring assistance and other emergency calls. Perform traffic control duties at accidents, special events, and other emergency situations.

Conduct investigations of alleged or suspected criminal activity; determine what, if any, crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve and process evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; and identify and interrogate suspects. Search persons, vehicles, and property to locate and collect evidence of a crime. Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; and serve subpoenas or other court orders.

Prepare necessary reports and documentation for investigations, arrests, accidents, citation or other incidents. Testify in criminal and civil court proceedings; give depositions. Maintain vehicles and equipment in order to ensure dependable, efficient and safe operation by servicing, cleaning and polishing when necessary.

Participate in ongoing training and education. Qualifications Must have a valid driver's license with good driving record. Must be 18+ years of age.

Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and sixty (60) college credits from an accredited University or College. Certified or certifiable (through reciprocity examination) by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board. Have been employed, whether currently or in the past, for at least (1) year as a full-time, sworn law enforcement officer by Federal, State, County, or local law enforcement agency in which they served.

Applicants must be in good standing with the agency in which they served. (Part-time certifications as a law enforcement officer does not meet this requirement). Must be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Must be able to react quickly and effectively to stressful situations. Must possess good verbal and written communication skills. Excellent moral character.

Must be able to use all standard law enforcement equipment. Able to work evenings, weekends and holidays. No felony convictions, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or other crime that results in the prohibition of possession of a firearm.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Motor Vehicles Duty Weapons: firearms, less lethal weapons including electronic control devices, OC Spray, batons, less-lethal shotgun, etc. Writing implements Office Equipment; Computers, printers, telephone systems, photocopying machines, Fax machines, etc. Radio Communications: Portable and mobile police radios, mobile data computers, etc.

Basic Tools and Equipment: First aid supplies including but not limited to A.E.D, oxygen, etc., fire extinguishers, restraint devices, flashlights, uniforms, personal protective equipment, speed measurements equipment, alcohol detection devices, camera and digital recording equipment.