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Police Captain Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Greendale, WI ยท On-site

$67K - $95K/yr

Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant, the Patrol Officer is responsible for assisting the Chief of Police in maintaining law and order within the ...

Police Officer

Greendale, WI ยท On-site

$67K - $95K/yr

Continuous Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant, the Patrol Officer is responsible for assisting the Chief of Police in maintaining law and order ...

Police-Police Officer

Watertown, WI ยท On-site

$66K - $87K/yr

Police Officer-Police Department The Watertown Police Department is accepting applications for a ... Any questions on the hiring process may be directed to Captain Jon Caucutt, 920-206-4238, or

Police-Police Officer

Watertown, WI ยท On-site

$66K - $87K/yr

Any questions on the hiring process may be directed to Captain Jon Caucutt, 920-206-4238, or ... Police AcademyCopy of DD-214 long form (military only: discharge paperwork)Written ExamPre ...

Police Officer

Middleton, WI ยท On-site

$36.11 - $44.78/hr

The staff includes a Chief of Police, two Captains, four Lieutenants, four Sergeants, four Detectives, three School Resource Officers, Training Officer, Community Officer, K9 Officer, and 22 patrol ...

Police Officer

Middleton, WI

$36.11 - $44.78/hr

The staff includes a Chief of Police, two Captains, four Lieutenants, four Sergeants, four Detectives, three School Resource Officers, Training Officer, Community Officer, K9 Officer, and 22 patrol ...

Patrol Officer

Cedarburg, WI ยท On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Patrol Officers are encouraged to contact the Chief, Captain, or any Sergeant on or off duty for ... Q. Serves as a police escort when assigned. R. Provides traffic and/or crowd control at special ...

Patrol Officer

Cedarburg, WI ยท On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Police Department Opening Date: 07/01/2026 Closing Date: 8/26/2026 4:00 PM Central GENERAL PURPOSE ... Patrol Officers are encouraged to contact the Chief, Captain, or any Sergeant on or off duty for ...

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Police Captain information

See Wisconsin salary details

$49.5K

$131.4K

$212.5K

How much do police captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for police captain in Wisconsin is $131,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $174,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police captain?

Police Captains are senior law enforcement officers who oversee and manage the operations of a police department or a specific division within it. They are responsible for supervising personnel, developing policies, coordinating investigations, and ensuring that their units comply with laws and departmental procedures. Police Captains also serve as liaisons between upper management and lower-ranking officers, and often represent their department in community meetings or public events. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining discipline, efficiency, and public trust within the police force.

What does a police captain do?

A police captain is a high-level officer in a police department who is typically responsible for an entire district or precinct. As a police captain, you answer to the police chief. Your job duties include allocating budget resources to each section of your division, analyzing crime data to determine trends in your area, and providing information to the press about ongoing or resolved investigations. You need strong leadership skills and significant experience as a police officer to be eligible for a job as a police captain.

How does a police captain typically support the professional development of their team members?

A Police Captain plays a pivotal role in mentoring and evaluating officers, providing regular feedback and guidance to promote both individual and team growth. Captains often identify training opportunities, facilitate workshops, and encourage officers to pursue specialized certifications or leadership programs. They also help set career goals during performance reviews and foster an environment where team members feel empowered to advance within the department. This supportive approach not only enhances team effectiveness but also strengthens retention and morale.

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

To thrive as a Police Captain, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management systems, incident reporting software, and completion of advanced supervisory training or certifications such as FBI National Academy are often required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills help you lead teams effectively and maintain public trust. These competencies are essential for ensuring operational efficiency, upholding departmental standards, and fostering community safety.

What is the difference between Police Captain vs Police Lieutenant?

AspectPolice CaptainPolice Lieutenant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experienceHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple precincts or divisions, administrative dutiesManages specific units or shifts, field supervision
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPolice Captain vs Police Lieutenant

The main difference between a Police Captain and a Police Lieutenant lies in their level of responsibility and scope of oversight. Police Captains typically oversee entire divisions or multiple precincts and focus on administrative and strategic planning. Police Lieutenants usually manage specific units or shifts, with a more direct role in field supervision. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to law enforcement hierarchies, but their duties and areas of focus differ significantly.

Is it hard to be a police captain?

Being a police captain is a challenging role that requires extensive experience in law enforcement, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage personnel and operations effectively. It often involves long hours, high-pressure decision-making, and a thorough understanding of departmental policies and community relations.

What are popular job titles related to Police Captain jobs in Wisconsin?

For Police Captain jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Police Captain jobs in WI?

For Police Captain jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police Captain job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,420 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Police Officer

Village of Greendale

Greendale, WI โ€ข On-site

$67K - $95K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant, the Patrol Officer is responsible for assisting the Chief of Police in maintaining law and order within the corporate limits of the Village of Greendale. An employee of this rank may be assigned to uniformed patrol, crime prevention, investigative work, juvenile work or other specialized Department activity. Work involves an element of personal danger in the pursuit of duties.

Officers must exercise independent judgment in meeting both routine and complex emergency situations and act without direct supervision. A significant portion of time involves public contact where discretion and tact is to be conscientiously exercised. Assignments and instructions are received in general terms from a superior officer who reviews and evaluates work methods and results through reports, observations and discussions.

The Patrol Officer's regular tour of duty shall be set by the Chief of Police. Hours: Various shifts with rotating days off, per Contract Unless otherwise stated, all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications stated herein are essential functions of this position. This position shall be reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis, by the Chief of Police.

Applications for Lateral Transfers will also be accepted. Factors considered in a lateral applicant's entry wage include the level of certification, agency size, specialized training and assignments and other job related factors that would help an officer be successful in our agency. "Police experience" refers to completion of a probationary period and currently employed by a municipal, county or state police agency.

Corrections, reserve officers, security officers and federal experience does not fulfill our requirement for certified police experience as a lateral applicant. 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.

Starting pay for Patrol Officer: $33.07 per hour/$67,585.42 per year Lateral pay steps for 2026: 1 year experience: Step 2- $38.55 per hour 2 years experience: Step 3- $41.30 per hour 3 years experience: Step 4- $44.04 per hour After 4 years: $46.79 per hour/$95,633.53 per year Pay for 2027: Start: $34.06 per hour=$69,612.98 per year After 1 year: $39.71 per hour After 2 years: $42.54 per hour After 3 years: $45.36 per hour After 4 years: $48.19 per hour/$98,502.54 per year Supervisor: Patrol Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, Police Captain, Chief of Police Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION The Patrol Officer is directly responsible to the Patrol Sergeant and ensures the constitutional rights of all citizens. He/she will impartially enforce the laws of the State of Wisconsin and the ordinances of the Village of Greendale. The Patrol Officer carries out departmental functions primary to the prevention of criminal activity and providing day- to-day police services to the community

The Patrol Officer, after a testing process, shall be appointed by the Police and Fire Commission, and shall hold office subject to suspension or removal by the Commission for cause. The Patrol Officer shall obey all legal orders and directives. Work involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, investigation of crime, apprehension of criminals and the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties are normal for this position and shall be directed by the Chief of Police. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive; other duties may be required or assigned by the Chief of Police, and/or his designee. Patrol residential and commercial property in a vehicle to observe, prevent or terminate unlawful acts; maintains radio contact with dispatch; reports crimes or unusual situations; responds to calls or initiates actions; backs up other units as required.

Respond to a wide range of citizen needs and requests, at times under emergency situations; e.g., accidents, rescue efforts, search for missing person(s), alarms and in-progress felonies. Respond to calls involving traffic crashes and other serious accidents; secure scene to protect victims and property; give first aid and calls for medical assistance; interview participants and witnesses; collect other related information and complete reports. Facilitate the movement of people and vehicles, including enforcement of all traffic regulations; controls and redirects traffic in congested areas and scenes of emergency or danger; promotes traffic safety; assists stranded motorists; enforces parking restrictions; controls crowds; and prevents the blockage of sidewalks, streets and other public accesses

Operate a radar unit in monitoring speed of traffic; stop violators and issue warnings or citations, may conduct appropriate tests for determination of intoxication/impairment. Respond to reports of criminal activity; searches buildings, residences and surrounding areas for criminal subjects; secure scene to restore peace and protect evidence; calls for assistance as needed; provides backup to other officers engaged in confrontation or arrest activities. Interview complainants and witnesses; analyzes probable sequence of events; seeks additional data through research, telephone calls, interviews and other methods; identifies, arrests, fingerprints and takes into custody offenders for probable cause; advises such persons of their constitutional rights; searches for weapons or contraband; interrogates regarding act(s) committed; transports for incarceration and testifies in court proceedings to provide facts and evidence.

Serve as an investigator as required; conduct follow-up investigations; interview witnesses, victims and others and take statements; interrogate suspects; examine records and collect evidence to be used for criminal prosecutions; prepare detailed investigative reports; conduct surveillance; contact parents and other agencies for the purpose of juvenile counseling and referral. Serve warrants, make arrests, and process and/or transport prisoners. Testify in court as summoned.

Periodically practice the use of a variety of firearms and attend continuing education seminars and lectures on various law enforcement practices and techniques. May have to work in inclement weather; may be subject to personal hostility; and the potential exists for sustaining serious bodily harm or possibly death in the performance of duties. Provide effective and efficient customer services, and promote and maintain responsive community relations.

Work with social agencies, schools, and other groups. Perform business and vacation checks within their designated area of patrol. Certification of the State TIME System must be continuous during employment.

Any other minimum standards set by WI Department of Justice or Training and Standards Board as applicable. Perform any other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police and/or designee. Minimum qualifications & Requirements QUALIFICATIONS U.S

citizen Minimum 60 college credits - criminal justice or related field preferred. Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver's License. Must have (or have the ability to obtain) certification as a law enforcement officer for the State of Wisconsin.

No Domestic violence convictions. Ability to possess a firearm. Supplemental information KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES A candidate for this position should exhibit the following: Working knowledge of Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local civil and criminal statutes and ordinances on which charges and arrests are executed, including laws of arrest, search and seizure. Knowledge of the geography of the Village and location of important buildings. Must have the skill to function in a sustained stressful environment; while maintaining an effective working relationship with Police Chief, all Department and Village employees; and a professional, courteous manner with the general public.

Ability to handle sensitive public contacts and to deal tactfully and courteously but firmly with the public. Ability to distinguish confidential material and apply departmental standards for security and privacy. Required to complete all appropriate written exams and physical testing.

Ability to work in all phases of the delivery of law enforcement services and their related police procedures. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instruction and prepare clear, comprehensive reports. Ability to make sound decisions and to communicate effectively both verbally and by using written communication.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relations with co-workers, superiors, and the general public. Ability to develop and maintain satisfactory performance levels in relevant psycho-motor skills. Ability to testify in court, at deposition sessions and similar proceedings.

Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances. Ability to meet such physical requirements as may be established. Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment and to render objective decisions in the application of laws and ordinances.

Ability to apply techniques of self-defense and use necessary force to apprehend and restrain violent or hostile individuals. Ability to operate a computer terminal. Skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment and the operation of motor vehicles.

Ability to demonstrate the essential functions of this position.