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Police Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

The City of Watertown

Police-Police Officer

Watertown, WI · On-site

$66K - $87K/yr

Police Officer-Police Department The Watertown Police Department is accepting applications for a FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER and establish an eligibility list for the position of police officer. The ...

The City of Watertown

Police-Police Officer

Watertown, WI · On-site

$66K - $87K/yr

Police Officer-Police Department The Watertown Police Department is accepting applications for a FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER and establish an eligibility list for the position of police officer. The ...

City of Lodi, WI

Police Officer

Lodi, WI · On-site

$29.07 - $36.95/hr

Police Department Opening Date: 07/08/2026 Closing Date: 7/27/2026 9:00 AM Central Summary of Job The City of Lodi, WI is seeking a team-oriented candidate to join the Lodi Police Department. This is ...

City of Lodi (WI)

Police Officer

Lodi, WI · On-site

$29.07 - $36.95/hr

The City of Lodi Police Department is a full-service police organization that provides safety and enforcement services to more than 3,000 city residents The City of Lodi offers a generous benefits ...

Village of Greendale

Police Officer

Greendale, WI

$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 ...

Village of Greendale, WI

Police Officer

Greendale, WI · On-site

$67K - $95K/yr

Police Department Opening Date: 08/21/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant, the Patrol Officer is responsible for ...

Village of Grafton, WI

Police Officer

Grafton, WI · On-site

$75K - $87K/yr

Police Department Division: PD Operations Opening Date: 05/19/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Job Summary Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Police, Police Officers are responsible for providing ...

City of Middleton, WI

Police Officer

Middleton, WI · On-site

$36.11 - $44.78/hr

Police Opening Date: 12/12/2024 FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: WPPA General Description The Middleton Police Department is seeking motivated team-oriented candidates who are looking for a ...

Village of Grafton

Police Officer

Grafton, WI · On-site

$75K - $87K/yr

Job Summary Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Police, Police Officers are responsible for providing professional, ethical, and impartial law enforcement services to the Grafton community.

City of River Falls, WI

Police Officer

River Falls, WI · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Police Opening Date: 06/02/2026 Description In accordance with local ordinances, state statutes, federal law and established department policies, the Police Officer position is a sworn law ...

City of Milwaukee

POLICE OFFICER

Milwaukee, WI

Introduction The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission invites qualified individuals to apply for this challenging and rewarding position with the City of Milwaukee Police Department. This unique ...

Marquette University

Police Aide

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Posting Details Posting Details Posting Number NA01566 Position Information Position Title Police Aide State Employment Status Full Time Position Status Regular If Limited Term (End Date of ...

City of Middleton

Police Officer

Middleton, WI

$36.11 - $44.78/hr

General Description The Middleton Police Department is seeking motivated team-oriented candidates who are looking for a challenging but rewarding career in law enforcement. We will provide all ...

City of Racine, WI

Police Cadet

Racine, WI · On-site

$16.23/hr

Racine Police Department Opening Date: 05/15/2026 Closing Date: Continuous City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range. Learn more and apply today! INTRODUCTION: The ...

Universities of Wisconsin

Police Officer I

Menomonie, WI · On-site

$29/hr

Police Officer I Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Police Officer I Job Duties: The Police Officer is a sworn law enforcement position under the limited direction ...

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All JobsPolice JobsPolice Jobs in Wisconsin

Police information

See Wisconsin salary details

$24.2K

$61.2K

$84.8K

How much do police jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for police in Wisconsin is $61,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $65,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, investigative procedures, and physical fitness, typically acquired through police academy training and, in many cases, a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, body cameras, and radio communication systems is essential for effective fieldwork. Excellent judgment, strong communication, and resilience are vital soft skills for handling high-stress situations and interacting with diverse communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for upholding public safety, enforcing laws fairly, and building community trust.

What are some of the typical challenges police officers face during their daily shifts?

Police officers frequently encounter unpredictable situations that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as responding to emergency calls, handling disputes, or managing high-stress incidents. Balancing community engagement with enforcing laws can also be challenging, as officers must build trust while maintaining authority. Additionally, officers often work in shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays, which can impact work-life balance. Despite these challenges, strong teamwork, ongoing training, and support from colleagues help officers navigate the complexities of the role.

What police position pays the most?

The highest-paying police positions are typically police chiefs or commissioners, who oversee entire departments and have extensive experience and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require advanced education, such as a master's degree, and many years of law enforcement experience. Salaries can vary widely depending on the size of the department and location but generally exceed $100,000 annually.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

In law enforcement, holding up four fingers can symbolize the acknowledgment of four officers lost in the line of duty or represent a specific unit or rank depending on the department's traditions. It is often used as a sign of respect, remembrance, or solidarity among officers. The meaning can vary based on context and department culture.

How hard is it to get hired as a cop?

Getting hired as a police officer typically involves meeting minimum requirements such as age, education, and background checks, passing physical and written exams, and completing police academy training. The hiring process can be competitive and may take several months due to multiple interview stages and background investigations.

What is the difference between Police vs Security Guard?

AspectPoliceSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, police academy certification, sometimes college degreeSecurity guard training, certification varies by state, sometimes no formal education required
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, public spaces, crime scenes, emergency situationsPrivate properties, malls, events, corporate buildings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, law enforcementPrivate security companies, businesses

Police officers and security guards both focus on safety and security, but police have law enforcement authority, undergo extensive training, and handle criminal investigations. Security guards primarily monitor property, prevent theft, and provide access control. The roles differ mainly in authority, training, and work environment.

What Do Police Officers Do?

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and meeting citation quotas in their jurisdiction. As a police officer, you patrol the community, investigate crime, make arrests, and issue citations for parking, traffic, and other minor violations. Your main duty is maintaining public order and protecting property. You may work independently or with a partner, and you complete your patrols in a car, on foot, by bicycle, or even on horseback. You have training in weapons use in case of any situation in which you fear for your safety.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police departments often accept applicants up to their late 30s or early 40s, depending on the agency's age requirements and physical fitness standards. Age is less of a barrier if candidates meet the qualifications, pass background checks, and complete required training such as police academy. Many officers start their careers later in life and bring valuable experience to the role.

What are police officers?

Police officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, preventing crime, and protecting citizens and property. They respond to emergencies, investigate suspicious activities, and conduct patrols within their assigned areas. Police officers also work closely with communities to build trust and ensure safety, while upholding the law and safeguarding individual rights.
More about Police jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Police jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Police jobs in Wisconsin? For Police jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Police jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Police jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Police job openings:
Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,196 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Police-Police Officer

The City of Watertown

Watertown, WI • On-site

$66K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Police Officer-Police Department
The Watertown Police Department is accepting applications for a FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER and establish an eligibility list for the position of police officer. The ideal applicant will have a genuine desire to interact with citizens and identify and solve problems together, in an effort to reduce crime and disorder in our community.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
  • Effective 1/1/26, salary per year of $66,530.97, and after eight years $87,960.72
  • Health and Dental insurance
  • Wisconsin Retirement System
  • 12 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
  • Patrol work rotation is five days on and three days off (9-hour day)
  • Lateral Salary Transfer for current sworn Law Enforcement (ask for details)
  • Bilingual officers (tested) receive an extra $1000/year

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • U.S. Citizen, 21 years of age, valid driver's license
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 60 college-level credits (or more) from an accredited educational institution
  • Residency requirement: w/in 25 miles of the department (straight line distance) w/in 12 months of hire date

CONTINUOUS APPLICATION PROCESS:
  • Online: City of Watertown website under the Careers tab:
  • Any questions on the hiring process may be directed to Captain Jon Caucutt, 920-206-4238, or .

RECRUITMENT AND HIRING PROCESS: Applicants must complete each of the following steps:
  1. Submit all required application materials - Applicants may attach a DJ LE 330 to the ApplicantPro application
  2. Pass physical agility testing (see description below)
  3. Informed Consent and Waiver to Participate in Physical Agility Testing form/signed
  4. Authorization for Release of Information form/signed
  5. Copy of High School Diploma, College transcripts
  6. Copy of Wisconsin Preparatory Law Enforcement Officer Training Transcript - if applicant has already attended the Police Academy
  7. Copy of DD-214 long form (military only: discharge paperwork)
  8. Written Exam
  9. Pre-background screening information packet completed and signed
  10. Panel interview
  11. Interview with the Chief of Police
  12. Personal History Statement completed and signed
  13. Background investigation
  14. Conditional Offer of Employment
  15. Psychological Evaluation
  16. Medical Evaluation and drug screen

Physical Agility Test
  • Vertical Jump 11.5 inches
  • Agility Run 23.4 seconds
  • Sit-ups 24 / 1 minute
  • Push-ups 18 / 1 minute
  • 300 Meter Dash 68 seconds
  • 1.5 Mile Run 20:20

* CLICK the "Full Job Description" button below to obtain the necessary forms

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