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Police Jobs in Madison, WI (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 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 ...

City of Middleton

Police Officer

Middleton, WI · On-site

$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 Fitchburg, WI

Police Officer

Fitchburg, WI · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

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 ...

City of Lodi, WI

Part-Time Police Officer

Lodi, WI · On-site

$29.07 - $36.95/hr

Police Department Opening Date: 06/19/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Summary of Job The City of Lodi, WI is seeking a team-oriented candidate to join the Lodi Police Department. This is a part-time, ...

City of Lodi (WI)

Part-Time Police Officer

Lodi, WI · On-site

$29.07 - $36.95/hr

This position reports to the Police Sergeant and functions as a uniformed police officer providing services that include, but are not limited to, police patrol, traffic control and enforcement ...

City of Fitchburg (WI)

Police Officer

Madison, WI · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

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 ...

Wisconsin

Police Officer I

Madison, WI

$34 - $44/hr

Police Officer I Job Summary: The UW-Madison Police Department is hiring Police Officers. The Police Officer is a sworn law enforcement position under the general direction of a ranking officer or ...

City of Stoughton, WI

Police Officer

Stoughton, WI · On-site

$36.72 - $42.90/hr

Police Department Opening Date: 07/22/2026 SUMMARY OF JOB Looking for a Better Work-Life Balance? Would you like to work fewer than 40 hours a week and have every other weekend off? Our officers ...

Veterans Health Administration

Police Officer

Madison, WI · On-site

$45K - $98K/yr

At this level, police work must have included investigative work, patrolling assigned area(s) to enforce laws and ordinances, regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crimes and/or arrest violators.

City of Stoughton

Police Officer

Stoughton, WI

$36.72 - $42.90/hr

As a City of Stoughton Police Officer, you will have daily opportunities to serve and make a difference in people's lives. Our officers protect and enhance the quality of life by providing fair ...

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All JobsPolice JobsPolice Jobs in Madison, WI

Police information

See Madison, WI salary details

$24.2K

$61.1K

$84.6K

How much do police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for police in Madison, WI is $61,091.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $65,500.00 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 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.

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 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.

Is it hard to get a police job?

Getting a police job can be competitive and typically requires meeting minimum qualifications such as age, education, and background checks. Candidates often need to pass physical fitness tests, written exams, and interviews, and may also need to complete police academy training before being hired.
More about Police jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Madison, WI are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Police jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Police jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Police jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Police job openings:

Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,091 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

Re-posted 2 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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