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Police Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer Exam Tutor

Madison, WI ยท Remote

$25 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Police Officer Exam tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

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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.

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:

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 Officer - Lateral Transfer

City of Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie, WI โ€ข On-site

$39.15 - $45.28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Sun Prairie Police Department is now accepting applications for certified and experienced law enforcement Police Officers to join our accelerated hiring process. Starting wage to reflect the individual's years of full-time sworn officer service, up to a maximum of 10 years. To view the lateral entry program in detail, click here.

Become a part of our team, where we foster relationships and address challenges through our Core Values: Exceptional Service & Problem Solving (Competence), Professionalism (Character), and Employee Fulfillment (Leadership). Why join the Sun Prairie Police Department. click here to learn more.

*Please attach your resume to your application, as this is a requirement* Please Note: the dates above are tentative and are subject to change at any time in the hiring process. Any changes will be communicated with corresponding applicants. Essential Job Functions Patrols all assigned areas for the prevention of crime and the enforcement of State Statutes and City Ordinances.

Responds to requests for service in both emergency and non-emergency situations and takes appropriate action. Responds to ambulance calls, provides first responder emergency service until the City's Emergency Medical Technicians arrive. Takes action to prevent criminal acts by checking residential, commercial and industrial structures and investigates suspicions conditions, activities or persons.

Responds to the scene of traffic accidents and investigates the accident. Determines if any traffic laws have been violated and writes a detailed report identifying the circumstances involved in the accidents. Directs and controls traffic and enforces the established traffic laws.

Provides enforcement of the criminal law: identifies and arrests violators. Upon arrest, the Police Officer books the violator on charges and prepares a variety of Police reports to be used in the criminal prosecution. Testifies in court.

Conducts the initial crime investigation at the scene of criminal activity. Secures the scene, identifies and collects evidence and interviews witnesses. May be assigned other duties, as needed, for certain periods of time.

May be assigned to field training of new officers, provide animal control services, answers the telephone, dispatches information and provides information to the public on all emergency and non-emergency Police issues. Routinely utilize in-car computers, as well as desk-top computers, running a variety of software applications. Ensures that all police equipment and police vehicles are properly maintained.

Prepares various written reports/forms and dictates reports for transcription. May provide information and/or references to other law enforcement agencies when required. Requirements of Work High School Diploma or GED.

United States Citizenship. No felony convictions. Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire, April 3, 2025.

Must have correctable vision to 20/20 (wearing corrective glasses/contact lenses classify as correctable vision). Must successfully pass a background investigation, physical and psychological assessments. Must possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record and have valid auto insurance.

Must be a currently certified Police Officer in Wisconsin or another state. If certified in another state, candidates must meet eligibility requirements and pass the reciprocity exam. Ability to learn modern Police methods and techniques, preserving evidence and what constitutes admissible evidence.

Good knowledge of the streets and locations within the City and good knowledge of laws and ordinances is preferred. Considerable skill in the use and care of firearms. Good skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and recording them clearly and completely.

Considerable skill in reacting quickly and calmly during emergencies; skill in communicating clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; working skill in executing duties firmly, tactfully, courteously, and impartially; considerable skill in exercising good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. Other Job Functions Must have the ability to safely lift 100 pounds from ground to waist level (the weight of one end of an average stretcher/individual combination). Must possess the physical ability and strength necessary to perform the job safely and effectively and must complete general strength and flexibility testing.

Must have the strength and dexterity to be able to safely and effectively operate a firearm. The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do.

Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or HumanResources@cityofsunprairie.com.