Police Officer

Description

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT

LATERAL CANDIDATES WITH PRIOR LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE MAY EARN UP TO $89759.00 ANNUALLY WITH HIGHER VACATION TIME AND A SICK LEAVE BALANCE.

BILINGUAL CANDIDATES STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

While new Officers attend the Police Academy the hourly base rate of pay is $27.04. Upon successful completion of the Police Academy new Officers will move to $36.80 per hour and receive their first pay increase after one year. Please view the full union contract to view the salary schedule. Lateral hires (Officers hired with prior law enforcement experience) may begin at the up to 10 year step and will receive higher PTO accrual and up to 100 sick time hours credited to their sick leave bank.

View the 2025-2027 WPPA Collective Bargaining Agreement

View our Police Officer Applicant Information flyer on our employment webpage

Before you fill out the essay questions at the end please read these helpful hints .

Talk to someone who works in the Department and learn more by emailing or calling .

Watch this video : Learn more about the minimum requirements interview process background investigation and other conditions to become a Police Officer with the Fitchburg Police Department .

About Fitchburg - This is Us !

The City of Fitchburg Police Department is seeking individuals interested in becoming a part of an organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the diverse and growing City of Fitchburg. Situated between our states capital and rural farmland the geography of Fitchburg is as diverse as the people we serve.

The City of Fitchburgs location diversity and its many other assets affords a great deal of opportunity for those interested in a career in community-oriented policing. Community-orientated policing has long served as the foundation for our department and community engagement remains a top priority.

The Opportunity

New officers will have the ability to participate in all aspects of police work from community engagement and problem-solving to criminal investigations and traffic enforcement. With an authorized sworn-staff strength of 55 officers our department allows new officers to develop and experienced officers to grow further in a more connected work environment. Following completion of a probationary period new officers become eligible to apply for specialized-positions including : K9 Handler Evidence Technician Honor Guard Motorcycle Officer S.E.T. (Special Events Team) Tactics Instructors and more.

The Ideal Candidate

Ideal candidates will be self-motivated conscientious individuals ready for a unique and challenging career who are able to think critically solve problems and effectively communicate with a wide array of individuals. Prior law enforcement experience is not required however the department welcomes experienced officers as part of our lateral-transfer program. Selected candidates who are not already certified law-enforcement officers or are not certifiable as a law enforcement officer in the State of Wisconsin will be sponsored through a 720-hour law enforcement academy.

The Hiring Process

All applicants will be provided the opportunity to share their relevant professional and life experience as it relates to the position of police officer via written essay. Applications will be scored and ranked based on essay responses educational background prior law enforcement experience veteran status and other qualifications. A select number of applicants will be invited to participate in a panel interview. Invitations for an interview with the Chief of Police will be extended following the panel interviews.

Selected applicants will undergo a full-background investigation and must complete an eight-hour ride-along with a field-training officer. Applicants must also pass a drug-screen medical evaluation and psychological assessment. Applicants who are not certified law enforcement officers or certifiable as a law enforcement officer must also pass the State of Wisconsin Department of Justices Physical Readiness Test prior to beginning the law enforcement academy.

Bilingual Incentive Pay

The City of Fitchburg recognizes the value of employees who can communicate with residents and customers in languages other than English and offers incentive pay of $0.50 for all hours paid to employees who are fluent in one or more of the eligible languages of Spanish Hmong and American Sign Language.

Lateral Transfer Program

Recognizing recruiting issues and valuing the experience of veteran officers the department recently added a lateral transfer program. Applicants with sworn law-enforcement experience whether in Wisconsin or from another state are eligible to begin at up to the ten- year step based on :

• Years of full-time law enforcement service
• Certification(s)
• Agency size
• Specialized training and assignments
• Other job related factors that would help the officer be successful in our agency

Once hired lateral transfer officers from out of state will have 12 months to successfully complete the State of Wisconsin Reciprocity Exam. Laterals may receive pay as high as $89759.00 annually along with a higher vacation and sick leave balance.

Responsibilities

Police Officer Responsibilities :

Minimum Qualifications

Supervisory Requirements :

Education and / or Experience Requirements :

Licenses Certifications etc.

Special Requirements

Knowledge Skills and Abilities :

In evaluating candidates for this position the City may consider a combination of education training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of this position.

Your unique experiences matter to us even if they dont align perfectly with every requirement listed. We recognize that skills come from diverse paths and we value what makes your journey special. If this role inspires you we encourage you to apply!

Physical Demands :

Moderate Work : Exerting 76-100 lbs 31-75 lbs occasionally and / or 0-30 lbs walking or standing to a significant degree or requires sitting some of the time but entails pushing and / or pulling of arm or leg controls or requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and / or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.

Work Environment :

Inside : Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. Inside work 60% (includes time spent in patrol vehicle) of the time and outside work 40% of the time. Environmental conditions : occasionally exposed to hazards or risk of bodily injury. Occasionally exposed to heat and cold extremes and temperature changes; seldom exposed to loud noises; occasionally exposed to moderate noise; seldom exposed to vibration toxic conditions odors dust and poor ventilation. Seldom exposed to hazards or risk of bodily injury.

Required Experience :

Unclear Seniority

Key Skills

Basic Math,Computer Operation,Physical Examinations,Military Experience,Law Enforcement,Suspension Experience,Tribal Law,Conflict Management,Security,Heavy Lifting,Public Speaking,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Yearly Salary Salary : 52728 - 89758