How To Become A Police Officer In Milwaukee

Salaries For Police Officer Jobs In Wisconsin

The average police officer wages in Wisconsin is 53,000 a year. This indicates some officers in Wisconsin make more than that, while some make less. The factors that dictate how much an officer makes are their educational level, background experience, and the city they work in. A person hired in a big city will make more than an officer working in a rural part of Wisconsin. An officer who has achieved the rank of detective could make around 66,000 a year in Wisconsin.

Law Enforcement Programs in Wisconsin

Some cities in Wisconsin require a college degree prior to applying to become a police officer. Either way it may be wises to attain a degree before applying anywhere. A degree in a subject related to law enforcement can make a person much more desirable and marketable in the field of law enforcement and police work. Beaneath is a list of schools in Wisconsin that have programs related to law enforcement.

• Blackhawk Technical College

6004 County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546

608-758-6900

100 N East Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186

1-800-227-7655

620 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701

715-833-6200

1000 Edgewood College Drive, Madison, WI 53711

800-444-4861

1825 N. Bluemound Drive, Appleton, WI 54912

800-735-3882

3520 30th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53144

262-564-2200

1701 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704

608-246-6100

45 South National Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935

1-800-262-7426

1250 West Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233

414-288-7250

5364 College Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501

How To Become A Police Officer

Specific standards will vary but there are a few universal requirements that you should be familiar with. Here is a general idea of how you can pursue a career in law enforcement.

Many think training to become a police officer is like joining the military. They think that training mainly involves obstacle courses, shooting ranges, and tactical training rooms to prepare to join the force. While these are all important elements of police officer training, they are only one portion of the process.

Specific standards and processes for becoming a police officer will vary by the state, county or town that you are applying to, but there are a few universal requirements that you should be familiar with. Here is a general idea of how you can pursue a career in law enforcement.

Pass The Licensing Exam

The next step to becoming a police officer is to earn a passing score on your states police licensing board exam. Your education and training will prepare you to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training exam.

Each state has its own licensing board, so the tests will also vary. But generally speaking, most POST exams cover topics like: practical application and techniques, civil and criminal law, community policing, victims rights and management and communication. By passing this capstone exam, you are licensed to become a police officer and enforce the law in your jurisdiction. You are now free to seek employment with a police department.

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Is Becoming A Police Officer In Your Future

While the steps to becoming a police officer may seem lengthy, completing them is absolutely necessary if you want to achieve the fulfilling career youve set your sights on. And a good law enforcement program will help you navigate the process.

Now that youre familiar with the process of how to become a police officer, you may be curious if you have what it takes to excel on the job. Learn more in our article, Often Overlooked Qualities of a Great Police Officer.

If youre already set on becoming a police officer, visit our Law Enforcement degree page to learn how we can help you take the next step toward becoming a police officer in Minnesota.

The Law Enforcement programs at Rasmussen University are not aligned to the standards of any professional licensing body other than the MN POST and are not intended to satisfy professional licensure requirements of any professional licensing agency in any other state.Editors note: This article was originally published in June 2016. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2020. Insight from Shetler and Plantinga remain from the original.

Police Departments In Wisconsin

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 12,000 police and sheriffs patrol officers are employed in Wisconsin.2 Law enforcement career opportunities can be found in metros like Madison and Milwaukee, tourist communities like Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo, and rural towns across the state. While all prospective officers must meet the states requirements, individual departments may have additional hiring standards.

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Salary Benefits And Jobs Outlook

New recruits to the MPD earn an annualized starting salary of $42,968 during basic training, which increases to a starting salary of $57,291 per year as a newly-sworn officer following academy graduation.4 The MPD offers two weeks of paid vacation after one year of full-time service, plus 15 paid sick days per year, plus 12 additional days off in lieu of holidays. Officers receive health, life, and dental insurance and are eligible for other benefits including tuition reimbursement. MPD officers are eligible to retire with the citys fully-funded pension plan after 25 years of service.4 The average annual salary for police officers in the Milwaukee area is $69,590.5

Long-term projections are also promising for hopeful new law enforcement officers in Wisconsin. The state is expected to see growth in the number of law enforcement positions of 5.8% through 2026, which equates to 70 new jobs opening up every year in addition to replacement openings.6 For more information on current MPD law enforcement positions, take a look at our jobs board page.

Beating Of Handcuffed Suspects

In May 2012, Officer Richard Schoen, a veteran of nine years’ service was fired when footage from his car’s camera showed him beating a woman handcuffed in the back of his car.

Later in the year, the city’s Fire and Police Commission forced the department to rehire the officer. Public outrage forced the commission to change their decision.

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Milwaukee Police Officer Requirements

The MPD holds open application periods periodically throughout the year for potential new recruits. Applications are only accepted during open recruitment periods. To qualify for the hiring process, candidates must:

• Be a US citizen
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Possess a valid Wisconsin drivers license
• Have at least 60 semester hours of college credit, or earn 60 semester hours of college credit within five years of hire
• Live within 15 miles of the boundaries of the city of Milwaukee within six months of the date of hire
• Not have any felony convictions, misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, or other disqualifying criminal history
• Not have been dishonorably discharged from the military

While not required at the time of hire, the City of Milwaukee gives preference points in the selection process to military veterans, city residents, and college graduates. The selection process for qualified applicants to the MPD begins with a written test and an oral interview. Candidates must also be physically fit enough to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer as a result, a physical fitness test is the next stage in the hiring process. Those who pass the first two stages are placed on an eligibility list for consideration. Those from the list who are offered employment must first pass medical and psychological examinations, including a drug test, before being invited to attend the 27-week police academy.

What Does It Take To Be A Police Officer In Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE The Milwaukee Police Academy just saw its first graduating class in more than a year, with 26 officers now ready to protect the streets of Milwaukee.

For the next couple months, theyre going to work with veteran officers. Theyre going to take the training that they have and apply it in the real world, Captain Timothy Leitzke, Director of Training, said.

Theyre going to start out observing, and by the end of two months, theyre the ones who will be making the critical decisions, theyll be writing the reports and theyll be taking cases all the way through the DAs office if thats what the investigation requires.

Officer Daniel Lukasik says hes no stranger to service, but he felt a particular need to serve the community as a police officer.

While I was a firefighter, working alongside law enforcement, it kind of opened my eyes that I would like to work more closely with the community, so thats why I switched, Officer Lukasik said.

In particular, he says being an officer gives him more of an opportunity to serve the people of Milwaukee.

That problem solving I like to help people, see them when they need help, and be able to calm the situation, sit with them and tell them that everything is going to be alright. Theres always a bright light at the end of the tunnel, no matter what youre going through.

In Milwaukee, we give them an extra 3-4 weeks of training particular to policing in the city of Milwaukee.

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Average Salary For Cops In Wi

According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics , a police officer in the state of Wisconsin makes between $49,430 $54,230 per year. However the data collected by BLS is not very accurate because it does not take into account overtime pay or off duty gigs like private security work, special assignments and etc. These factors, if included in the data, would have drastically increased the average salary of a police officer in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Trooper Or Highway Patrol Requirements

The Wisconsin State Patrol was founded as the Wisconsin Trooper and State Patrol in 1939, and has since reorganized to provide better services for residents. There are many career paths available to Wisconsin state troopers including field operations, transportation safety, and support services. Candidates for trooper positions must meet state requirements and:

• Have authorization to work in the United States, such as citizenship or an I-9
• Meet the patrols hearing ability requirements with no more than a 20 decibel hearing loss
• Have uncorrected vision of 20/100 in each eye correctable to 20/20

Successful recruits will undergo 25 weeks of paid training at the State Patrol Academy. The starting salary for state troopers is $21 per hour.3

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Oconomowoc Police Have Seen An Increase In Retirements

We need to increase the number of police academies in Wisconsin to meet the demand that law enforcement has, said Oconomowoc Police Chief James Pfister. Numerous candidates want to attend police academies, but they are all full at this time.

Oconomowoc has been fortunate that it has been able to fill all its open positions, Pfister noted.

However, the number of applications, now usually averaging about 30 or 40, has decreased significantly, he said.

And, reflecting the national trend, the Oconomowoc department has seen an increase in retirements.

The criticism and negativity of the profession has caused the older generation of officers to retire earlier than they would have in the past, Pfister said.

Pfister added that having a brand-new facility and the latest technology may help Oconomowoc attract applicants along with a great community that supports law enforcement with a family atmosphere.

The city’s last recruitment effort brought in fully certified officers or certifiable officers, Pfister said. Unlike Germantown and Franklin, the city doesnt sponsor hires at the academy but that could change.

We are evaluating the sponsorship programs that are available for the next hiring process, Pfister said.

Knowledges Skills Abilities & Other Characteristics

• Able to read, understand, and explain Wisconsin State Statutes and City of Milwaukee ordinances.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population, in-person, via telephone, and in writing.
• Civil, courteous and customer-service oriented.
• Ability to write accurate and complete reports and accurately record information â by hand and using a computer, file records, and process paperwork.
• Ability to solve problems, and make quick and appropriate decisions in stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain self-control and to take direction from supervisors.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude, have good moral character, be honest, responsible and trustworthy.
• Ability to perform physical activities necessary to protect oneself and others.
• Motivated and able to complete the required educational and physical fitness programs.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.
• Ability to work long hours for an extended period of time.

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Meet The Minimum Requirements

Requirements for applying will vary by the police agency. Each state has a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training or similar organization that selects the minimum requirements for most law enforcement officers. While there is some differentiation, some of the standard basic requirements include:

• You will be required to be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship. Some police jurisdictions will also require their officers to reside within the city/county/town jurisdiction while others do not.
• Meet the minimum age requirement. This is usually 21 but some agencies accept individuals as young as 18.
• Having a valid drivers license.
• Meet the educational requirements outlined by the agency.

You can expect any law enforcement agency youre applying for to conduct a background check into your criminal history. While this isnt the first step to becoming a police officer, it is the first one youll need to consider before you get too far along in the process. Misdemeanor charges, juvenile offenses or speeding tickets wont automatically disqualify you, but you should be aware that agencies will be looking into your past.

Cedarburg Police Are Getting Steady Applicants

Cedarburg Police Chief Michael McNerney also feels very lucky his department has been getting steady applicants. He doesnt take the credit, however.

The city takes care of its officers through benefits and pay, he said. The city government and citizens support us.

McNerney estimated the department gets about 70 applicants from multiple states when it recruits. Cedarburg will sponsor candidates at the police academy.

I think its out there the city takes care of the guys, he said. I tell the guys were spoiled up here.

He said the department has some of the best equipment, and unlike many departments with a pool of shared equipment, the guys get their own stuff.

We dont have many leaving, he said. They spend their whole career here.

Cedarburg changed a few policies recently that might have helped keep candidates interested. Tattoos are allowed up to the wrist and on the legs, and facial hair is also allowed.

I think its getting more common you can have facial hair now, he said.

McNerney said he feels bad when he goes to meetings with chiefs from multiple departments and hears about the staffing issues theyre facing.

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Franklin Police Need To Fill Four Vacant Positions

Years ago, we could get up to 300 applicants for a position posting, Oliva said. Over the last couple of years, were lucky to get 10 to 15.

Franklin has four vacant positions, and the department expects at least one retirement this fall and several in 2023. Oliva said the Franklin Police Department has 61 sworn staff.

Having these many positions vacant significantly affects our ability to respond to calls for service efficiently and effectively, Oliva said. Weve had to adjust our staffing and increase overtime to address this situation.

When backup is needed it can come from both internal and external sources.

If all officers on a shift are on an assignment when someone needs assistance, one or more will break away to back up another officer, if possible, and/or a nearby department is requested to assist, he said. This does happen on occasion.

Milwaukee Police Historical Society

The Milwaukee Police Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and retaining the Milwaukee Police Departments long and unique history as well as to honoring and remembering the many selfless officers who served the Department and the citizens of the City of Milwaukee. This site contains historical photographs, news articles and police department documents which depict how the Department has evolved over the years.

Help preserve the memory of our fallen Police Officers.

The Milwaukee Police Historical Society is seeking donations to build a new memorial wall inside the Milwaukee Safety Academy.

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Becoming A Police Officer In Kenosha Wisconsin

The Kenosha Police Department has more than 200 sworn police officers whose mission it is to provide safety and security to the citizens of the City of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The following series of steps will take you through the requirements and hiring process that police recruits in Kenosha undertake in the pursuit of police jobs.

Step 1. Submit Online Application During Open Recruitment

During certain periods in the year, the Kenosha Police Department actively accepts applications for police officer jobs. An eligibility list is compiled and new officers are recruited from the most highly qualified candidates on this list.

Interested candidates should view current active employment openings through the City of Kenoshas Online Application System. The City of Kenosha has implemented an electronic recruitment process and only accepts online applications. You will first be required to create a NEOGOV account. You will then submit your application electronically. Note that incomplete applications will be rejected.

If you are interested in submitting your application, the next step is to review the police officer requirements for Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Step 2. Kenosha Police Officer Standards

Step 3. Examination Process

• Oral interviews
• Medical examination, including vision and hearing screening and a drug test
• Psychological evaluation

Step 4. Probationary Period

Cities And Police Departments Near Milwaukee

There are an estimated 3,290 police and sheriffs patrol officers working in the Milwaukee metro area.5 In addition to the urban working environment found in the Milwaukee Police Department, prospective officers can find opportunities with local suburban police departments. The table below outlines police employment and crime statistics for selected Milwaukee-area cities.

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