LAW ENFORCEMENT - PATROL DEPUTY

La Crosse County; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wisconsin Retirement System

Insurance plans

Vacation and sick time banks

Job summary

La Crosse County in Wisconsin is seeking an entry-level law enforcement professional to perform general duty police work and protect public safety under Sheriff merit system procedures.

Employees operate under close to moderate supervision, with training and experience guiding enforcement of laws, investigation of incidents, and support to the community. This non-exempt role offers opportunities for growth within a dedicated team and exposure to diverse public service duties.

Responsibilities

• Patrols highways and designated areas to detect, apprehend and arrest violators of motor vehicle laws and criminal laws; operates traffic enforcement equipment and issues citations.
• Operates law enforcement vehicle for long periods of time during both day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions.
• Performs rescue functions at accidents and emergency situations; provides first aid, orders wreckers and ambulances and aids accident victims, stranded motorists and disabled vehicles.
• Directs and escorts traffic when necessary; escorts emergency and other vehicles such as oversize loads, etc.
• Investigates accidents or criminal complaints received concerning violations of the law within guidelines of the department; prepares reports and handles related paperwork.

Job description

Welcome to La Crosse County — Where Your Work Truly Matters

Every day, our unique teams contribute to our vision of a community that is vibrant, safe, and resilient. Whether you’re supporting families, safeguarding natural resources, maintaining infrastructure, or delivering essential services, your work here creates real impact for the people who live, work, and visit our county.

What You’ll Gain By Joining Us

• A Future You Can Count On: Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the most respected pension programs in the nation.
• Reliable, Affordable Coverage: Countywide insurance plans plus growing access to local, no-cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Time Off That Works For You: You’ll have two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, giving you the freedom to plan real downtime when you need it—and the peace of mind to take care of yourself when you’re under the weather.
• Start earning vacation and sick time your very first day
• Bank up to 2× your annual vacation accrual
• Build up to 150 sick days as a full time employee

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

We believe our workforce should reflect the community we serve. We’re committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging—because diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Overview

FLSA: Non-Exempt. This is an entry-level law enforcement position to which employees are selected by the Sheriff pursuant to County merit system procedures. Employees in this class work under close to moderate supervision in performing general duty police work connected with public safety through enforcement of applicable County, State and federal laws and ordinances. Employees in this class often exercise independent judgement in the field within State, local and Federal laws and departmental guidelines, upon receiving appropriate training and experience.

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Patrols highways and designated areas to detect, apprehend and arrest violators of motor vehicle laws and criminal laws; operates traffic enforcement equipment and issues citations. Operates law enforcement vehicle for long periods of time during both day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.

Performs rescue functions at accidents and emergency situations; lifts, drags and carries people away from dangerous situations; provides first aid, orders wreckers and ambulances and aids accident victims, stranded motorists and disabled vehicles.

Directs and escorts traffic when necessary; escorts emergency and other vehicles such as oversize loads, etc. Observes and checks business and other property for unlocked doors or signs of criminal activity.

Investigates accidents or criminal complaints received concerning violations of the law within guidelines of the department; investigates citizen complaints including suspected criminal activity, animal complaints, domestic disturbances, noise; prepares reports and handles related paperwork.

Performs searches of people, vehicles, building and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and people.

Makes arrests and apprehends suspects, effecting the arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints, subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense.

Puts on and operates a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are used.

Protects scenes of crimes and collects and preserves evidence for investigative units; prepares evidence for court hearings and trials pursuant to established procedures; attends court whenever necessary to provide testimony and other evidence.

Conducts video and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.

Extinguishes small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means. Assists all Law Enforcement agencies as needed.

Serves civil and criminal processes, including sales upon executions, lawful seizures of goods, garnishments, etc.; makes proper return of all processes served and reports the service made.

Maintains and checks police and personal equipment such as radios, cameras, firearms, handcuffs, uniforms, squad cars and related equipment.

Prepares reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.

Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.

Effectively communicates with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes. Communicates clearly while testifying in courts or other formal settings.

Loads, unloads, aims and fires from a variety of body positions handguns, rifles and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.

Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.

In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.

Follows policies and procedures as established by the Sheriff's Office.

Physical demands: Large percentage of time is driving squad car using near and far vision, color identification, talking, hearing, judgment, while operating police speed detection equipment and radios effectively and coherently. Frequently reads and writes. Walks, stands and bends intermittently throughout the day. A lesser amount of time is spent moving about other sites either walking, running or traversing rough terrain. When pursuing fleeing suspects or assisting at accidents or rescues, involves quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicle; lifting, carrying and dragging injured person (weighing up to 160 lbs.); climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven and narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers; stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, runs, climbs; restrains and controls recalcitrant prisoners. Works various shifts. Occasionally uses judgment while under physical and/or mental stress. There is potential exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Related Job Functions

Deputies may be assigned to special units within the Sheriff's Office or may be assigned to Court Services.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty