Police Officer

City of La Crosse; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 69,160 - 83,116; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

City of La Crosse is seeking Police Officers to join the La Crosse Police Department. Applicants must have at least 60 college credits, be 18+, and pass background and exams. The department serves 52,000 residents across campuses and healthcare centers, with a 12-hour shift cycle and weekend rotation.

Starting salary ranges from $69,160 to $83,116 annually. Apply with transcripts; deadline November 2, 2026; interviews mid-November; benefits include health, life, dental, and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Minimum of sixty college credits from an accredited university.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and meet medical/vision standards.
• Background check, physical exam, drug screen, and psychological exam required for selected candidates.

Responsibilities

• Enforce laws and maintain the public peace as part of a team.
• Protect life and property; address community problems with residents and partners.
• Work a 12-hour shift cycle (2/2-3/2-2/3) with every other weekend off.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Sixty college credits

Job description

City of La Crosse

Police & Fire Commission Seeks Applicants for:

Police Officer

The City of La Crosse Police Department seeks to build and maintain a workforce that reflects the diversity of the City. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Law Enforcement positions with an annual starting salary range of $69,160 to $83,116. Responsibilities include working as a team member to enforce laws, maintaining the public peace, protecting life and property, and working with the community to address community problems. The La Crosse Police Department serves over 52,000 local residents, 3 college campuses and 2 major health care centers. Patrol Officers generally work a 12 hour schedule (2/2-3/2-2/3 cycle) with a total of 2080 hours worked per year and every other weekend off. Experienced candidates may qualify for additional starting pay and increased vacation based on years of service with previous agencies.

Successful applicants must have completed a minimum of sixty (60) college credits from an accredited university. College transcripts are required as part of a complete application. Applicants need not be certified to apply. If not certified, successful candidates may be sent to the 720 Academy. Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a valid unrestricted driver’s license and meet medical/vision standards. Background check, physical exam, drug screen, and psychological exam required for selected candidates. Successful candidates shall demonstrate maturity in independent decision making, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and respect for the community.

Employee benefits for the position include health insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, Bachelor’s degree incentive pay, paid holidays, paid vacations, section 125 flexible spending plans, deferred compensation plan, Roth IRA, employee sponsored dental and vision insurance, and Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension plan. You may visit the City of La Crosse website for additional benefit information.

Applicants who submit a completed application packet by November 2, 2026 and meet minimum qualifications may be invited to participate in an interview on November 11 or November 12, 2026 as well as physical fitness exam and written exam on November 13, 2026.

Police & Fire Commission

City of La Crosse Human Resources Department

Sixth Floor City Hall

400 La Crosse Street

La Crosse WI 54601

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

An equal opportunity employer/A drug free workplace

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 2, 2026

For additional information, please contact:

CITY OF LA CROSSE HUMAN RESOURCES

400 LA CROSSE ST

LA CROSSE WI 54601

PHONE: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

EMAIL:[e-mail]

Applicants must submit as part of their application package:

1. Online Application
2. Resume
3. Transcripts documenting college credits (copies or originals)
4. Answers to the following essay questions (no more than one page for each answer):
   1. Why have you chosen to apply for this position?
   2. Discuss things you have done which have contributed to your life experience. Remember to include information regarding volunteer work with civic, school, or professional organizations. Be specific about names and dates.
   3. Why do you believe you could relate to and/or work with people of different races, sexes, cultures, ages, socioeconomic groups, and education levels?

Applicants who meet the basic requirements and have all application materials on file will be invited by the City of La Crosse to participate in the following:

-November 11th OR November 12th, 2026: Oral interview with the Police Department

-November 13th, 2026: Physical Readiness Test administered by the La Crosse Police Department; the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST), and the Personnel Evaluation Profile test (PEP).

Applicants that pass the oral interview with the Police Department, written exam, and physical readiness test may be invited to participate in a screening interview with the Human Resources Department followed by an interview with the City of La Crosse Police & Fire Commission. Those applicants that pass the oral interview with the Commission are then placed on an eligibility list used to fill future vacancies.