Police Officer
Onalaska Web
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The City of Onalaska Police Department is seeking Police Officers to join a dedicated team and help maintain public safety. This role welcomes both entry-level and lateral officers, with opportunities to participate in training and community engagement.
Starting wages are $33.07 per hour with planned increases. Lateral hires may start at higher rates. Benefits include health, dental, pension, and paid vacation. A 5-2, 5-3 shift cycle applies, with occasional special assignments.
Qualifications
- Two year Associate’s Degree or a minimum of sixty college credits.
Responsibilities
- Patrols assigned areas focusing on high frequency crime locations and known trouble areas.
- Investigates criminal and illegal activities, unusual or suspicious activities and conditions, traffic accidents, etc., enforcing applicable laws.
- Prepares necessary reports, interviews, narratives and follow-ups for violations and complaints; issues citations or warnings as appropriate.
- Evaluates erratic or impaired driving and conducts field sobriety tests; OMVWI arrests when probable cause exists.
- Responds to calls for assistance and provides necessary medical, physical, or protective services.
Education
Job description
The City of Onalaska Police department is seeking to hire a Police Officer and to create an eligibility list for anticipated vacancies occurring over the next year or until the next recruitment for the position. This is an excellent opportunity for both entry-level candidates and lateral officers looking to join a supportive, professional department that values training, teamwork, and community engagement. Under the general supervision of the Shift Sergeant, Police Officers protect life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Officers respond to a wide range of calls, conduct investigations, and work collaboratively to ensure public safety.
- Reviews records and reports; receives briefings on incidents, wanted suspects, stolen vehicles/property, missing persons and other pertinent information.
- Patrols assigned areas concentrating on high frequency crime locations and known trouble areas; identifies crime patterns and modus operandi used in crimes.
- Investigates criminal and illegal activities, unusual or suspicious activities and conditions, traffic accidents, etc., enforcing applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
- Prepares necessary reports, interviews, narratives and follow-ups for violations and complaints; issues necessary citations or warning notices as appropriate; transports arrestees to the appropriate facility as circumstances and department policy dictates.
- Evaluates erratic or impaired driving, conducts field sobriety tests and make Operating Motor Vehicle While Impaired (OMVWI) arrests if probable cause exists for the arrest.
- Responds to any calls for assistance.
- Investigates traffic crashes, completing necessary documents and provides the necessary services as a result of the crash (e.g., First Aid, traffic control, call towing service, etc.).
- Observes traffic flow for violations identifying areas of traffic concern; issues warnings/citations to violators consistent with department policy.
- Queries suspects through the Criminal Information Bureau (CIB) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for wants/warrants’ probation/parole status; criminal history, etc. to facilitate investigations. Makes arrests, as necessary.
- Provides necessary medical, physical, or protective services to ensure the safety of crime victims, citizens, or property.
- Gathers vice and narcotics information and takes enforcement action. Passes along information on organized crime, vice and narcotics activities to the appropriate enforcement agency or bureau.
- Investigates child abuse/neglect complaints, gathers all initial information, performs, or ensures that all necessary evidence collection is completed and completes necessary reports. Refers complaint(s) to supervisory authority for follow up when needed.
Starting wage for this non-exempt position is $33.07 per hour (January 2026 rate, step 1). Starting rate increases to $33.57 per hour in January 2027 and $34.24 per hour in July 2027. A shift differential of an additional $0.50 per hour (2nd shift) and $0.75 per hour (3rd shift) for assigned Officers.
Recruit Officers: Officers hired and attending the Law Enforcement Academy receive 75% of the starting Officer wage until certified. The City also pays for academy costs - tuition, books, and police uniform gear.
Lateral Transfers: Officers with full-time experience with another agency start at a comparable wage and vacation tier that correlates with prior certified law enforcement experience. Officers with experience receive up to a maximum of six (6) weeks of vacation with a starting wage between $34.81 to $39.46 per hour (January 2026 rate, step 2 – 8), depending on experience.
Uniforms and regular training provided by the City. The basic work schedule consists of an 8.5-hour day and a work cycle of 5 days on and 2 days off followed by 5 days on and 3 days off (5-2, 5-3) and then repeating the cycle. Officers may be assigned to special assignments causing them to work a schedule other than (5-2, 5-3).
Health insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. 2026 most affordable plan (Quartz West): $225.36/month (single). $554.72/month (family). No deductible or co-insurance. Dental insurance through Delta Dental (100% premium paid by the City). Automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan). Voluntary benefits: vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Must successfully pass written and physical agility testing. Selected candidate subject to background check and pre‑employment/post‑offer physical, psychological and drug screen. For selected candidate needing the Law Enforcement Academy the next session is yet to be determined. The City of Onalaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug‑Free Workplace.
Job Requirements:
- Two (2) year Associate’s Degree or a minimum of sixty (60) college credits. Exception for applicants needing the Law Enforcement Academy, must have a minimum of (40) college credits and successfully apply for a waiver of Education Requirements (up to 20 credits) from the WI Training & Standards (LESB) post academy graduation. Wisconsin certified or certifiable at the time of hire preferred, which is completion of a law enforcement academy in Wisconsin within the past (3) years or have law enforcement experience in another qualifying state and have passed the WI reciprocity exam. United States citizen; at least (18) years of age. Valid driver’s license with no more than six (6) points assessed at time of appointment. No felony convictions nor domestic abuse convictions.
The following summarizes regular full-time employee benefits. Benefits are pro‑rated for regular part‑time employees per policy. A complete benefit packet is provided to employees upon hire. Contact Human Resources for details.
The State of Wisconsin Group Health Plan offers $0 deductible and $0 co‑insurance. The plan pays 100% for routine and preventative services to include eye exam and regular check‑ups. Emergency Room co‑pay $60 per visit. Earn a $150 Annual Wellness Incentive for enrolled employees (and spouses) when completing a health assessment, health check and well‑being activity.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
2026 Cost: Based on lowest cost plan in area, employees pay:
- Single Plan: $225.36/month
- Family Plan: $554.72/month
The Delta Dental WI Plan offers basic coverage for preventative services such as routine cleanings, x‑rays, fluoride (100% no deductible), orthodontics (60% with $1000 individual max), major services offer coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures (60%). A Vision discount program is included (at no cost) with your Delta Dental plan.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: City pays 100% of the monthly premium cost for regular full‑time employees and 50% of the monthly premium cost for regular part‑time employees working at least 20 hours a week.
The Delta Dental WI plan for Delta Vision offers a vision exam for a $10 Copay; Retinal Imaging: member pays up to $39; Lenses $10 Copay; Frames: $150 allowance; Contact lenses: $150 allowance; Laser Vision Correction: 15% off retail price or 5% off promotional price. Frequency of Services: Every 12 months: Exam and Lenses or Contacts. Every 24 months: Frames.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays $100%. Employee only: $3.23 semi‑monthly; Family: $8.03 semi‑monthly
The State of Wisconsin Group Life Insurance Program offers options to enroll in basic (equivalent to annual salary) with ability to add supplemental (1x salary), additional units (up to 3x salary) and spouse/dependent coverage (up to 20K). Members may continue coverage upon separation.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age and coverage level electing. Cost is minimal. City pays administrative fee on premium.
Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for off‑the‑job accidental injuries. Pays in addition to other insurances. Low and High plan options available. Annual wellness benefit $75 (low plan) and $100 (high plan) per individual. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre‑taxed.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $6.13/semi‑monthly; Employee High plan $9.26/semi‑monthly; Employee plus children; Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.
Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for the treatment of cancer and 29 specified diseases. Pays in addition to other insurances. Annual wellness benefit $100 per individual. Low, Medium and High plan options available. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre‑taxed.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $8.47/semi‑monthly; Employee Medium plan $12.18/semi‑monthly; Employee High plan $18.07/semi‑monthly; Employee plus children, Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.
Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant and end stage renal failure. Additional supplemental benefits also available. Pays in addition to other insurances. Benefit amounts $2,500 - $20,000 depending on illness and plan selected. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre‑taxed.
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age, tobacco use and coverage level electing. Rates per employee, employee plus children, employee plus spouse and family.
The State of Wisconsin ICI program is a voluntary “income replacement” benefit for short- and/or long-term disabilities. ICI provides approximately 75% of the employee’s average monthly earnings (maximum $7,500 per month). Elimination period of 30 days minimum in which the employee must be off work.
When eligible: Coverage effective 1st day of the calendar month that 1st occurs during 30-day enrollment period.
Cost: Provided at no cost to employee.
Figo Pet Insurance is a voluntary benefit, covering dogs and cats, offering a 10% discount. Each employee designs their plan picking their deductible and/or annual maximum.
When eligible: Upon hire.
Cost: Varies per plan selected. Employee pays directly to Figo.
Deferred Compensation is a voluntary program allowing employees to put additional money in a retirement savings program. The benefits include:
- Pre‑taxed deductions (Federal and State tax deferred)
- After‑tax deductions for Roth IRA plans
- Allows a choice of three companies: Nationwide, North Shore Bank and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program
When eligible: Upon enrollment.
Cost: Employee pays 100%. Offered through payroll deduction.
FSA allows employees an opportunity to set aside money on a pre‑taxed basis for medical and dependent care expenses. Medical FSA: Pay for eligible out‑of‑pocket medical, vision and dental expenses not covered by another plan.
Dependent FSA: Pay for eligible dependent care expenses (childcare).
When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.
Cost: Option to contribute per Company Plan limits. City pays plan administrative fees.
EAP provides professional and confidential assistance to employees with personal or professional concerns. When eligible: Upon hire.
Cost: City pays 100% up to five (5) visits per topic, per year.
For regular full‑time (non‑union) employees, vacation time is based on a calendar year (January 1 through December 31 of each year). Hours from the date of hire, if not January 1 are prorated.
Year 0 = 5 days prorated
1 year of service = 10 days
4 years of service = 15 days
8 years of service = 20 days
15 years of service 25 days
21 years of service = 30 days
In addition to the above, employees receive two (2) personal days – (1) on January 1st and (1) on July 1st each year to be used within the calendar year.
Accrue one shift (8.5 hours) per full month of employment. Max 960 hours. Eligible to use after (1) month. Accrued sick leave is available to employees who are unable to work because of personal sickness or injury, or due to sickness or injury of an immediate family member.
The holidays listed provide employees with an annual credit (with time off from work without loss of pay) for each holiday that occurs while employed whether worked or not.
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Good Friday
- Labor Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Eve Day
- Christmas Day
Those protective service employees who are subject to comprehensive collective bargaining agreement as negotiated or are regulated by the Police & Fire Commission, shall be exempt from the provisions of these benefits that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.
Have you worked as a Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Wisconsin in the past three years?
- Yes
- No
If not, have you worked as a Law Enforcement Officer in another state in the past three years? (If yes, where and are you eligible for reciprocity in the State of Wisconsin?)
If yes, where and are you eligible for reciprocity in the State of WI?
Have you completed a Law Enforcement Academy in Wisconsin (or are currently attending an Academy)?
If you attended (or currently attending) a Law Enforcement Academy, what year did you graduate (or will graduate) and which academy did you attend?
Are you a United States citizen?
- Yes
- No
Do you have any felony convictions or domestic abuse convictions?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a two year Associate's degree or at least 60 college credits?
- Yes
- No
If you do not have at least 60 college credits, how many college credits do you have?
Do you have military service experience?
- Yes
- No
If prior military service, were
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