Police Officer

National Police; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of West Allis invites applications for the position of Police Officer from July 17, 2026 through 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, to establish an eligibility list for current and future vacancies.

The recruitment is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with the West Allis Professional Police Association and the wage article applies. Starting pay for city residents is $65,884.06, with five annual increments up to $99,019.54.

Qualifications

• Age 21 years and over by date of hire (photocopy of Birth Certificate required).
• Citizenship Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Education* and Certification Applicants must possess from a nationally and/or regionally accredited university or college: A. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, or a closely related field, by January 1st, 2027 OR B. Associates Degree in Police Science, or a closely related field, by January 1st, 2027 OR C. Sixty college credits in Police Science/Criminal Justice, or a closely related field, as of January 1st, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Stop vehicles to investigate, cite or arrest occupants; investigate vehicle accidents; answer bank and burglar alarms; physically examine and test doors and windows of dwellings and businesses; direct traffic at accidents, parades, crime scenes and for emergency vehicles; conduct plain view searches and searches based on probable causes. Operate and maintain control of police vehicle under various conditions and engage in high-speed pursuits or emergency response driving.
• Push vehicles and remove hazards from obstructing traffic; request emergency assistance for traffic accidents; coordinate actions of other officers arriving as backups; package and transport property and evidence; collect evidence including trace, biological and personal property from crime and accident scenes; recover and inventory stolen property. Assist paramedics and EMTs with the treatment of injured or ill people; search unconscious or helpless persons in emergencies; administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Handcuff suspects or prisoners; subdue attacking or resisting persons; use chemical spray, baton, electronic control device, pistol, rifle or shotgun to defend self or others or during training exercises; conduct a frisk or pat down search of persons. Verbally communicate using portable and car radios; use computer keyboard for report writing. Respond to general information questions from the public; interview complainants, witnesses, drivers, etc.; explain the nature of criminal offenses to offenders; inspect driver's licenses; mediate civil disputes; interrogate or interview suspects; advise person of constitutional rights; testify in court or at other legal proceedings; issue a citation or summons to offenders in lieu of making a custodial arrest.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, or a closely related field

Associates Degree in Police Science, or a closely related field

Sixty college credits in Police Science/Criminal Justice, or a closely related field

Job description

The Board of Police and Fire Commissioners for the City of West Allis is accepting applications for the position of police officer from July 17th, 2026 through 4 p.m. on Friday, August 21st, 2026, to establish an eligibility list for current and future vacancies.

2026 SALARY

The City of West Allis and the West Allis Professional Police Association have a current contract that began on January 1st, 2026, and will run through December 31st, 2029. The salary information below is provided from this contract and is effective the first full pay period following July 1st, 2026. Per this current contract, additional raises are scheduled for the first pay period following January 1st, 2027. The starting annual pay for Police Officers residing in the City of West Allis as of July 1st, 2026, is $65,884.06 and rises in five annual increments to $99,019.54. The perimeter starting annual salary is $64,662.69 and rises in five annual increments to $97,147.44. New hires will begin at Step 1 of the pay scale. With approval of the Police Chief and the Police and Fire Commission, applicants with prior law enforcement experience may be offered a starting wage that is higher than the starting wage listed. Employees are expected to participate in direct deposit of payroll checks.

BENEFITS

Benefits include vacation accrual upon date of hire based on the vacation schedule; a sickness disability benefit plan; eleven (11) paid holidays; eligibility for health insurance the first of the month following thirty (30) days of service with choice of a PPO Plan or High Deductible Health Plan (with optional participation in a Health Savings Account) – both plans are contributory and cover the employee and his/her family; fully paid Dental Insurance covering the employee and his/her family, with eligibility the first of the month following six (6) months of service; a dual pension system comprised of the Wisconsin Retirement Fund* and Federal Social Security (both of which are contributory); a fully paid Life Insurance Program* with coverage in the amount of the employee's annual salary adjusted to the next highest one thousand dollars with the option for additional coverage; an educational reimbursement plan for the pursuit of job related courses; and voluntary benefit programs consisting of Section 125: Flexible Benefits for Dependent Care and Medical Reimbursement, Section 457: Deferred Compensation, TreasuryDirect Payroll Savings Plan for Savings Bonds, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Wellness Program, Armed Services Reserve Training and Federal Loan Program. *The Wisconsin Retirement Fund and Life Insurance Program benefits are provided according to plan guidelines of the State of Wisconsin, Department of Employee Trust Funds.

Completed applications must be received by the West Allis Police Department NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21st, 2026.

Typical duties include

• Stop vehicles to investigate, cite or arrest occupants; investigate vehicle accidents; answer bank and burglar alarms; physically examine and test doors and windows of dwellings and businesses; direct traffic at accidents, parades, crime scenes and for emergency vehicles; conduct plain view searches and searches based on probable causes. Operate and maintain control of police vehicle under various conditions and engage in high-speed pursuits or emergency response driving.
• Push vehicles and remove hazards from obstructing traffic; request emergency assistance for traffic accidents; coordinate actions of other officers arriving as backups; package and transport property and evidence; collect evidence including trace, biological and personal property from crime and accident scenes; recover and inventory stolen property. Assist paramedics and EMTs with the treatment of injured or ill people; search unconscious or helpless persons in emergencies; administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Handcuff suspects or prisoners; subdue attacking or resisting persons; use chemical spray, baton, electronic control device, pistol, rifle or shotgun to defend self or others or during training exercises; conduct a frisk or pat down search of persons. Verbally communicate using portable and car radios; use computer keyboard for report writing. Respond to general information questions from the public; interview complainants, witnesses, drivers, etc.; explain the nature of criminal offenses to offenders; inspect driver's licenses; mediate civil disputes; interrogate or interview suspects; advise person of constitutional rights; testify in court or at other legal proceedings; issue a citation or summons to offenders in lieu of making a custodial arrest.

Possess the physical capacity to perform the duties of the position as identified under Minimum Qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications

An applicant must meet minimum requirements for Police Officer at the time he/she applies:

1. Age 21 years and over by date of hire (photocopy of Birth Certificate required).
2. Citizenship Must be a U.S. citizen.
3. Education* and Certification Applicants must possess from a nationally and/or regionally accredited university or college: A. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, or a closely related field, by January 1st, 2027 OR B. Associates Degree in Police Science, or a closely related field, by January 1st, 2027 OR C. Sixty college credits in Police Science/Criminal Justice, or a closely related field, as of January 1st, 2027.

NOTE: Certified College or University transcripts (no copies) must be included in a sealed envelope from the granting college or university with an application before it will be accepted and processed.

Transcripts can also be sent electronically directly from the College or University to Deputy Chief Christopher Marks at [e-mail]. If final transcripts are not available, a letter from the college or university Registrar’s office is required. The letter, addressed to the City of West Allis Police Department, should include the following information: 1) Final grade point average or, if graduating by January 1st, 2027, grade point average thus far, 2) Confirmation that you have attained the required credits for graduation or, if graduating by January 1st, 2027, the number of credits attained thus far and the number of credits currently being pursued, 3) Program Description/Area of Emphasis.

* Applicants are NOT required to have completed an approved State of Wisconsin police recruit academy to apply. If a candidate scores well in the process, the West Allis Police Department will send new hires to the police academy.

Physical Requirement

• A. Applicants must be physically able to perform job-related functions as specified by the Police and Fire Commission, AND
• B. As verified by a Police and Fire Commission appointed physician, AND
• C. Meet the Exit Standards of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board Physical Readiness Test, except for the push-up portion of the PRT. The WAPD will use the PRT entrance standard for the push-up portion in determining whether a candidate has met the WAPD’s physical requirement.

The work requires a superior level of physical conditioning, endurance and agility as follows (refer to Activity Frequencies chart): ability to continuously wear heavy equipment up to approximately 30 lbs (duty belt, vest, etc.); ability to frequently lift objects up to and including 65 lbs; continuous repetitive motion/movements including, but not limited to, pulling, pushing, pulling hand-over hand, running, standing, walking, jumping, climbing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crawling, squatting, reaching, twisting, or pressure involving wrists, hands, or fingers; continuous sitting and exiting/entering a police vehicle; continuous high level of mental and visual alertness; high level of hearing acuity; ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms, sounds, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks; sufficient physical stamina to permit a full day of continuous motor vehicle operation under varying traffic conditions; ability to endure extended working hours; ability to withstand exposure to variable and unfavorable weather and working conditions including, but not limited to, temperature variations and extremes, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, electrical current, vehicular traffic and/or dust; ability to continuously focus for long periods of time on projects or while working on computers.

Driver's License

Applicants must possess a valid unrestricted driver's license and be eligible for a Wisconsin driver's license at the time of application.

[Restrictions as to physical reasons only, will not disqualify a person for issuance of an application, but may be a basis for rejection in the medical examination.]

Good Moral Character

• A. An applicant shall have no felony conviction record, as this factor will prohibit him/her from lawfully carrying a firearm.
• B. An applicant shall have no state misdemeanor conviction record for crimes involving moral turpitude, as this factor will jeopardize his/her credibility as a departmental witness.

Typing Ability

Applicants shall be able to type at a minimum rate of 30 wpm.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants; however, within eighteen months of employment, an appointee must establish residency within the City of West Allis or designated perimeter. [The perimeter for establishing non-residency is south of Highway 60, east of Highway P, south of Highway MM, east of Highway 67, north of Highway LO, east of Highway E, and north of Highway 20. The residence must have a postal address inside of the boundaries or on one (1) of the highways named.].

EXAMINATION DATA

The first step in the selection process will be a review and evaluation of application materials to identify those applicants who appear to be qualified in terms of academic preparation, training and experience, and achievements as they relate to the duties and requirements of the position. To facilitate a fair and accurate evaluation of qualifications, applicants are encouraged to include in their applications clear and specific details about their qualifications.

This recruitment process is TENTATIVELY expected to proceed as follows, and is subject to change:

• Friday, July 17th, 2026 Application submissions open.
• Friday, August 21st, 2026 (4:00 p.m.) Application Deadline.
• Monday, May 31st – Friday, September 4th, 2026 (Specific dates & times to be determined) Physical Readiness Testing – Candidates requiring successful completion of physical readiness testing will be scheduled for testing with the WAPD Training Unit during this time frame. Multiple testing dates may be offered to candidates, but this is not guaranteed.
• 9 Week of September 14th, 2026 (Specific dates & Times to be determined) Assessment Center – Successful candidates will be required to attend one assessment center session offered during this week (approximately 4 hours in duration).
• Week of September 21st, 2026 (Specific dates to be determined) Police and Fire Commission interviews. Except for the application deadline, all dates listed are tentative. Applicants will be given notice of firm dates and times related to this process as they are determined. Eligibility list(s) will be established upon completion of Police and Fire Commission interviews. Information provided by candidates during this recruitment process will be used to assist members of the West Allis Police Department throughout the process. Your file, in its entirety, will be forwarded to the Police and Fire Commission for review. Any negative facts in your background will be evaluated in terms of the facts and circumstances surrounding their occurrence. These facts will then be considered as to the degree of relevance they may have to the position of police officer.

Applicants will be given notice of firm dates and times related to this process as they are determined. Eligibility list(s) will be established upon completion of Police and Fire Commission interviews. Information provided by candidates during this recruitment process will be used to assist members of the West Allis Police Department throughout the process. Your file, in its entirety, will be forwarded to the Police and Fire Commission for review. Any negative facts in your background will be evaluated in terms of the facts and circumstances surrounding their occurrence. These facts will then be considered as to the degree of relevance they may have to the position of police officer.