Police Officer- Entry Level

City-of-Oconomowoc,-W; Okauchee Lake (WI); On-site; USD 78,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Body-worn cameras

Uniforms and equipment

Annual clothing allowance

Specialized assignments (K9, Detective

SRO and other assignments

Beards and tattoos allowed

Job summary

The City of Oconomowoc Police Department is hiring an entry-level Police Officer. We welcome applicants whether you have completed a Wisconsin police academy or not; the department can sponsor those not yet certified, with a start date in January 2027.

As part of a growing community of about 19,000 residents, officers receive modern equipment, body-worn cameras, specialized assignments, competitive starting pay and generous benefits, with opportunities for training and advancement.

Qualifications

• Age at least 18 years and Wisconsin residency by date of employment.
• United States citizen with a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and good driving record.
• Successful completion of medical and psychological exams and drug screening prior to appointment.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints or crimes.
• Enforce traffic and safety regulations per laws.
• Detec and prevent crime.
• Apprehend or arrest law violators.
• Submit required reports with current laws and regulations.

Skills

Knowledge of modern police work

Police records management

Oral and written communication

Leadership and judgment

Education

Associate degree in Political Science or Criminal Justice

60 college credits within 5 years

Job description

JOIN THE OCONOMOWOC POLICE DEPARTMENT

POLICE OFFICER-ENTRY LEVEL

Serve with Professionalism. Lead with Integrity. Make a Difference.

Seeking applications from those who have NOT been through a Wisconsin police academy. as well as those who have (recently certified). The department would sponsor those who have not been through a Wisconsin police academy that will begin in early January 2027.

If you are looking for more than a job, if you want a meaningful career where professionalism, service, sound judgment, communication, and strong community relationships matter, we encourage you to consider a career with the Oconomowoc Police Department.

The City of Oconomowocis a vibrant and growing community of more than 19,000 residents. Our officers have the opportunity to serve an engaged community while building meaningful relationships, developing professionally, and making a positive difference in the lives of the people they serve.

We are looking for individuals who take pride in their profession, value teamwork and integrity, communicate effectively, and are committed to providing exceptional service to the community. If you are ready to build a rewarding career while serving a community that values professionalism, trust, and partnership, we invite you to apply explore a career with the Oconomowoc Police Department.

The Oconomowoc Police Department is committed to providing its officers with the equipment, technology, training, and support necessary to succeed. Our officers receive:

• Modern load-bearing equipment, uniforms, and specialized tools.
• Annual clothing allowance.
• Body-worn cameras and in-squad video systems.
• Individually assigned patrol rifles.
• Glock 9mm duty handguns equipped with red-dot optics.
• Opportunities for specialized assignments, including K9, Detective Bureau, and School Resource Officer.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.
• Beards and tattoos permitted per department policy.

2026 Starting Salary/Wage: 37.65 to 47.39 per hour based on experience. Competitive Benefits including ETF Health Insurance and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).

Job Summary

Perform the responsibilities necessary to serve and protect the citizens and guests of the City of Oconomowoc.

Examples of Duties

• Investigate complaints or crimes.
• Enforce traffic and safety regulations in accordance with all state and local laws.
• Detection and prevention of crime.
• Apprehension and/or arrest of law violators.
• Participate in the investigation and follow-up of cases as required.
• Deal with citizen’s complaints.
• Submit required reports with current laws and regulations.
• Participate in all training provided and required by the department.
• Offer unique individual talents and ideas to advance the development of the officer and the department
• Actively cultivate the highest professional relationships with other city departments and outside agencies.
• Maintain positive image with the public through actions that are both professional and impartial.
• Substitute as shift commander in the absence of regular supervisors.
• Special assignments.
• Perform related work as required.

Qualifications

• Age-At least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Height/Weight-proportionate.
• Vision-Corrected in each eye to 20/20 and normal color perception.
• Hearing-Hearing loss outside the normal range is unacceptable.
• Citizenship-Must be a United States citizen.
• Residency-Must become a Wisconsin resident at date of employment.
• Criminal Record-No felony convictions unless full pardon & no domestic abuse convictions. Misdemeanor convictions that are substantially related to the position of a sworn officer are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Medical Exam-Must successfully pass a required physical and psychological (including drug screening) prior to appointment.
• Driver’s License-Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, or the ability to receive one, and a good driving record.

Training and Experience:

The minimum training and experience requirements of applicants interested in the position of Police Officer are:

1. Political Science or Criminal Justice (associate degree or higher) at the time of hire is preferred. In absence of the required degree, related military and/or law enforcement experience to be considered. Must obtain 60 college credits within 5 years of hire.
2. If not currently certified in Wisconsin, must have received certification with the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board within 6 months of hire.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police work.
• A working knowledge of the rules and regulations of the department.
• Knowledge of police science and police operations as applied to crime prevention, investigation, traffic control, and the various functional services utilized in police operations.
• Ability to properly use police records.
• Skills to meet the standards of quality police work.
• Ability to command the respect of the department personnel and to get along with others.
• Capability to express ideas orally and in writing.
• Good judgement, thoroughness, dependability, and leadership.
• Be in good physical condition.