Chief of Police

Salary: $131,085.00 - $149,812.00 Annually
Location : City of Oconomowoc
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: PD2027CHIEF1
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 09/25/2026
Closing Date: 10/16/2026 10:00 AM Central

Description
The City of Oconomowoc is seeking an experienced, professional, and community-focused leader to serve as our next Police Chief.

Internals & External Candidates Welcome to Apply

The Oconomowoc Police Department is seeking an experienced, professional, and community-focused law enforcement leader to serve as Police Chief. The City of Oconomowoc, a vibrant and growing community of approximately 19,699 residents, is looking for a leader who will provide strategic direction and effective oversight of the Police Department while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and service to the community.

The Police Chief will work closely with the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, department personnel, residents, and community partners to ensure the effective delivery of public safety services. The position provides an opportunity for an experienced law enforcement professional to lead a dedicated department, strengthen community relationships, support and develop department personnel, and work collaboratively with the Western Lakes Fire District and other public safety partners. If you are an experienced law enforcement leader ready to make a meaningful impact and lead a dedicated police department in a growing community, we encourage you to apply to become the next Police Chief of the Oconomowoc Police Department.

Wage and Benefits: $131,085 to $149,812 based on experience, with opportunities for additional wage increases in future years. Competitive benefits including participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).

Application Submission: For consideration, please complete the online application and upload your resume by 10:00 a.m. on October 16, 2026. A cover letter is optional. Please do not submit certifications, letters of recommendation, transcripts, or other supporting documents with your initial application. Additional documentation may be requested from candidates who advance in the selection process.
Important Interview Information - Save the Dates: If you are selected to move forward in the interview process, please plan to keep the weeks of November 2 and November 9, 2026 available. The first interview is tentatively planned for the week of November 2, with a second interview for candidates advancing in the process tentatively planned for the week of November 9. Interviews will be held in person in Oconomowoc during the afternoon or evening; virtual interviews will not be offered. Selected candidates are expected to be contacted toward the end of the week of October 26, so advance notice may be limited.

Job Summary: The Chief of Police has responsibility for supervising and evaluating all police functions including planning, directing and controlling patrols, traffic, and investigations of crimes. The work includes responsibility for assuring the proper training, assignments, and discipline of all department members and the general overall performance of the police department. Works in partnership with Western Lakes Fire District to oversee the City's interest and ensure uniform public safety. The Chief of Police exercises independent judgment in administering the activities of the department and is responsible for internal policy and control.
Examples of Duties

• Responsible for the police budget.
• Approves the planning of police operations.
• Address citizen complaints and special policy concerns in a timely manner.
• Supervise and assign duties to police personnel.
• Plan and supervise the enforcement of traffic and safety regulations and programs for crime prevention and detection.
• Direct the training of police personnel.
• Study and submit reports to the Mayor, Council, and City Administrator as to the use of staff and equipment in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
• Serves as City liaison and primary contact with Western Lakes Fire District (WLFD). Meets regularly with WLFD Fire Chief. Monitor operations and represent City interests.
• Meet with business groups, other City departments, school representatives, state and federal units, and other interested individuals or groups as necessary to represent the interests and cooperation of the police department.
• Aware of community relations issues, paying particular attention to public contacts by public safety personnel, and by rule, training, instruction or direction, encourage positive interaction between such personnel and members of the public.
• Work cooperatively with other City department heads to ensure uniform, coordinated, and efficient delivery of services to citizens.
• Enforce, or cause to be enforced, the laws and ordinances within the Chief of Police's assigned area of duty and as otherwise may come to his/her attention.
• Hold monthly staff meetings and facilitate communications within the police department.
• Evaluate personnel under the control of the Chief of Police on an annual basis.
• Be aware of and promote the welfare and morale of members of the police department.
• Keeps the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator informed in a timely manner regarding budget concerns and police procedures and personnel concerns as well as Western Lakes Fire District activities/matters.
• Administers the police union contract.
• Submits and Monitors grant applications (FEMA, DOT, DOJ)
• Works in partnership with the Emergency Management Director to plan and execute any emergency management needs.
• Keeps books as required by law.
• Works with City Departments to ensure interagency cooperation and efficient delivery of services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

• Degree: Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a degree in public administration, criminal justice, business administration, or a closely related field, with a bachelor's degree preferred (equivalent combinations of extensive executive-level law enforcement experience and professional training may be considered).
• Rank & Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible municipal law enforcement experience, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or command capacity (Lieutenant, Captain, or Assistant Chief) within a municipal police department of comparable size (agencies with 20-50 sworn personnel, or similar size).
• Certification: Must possess a current, valid law enforcement certification from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) at the time of application, with no active disciplinary actions, suspensions, or revocations.
• Executive Leadership Training: Preferred graduation from recognized executive leadership programs, such as the FBI National Academy, Wisconsin Command College, or Northwestern University Center for Public Safety (NUCPS) School of Police Staff and Command.

Supplemental Information
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Administrative & Fiscal Acumen: Thorough knowledge of municipal budgeting, fiscal management, grant writing, and resource allocation tailored to an agency of this scale.
• Operational Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of modern police management, community-oriented policing philosophies, emergency management, Wisconsin constitutional law, and risk management/liability reduction.
• Labor & Personnel Relations: Demonstrated experience managing personnel evaluations, internal affairs investigations, and police labor matters within the framework of collective bargaining agreements and municipal policies, paired with the administrative capability to effectively collaborate with City Administration and Human Resources on recruitment, hiring, and disciplinary actions.
• Public Relations & Intergovernmental Communication: Proven ability to maintain transparent, effective communication channels with the Police and Fire Commission/Police Board, City Administration, elected officials, local media, community stakeholders, and the public.
• Executive Judgment: Superior decision-making skills under crisis conditions, strategic planning capabilities, and the capacity to analyze complex operational data to direct crime-prevention initiatives.
• Availability: Must be accessible 24/7/365 to respond to critical incidents, major emergencies, and urgent administrative situations.

For any questions, issues, or accomodation with your application or position applying for, please contact Human Resources at 262-569-3225.
The City of Oconomowoc offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Additional benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, deferred compensation options, life insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Permanent part-time employees who work 20 or more hours per week may be eligible for pro-rated leave benefits, based on hours worked and their position.
01

What is your familiarity with the City of Oconomowoc? Please select the statement that best describes your experience:

• I currently live in or have previously lived in Oconomowoc.
• I have visited Oconomowoc multiple times within the past five years and have a good understanding of the community.
• I have visited Oconomowoc within the past five years but have limited familiarity with the community.
• I have not visited Oconomowoc within the past five years, but I have researched the City and have a good understanding of the community.
• I have not visited Oconomowoc and have limited familiarity with the community.

02

In a few sentences, please tell us what you know about the City of Oconomowoc, the community you would be serving, and what interests you about leading the Oconomowoc Police Department.
03

Why are you interested in leaving your current position? Please briefly explain.
04

Which best describes your law enforcement experience?

• Primarily municipal police experience
• Primarily county sheriff's office experience
• Primarily state law enforcement experience
• Combination of municipal, county, and/or state law enforcement experience
• Other

05

What is the highest level of law enforcement command experience you have held?

• No command-level experience
• Sergeant or equivalent
• Lieutenant or equivalent
• Captain or equivalent
• Assistant/Deputy Chief
• Chief of Police

06

How many years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience do you have with a municipal police department, county sheriff's office, and/or state law enforcement agency?

• Less than 7 years
• 7-9 years
• 10-14 years
• 15-19 years
• 20+ years

07

What level of responsibility have you had for the overall operations of a police department or major division?

• Primarily supervised individual officers or shifts
• Managed a division/unit
• Managed multiple divisions or major department functions
• Served as second-in-command with department-wide responsibilities
• Served as Chief or had primary responsibility for department-wide operations

08

What level of responsibility have you had for a law enforcement budget?

• Assisted with budget preparation
• Managed a division/unit budget
• Helped develop and manage the department budget
• Had primary responsibility for developing and managing the department budget
• Had department-wide budget responsibility, including long-term financial planning and resource allocation

09

Which best describes your experience working with elected officials and municipal administration?

• Limited or no direct experience
• Regularly provided information to department leadership
• Regularly worked with a City Administrator/Manager or department heads
• Regularly worked directly with elected officials and municipal administration on police operations, personnel, and budget matters
• Served as the primary law enforcement advisor to elected officials and municipal administration

10

Have you previously served as a Police Chief or had primary responsibility for leading a municipal police department?

• Yes - currently serving as Police Chief
• Yes - previously served as Police Chief
• Yes - served as Acting/Interim Chief
• No - served in a command position below Chief
• No - no command-level experience

11

Have you completed an executive-level law enforcement leadership program, such as the FBI National Academy, Wisconsin Command College, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety (NUCPS) School of Police Staff and Command, or a comparable program?

• Yes
• No
• Currently enrolled/in progress

12

What is the largest law enforcement agency (sworn personnel) in which you have held a command or executive leadership position?

• Fewer than 10 sworn personnel
• 10-20
• 21-50
• 51-100
• More than 100

13

IMPORTANT INTERVIEW INFORMATION: If selected, are you able to attend an in-person interview in Oconomowoc? The first interview is tentatively scheduled for the week of November 2, 2026, with a second interview for candidates advancing in the process tentatively scheduled for the week of November 9, 2026. Interviews will be held in person during the afternoon or evening; virtual interviews will not be offered. Candidates selected for the first interview are expected to be contacted toward the end of the week of October 26, 2026, so relatively short notice may be provided. Applicants should plan to keep these weeks available if they wish to be considered for an interview.

• Yes
• No

Required Question