Police Officer- Entry Level

City of Oconomowoc, WI

• $78K — $98K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Age: At least 18 years old.
  • Citizen of the United States required.
  • Preferred associate degree in Political Science or Criminal Justice.
  • Wisconsin driver's license or ability to obtain one.
  • No felony or relevant misdemeanor convictions unless pardoned.

Responsibilities

  • Investigate complaints or crimes.
  • Enforce traffic and safety regulations.
  • Detect and prevent crime effectively.
  • Apprehend and arrest law violators.
  • Engage positively with citizens and handle complaints.
  • Submit essential law compliance reports.
  • Participate in required training programs.

Benefits

  • Modern equipment and uniforms provided.
  • Annual clothing allowance.
  • Professional development and advancement opportunities.
  • Body-worn cameras and advanced tools.
  • Beards and tattoos permitted per policy.
  • Comprehensive health insurance through ETF.
Full Job Description
Salary: $37.65 - $47.39 Hourly
Location : City of Oconomowoc
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: PD2026POLOFFENTRY1
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 09/29/2026
Closing Date: 10/13/2026 10:00 AM Central

Description
POLICE OFFICER-ENTRY LEVEL

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
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.

Typical 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

Supplemental Information

  • 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.


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

Why are you interested in beginning a career in law enforcement?
02

Briefly explain why you are interested in joining the Oconomowoc Police Department and what you hope to contribute to the department.
03

What is your familiarity with the City of Oconomowoc? Please select the statement that best describes your experience.
  • I currently lived 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 with 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

04

Have you previously attended a law-enforcement academy?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Which best describes your current education/work status?
  • Currently enrolled in college or technical school
  • Recently graduated from high school
  • Recently graduated from college or technical school
  • Currently employed and established in the workforce
  • Currently employed and seeking a career change
  • Other

06

What is the most important part of being a police officer to you?
07

Describe any leadership experience you have, if applicable (e.g., work, sports, clubs, school, military, or volunteer activities). What did you learn from the experience?
08

What is your primary reason for seeking to leave your current position, department, or company? Please briefly explain.
09

How many years of full-time, sworn law enforcement experience do you have, if any?
  • No experience to 1 Year
  • 1 to 2 Years
  • 3 to 5 Years
  • 6 to 10 Years
  • More than 10 Years

Required Question

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