Police Officer

Purpose of the Position

The Wausau Police Department believes strongly in its mission. It strives for excellence in policing by partnering with the community to enhance the quality of life. To accomplish this mission, it is imperative to find people who have the right character traits to work in the community as police officers. Professionalism, Integrity, Accountability, and Respect are the core values of the agency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrols police sector in squad car, police bicycle, police motorcycle, or on foot to prevent or discover the commission of crime and traffic violations.
• Enforces City of Wausau ordinances and the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
• Operates a police vehicle in normal and emergency mode, day and night conditions, and during times of inclement weather and congested traffic.
• Responds to citizen calls for service and provides assistance as necessary.
• Investigates crime and other incidents, identifies, collects, and preserves evidence, identifies and interviews witnesses, issues citations and arrests criminals.
• Exercises independent judgment in determining reasonable suspicion to detain, probable cause to search and arrest, and use of force.
• Maintains working knowledge of criminal law as well as current police procedures.
• Investigates juvenile complaints and communicates with juveniles and parents/guardians.
• Prepares written documentation of police activities.
• Communicates police action in criminal and civil court proceedings.
• Problem solves with community members, business owners, and other city employees.
• Maintains City of Wausau core values.
• Efficiently operates computer systems for a variety of tasks.
• Performs basic CPR and first aid as needed.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform special assignments as assigned by supervisor.
• Attend and participate in neighborhood group meetings.
• Speak in front of citizen groups.

Minimum Requirements

• United States Citizenship
• Minimum age 21
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 60 credits from an accredited university, college, or technical school
• Successfully completed the Wisconsin 720 Law Enforcement Academy, or a certified Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officer, or a certified Law Enforcement Officer with at least one year of service from another state
• Ability to obtain and possess a valid Driver's License issued by the state of Wisconsin
• No criminal convictions which would limit the ability to possess a firearm

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Read, interpret and explain City of Wausau ordinances and Wisconsin State Statutes
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with citizens, co-workers, supervisors, and others from diverse backgrounds
• Operate equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments, such as computer keyboard/terminal, police radio, telephone, firearms and restraint devices
• Coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements such as self-defense, firearms use, operation of a motor vehicle, data entry and assembling
• Sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Run, jump, push, pull, drive safely at high speeds and in adverse conditions
• Physically apprehend and subdue suspects
• Lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
• Recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms, sounds, tastes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks
• Remain calm, composed, undistracted and in full control of cognitive abilities while functioning appropriately in hostile, dangerous or fearful situations that require force, up to and including deadly force
• Use discretion effectively to determine a proper course of action consistent with a community-oriented, problem-solving approach to policing
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of employment
• Able to adequately use and properly care for firearms and other police equipment