Police Officer

About the Role

The Wauwatosa Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting all, fostering a safe and secure community through collaboration, trust, and exceptional police service. As a Wauwatosa Police Officer, you will be responsible for protecting life and property, promoting and preserving peace, enforcing municipal, state, and federal laws, and delivering police-related services to residents and visitors of Wauwatosa, WI.

Responsibilities

• Preserve the peace by responding to calls for assistance involving altercations, performing crowd and traffic control, enforcing laws, and providing foot patrol to maintain community relations.
• Protect life by responding to emergency calls, rendering aid to those in need, investigating safety hazards, and taking corrective action.
• Protect property by performing security checks, observing and addressing hazards, securing crime scenes, and collecting evidence.
• Investigate violations of state laws and local ordinances, arrest violators using necessary force, and enforce traffic laws to ensure public safety.
• Prepare incident reports, affidavits, citations, and other legal documents; testify in court as needed.
• Participate in job-related training to maintain skills, knowledge, and law enforcement certification.
• Maintain physical condition necessary to perform duties and operate equipment, including weapons, radios, and first aid kits.
• Perform service-related activities such as assisting motorists, handling animal complaints, and responding to nuisance calls.
• Operate police vehicles in routine and emergency situations, including high-speed pursuits.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old and a United States citizen (birth certificate or naturalization documents required).
• Minimum of 30 college credits from an accredited institution at the time of hire; 60 credits required within five years of hire.
• No felony or domestic violence convictions.
• Valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Vision correctable to 20/40.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle under normal and adverse conditions while maintaining communication and equipment use.
• Ability to make quick decisions, use sound judgment, and maintain professionalism under stress.
• Ability to recall details, follow instructions, and read/comprehend legal and non-legal materials.
• Ability to learn and comply with department operations, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to apply federal, state, and municipal laws, as well as concepts related to investigations, evidence preservation, and use of force.

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education degree (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.).
• Current law enforcement certification.
• Two or more years of sworn law enforcement experience.
• Previous non-sworn law enforcement experience.
• Military service.

Pay

Starting pay is $32.32 per hour ($67,229.88 annually), increasing to $35.91 per hour ($74,692.21 annually) after six months, and $39.46 per hour ($82,085.66 annually) after one year. Annual step increases continue until the sixth year, reaching a top pay of $46.13 per hour ($95,948.49 annually). Pay rates are based on the 2026 collective bargaining agreement. Lateral candidates with Wisconsin LESB certification may receive credit for years of service in determining starting pay and vacation.