Police Officer

Essential & Related Job Functions

The City of Onalaska Police department is seeking to hire a Police Officer and to create an eligibility list for anticipated vacancies occurring over the next year or until the next recruitment for the position. This is an excellent opportunity for both entry-level candidates and lateral officers looking to join a supportive, professional department that values training, teamwork, and community engagement.

Under the general supervision of the Shift Sergeant, Police Officers protect life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

• Reviews records and reports; receives briefings on incidents, wanted suspects, stolen vehicles/property, missing persons and other pertinent information.
• Patrols assigned areas concentrating on high frequency crime locations and known trouble areas; identifies crime patterns and modus operandi used in crimes.
• Investigates criminal and illegal activities, unusual or suspicious activities and conditions, traffic accidents, etc., enforcing applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
• Prepares necessary reports, interviews, narratives and follow-ups for violations and complaints; issues necessary citations or warning notices as appropriate; transports arrestees to the appropriate facility as circumstances and department policy dictate.
• Evaluates erratic or impaired driving, conducts field sobriety tests and make Operating Motor Vehicle While Impaired (OMVWI) arrests if probable cause exists for the arrest.
• Responds to any calls for assistance.
• Investigates traffic crashes, completing necessary documents and provides the necessary services as a result of the crash (e.g., First Aid, traffic control, call towing service, etc.).
• Observes traffic flow for violations identifying areas of traffic concern; issues warnings/citations to violators consistent with department policy.
• Queries suspects through the Criminal Information Bureau (CIB) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for wants/warrants’, probation/parole status; criminal history, etc. to facilitate investigations.
• Makes arrests, as necessary.
• Provides necessary medical, physical, or protective services to ensure the safety of crime victims, citizens, or property.
• Gathers vice and narcotics information and takes enforcement action. Passes along information on organized crime, vice and narcotics activities to the appropriate enforcement agency or bureau.
• Investigates child abuse/neglect complaints, gathers all initial information, performs, or ensures that all necessary evidence collection is completed and completes necessary reports. Refers complaint(s) to supervisory authority for follow up when needed.

  Compensation and Benefits

  • Starting wage for this non-exempt position is $33.07 per hour (January 2026 rate, step 1).
  • Starting rate increases to $33.57 per hour in January 2027 and $34.24 per hour in July 2027.
  • A shift differential of an additional $0.50 per hour (2nd shift) and $0.75 per hour (3rd shift) for assigned Officers.
  • Recruit Officers: Officers hired and attending the Law Enforcement Academy receive 75% of the starting Officer wage until certified. The City also pays for academy costs - tuition, books, and police uniform gear.
  • Lateral Transfers: Officers with full-time experience with another agency start at a comparable wage and vacation tier that correlates with prior certified law enforcement experience. Officers with experience receive up to a maximum of six (6) weeks of vacation with a starting wage between $34.81 to $39.46 per hour (January 2026 rate, step 2 – 8), depending on experience.
  • Uniforms and regular training provided by the City.
  • The basic work schedule consists of an 8.5-hour day and a work cycle of 5 days on and 2 days off followed by 5 days on and 3 days off (5-2, 5-3) and then repeating the cycle.
  • Officers may be assigned to special assignments causing them to work a schedule other than (5-2, 5-3).

  Qualifications

  • Two (2) year Associate’s Degree or a minimum of sixty (60) college credits.
  • Exception for applicants needing the Law Enforcement Academy, must have a minimum of (40) college credits and successfully apply for a waiver of Education Requirements (up to 20 credits) from the WI Training & Standards (LESB) post academy graduation.
  • Wisconsin certified or certifiable at the time of hire preferred, which is completion of a law enforcement academy in Wisconsin within the past (3) years or have law enforcement experience in another qualifying state and have passed the WI reciprocity exam.
  • United States citizen; at least (18) years of age.
  • Valid driver’s license with no more than six (6) points assessed at time of appointment.
  • No felony convictions nor domestic abuse convictions.

  Requirements Of Work (Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities)

  • Job Requirements: Two (2) year Associate’s Degree or a minimum of sixty (60) college credits.
  • Exception for applicants needing the Law Enforcement Academy, must have a minimum of (40) college credits and successfully apply for a waiver of Education Requirements (up to 20 credits) from the WI Training & Standards (LESB) post academy graduation.
  • Wisconsin certified or certifiable at the time of hire preferred, which is completion of a law enforcement academy in Wisconsin within the past (3) years or have law enforcement experience in another qualifying state and have passed the WI reciprocity exam.
  • United States citizen; at least (18) years of age.
  • Valid driver’s license with no more than six (6) points assessed at time of appointment.
  • No felony convictions nor domestic abuse convictions.

  Benefits

  • Health Insurance: $225.36/month (single). $554.72/month (family). No deductible or co-insurance.
  • Dental Insurance: Basic coverage for preventative services such as routine cleanings, x-rays, fluoride (100% no deductible), orthodontics (60%). A Vision discount program is included (at no cost) with your Delta Dental plan.
  • Vision Insurance: Vision exam for a $10 Copay; Retinal Imaging: member pays up to $39; Lenses $10 Copay; Frames: $150 allowance; Contact lenses: $150 allowance; Laser Vision Correction: 15% off retail price or 5% off promotional price.
  • Life Insurance: Basic (equivalent to annual salary) with ability to add supplemental (1x salary), additional units (up to 3x salary) and spouse/dependent coverage (up to 20K).
  • Allstate Supplemental Insurance Plans: Accident Insurance: Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for off-the-job accidental injuries. Pays in addition to other insurances. Low and High plan options available. Annual wellness benefit $75 (low plan) and $100 (high plan) per individual. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed. When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment. Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $6.13/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $9.26/semi-monthly; Employee plus children; Employee plus spouse and family rates also available. Cancer Insurance: Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for the treatment of cancer and 29 specified diseases. Pays in addition to other insurances. Annual wellness benefit $100 per individual. Low, Medium and High plan options available. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed. When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment. Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $8.47/semi-monthly; Employee Medium plan $12.18/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $18.07/semi-monthly; Employee plus children, Employee plus spouse and family rates also available. Critical Illness Insurance: Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant and end stage renal failure. Additional supplemental benefits also available. Pays in addition to other insurances. Benefit amounts $2,500 - $20,000 depending on illness and plan selected. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed. When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment. Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age, tobacco use and coverage level electing. Rates per employee, employee plus children, employee plus spouse and family.
  • Income Continuation Insurance (ICI): The State of Wisconsin ICI program is a voluntary “income replacement” benefit for short- and/or long-term disabilities. ICI provides approximately 75% of the employee’s average monthly earnings (maximum $7,500 per month). Elimination period of 30 days minimum in which the employee must be off work. When eligible: Coverage effective 1st day of the calendar month that 1st occurs during 30-day enrollment period. Cost: Provided at no cost to employee.
  • Pet Insurance: Figo Pet Insurance is a voluntary benefit, covering dogs and cats, offering a 10% discount. Each employee designs their plan picking their deductible and/or annual maximum.