Police Officer

Job Description

We also offer a great benefits package including medical, dental, pension program, HSA, generous time off and flexible schedule. City residents will earn a 3% differential on top of the hourly pay range. Learn more and apply today!

Why the City of Racine Police Department?

- INTRODUCTION:

The Racine Police Department serves the City of Racine in Southeastern Wisconsin with a population of 77,816 people. We are a department that has adopted the philosophy of Community Oriented Policing and is a recognized leader in this area. Our Mission is to Protect Life and Property, Promote Community Partnerships, Build Trust and Serve with Honor.

- POSITION PURPOSE:

In accordance with Local Ordinances, State Statutes, Federal Law and established departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines, performs a wide variety of police and law enforcement activities that include an element of personal danger and exposure to adverse conditions. Duties are primarily service oriented and include dispensing information, arbitrating disputes, providing assistance through referrals, property protection, crime prevention and investigation, apprehending criminals, directing traffic, and other public safety services.

Essential Duties

• Maintain continuous preventative patrol in assigned area of the City, patrolling residential and/or business areas for detection of violators, initiating contacts with both business operators and residents, and maintaining open communications within the community.
• Respond immediately to calls for police service, attempt to resolve domestic disputes, disturbances and other incidents through counseling, referral or other peaceful means, settle disputes among neighbors, juveniles or other groups, and resolve any and all complaints from citizens of the community.
• Maintain the peace and security of the community, respond to public disturbances, and maintain civil obedience at group functions.
• Render miscellaneous police services such as providing information and/or assistance to the public, informing citizens of available services in the community, promoting crime prevention through community and educational programs, making presentations to public and local organizations concerning crime prevention and related police matters, locating and reporting fires and fire hazards, defective water or gas mains, sidewalk and highway defects or obstructions and defective street lights, and checking licenses and permits as necessary.
• Provide for the safe and convenient flow of traffic and pedestrians within the City, investigate traffic accidents and enforces traffic violations, conduct driver intoxication investigations, and promote vehicular and pedestrian safety.
• C Conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, protect crime scenes, perform surveillance, and conduct follow-up investigations.
• Enforce laws and ordinances within assigned area of duty, make felony and misdemeanor arrests, and issue appearance notices and traffic citations.
• Complete and submit written reports, forms and other documents as required prior to going off-duty unless otherwise directed by a superior officer.
• Testify in criminal and civil court proceedings and give depositions.
• Maintain a consistent and reliable attendance.

Associated Duties

Perform other duties that are within the scope of responsibilities applicable to the level of work performed by employees in positions covered by this classification specification, as required by competent authority.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires performing work in adverse environmental conditions.

Qualifications

• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Valid Wisconsin Driver's License or eligible to be licensed in the State of Wisconsin
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Be at least 21 years of age at time of graduation from the Police Academy
• High school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum of 60 fully accredited college level credits within 5 years of the date of hire pursuant to LES 2.01(1)(e)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• General knowledge of laws and ordinances of the State of Wisconsin and the City of Racine, with the ability to develop a working knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Be of high moral character
• Ability to communicate effectively with superiors, subordinates, and the general public, with the ability to exercise discretion
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine the proper course of action within the established framework of policies and procedures
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions and maintain composure under emergency situations
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle under adverse conditions
• Ability to care for and safely operate a variety of firearms and chemical agents
• Must be able to learn the geography of the City and its surrounding communities.

Automatic Disqualifiers

• Conviction of a domestic violence related offense
• Conviction of any of the following traffic offenses within the past three years: operating while intoxicated, hit and run, and license revocation related offenses
• Convictions of any felony or serious misdemeanor of crimes

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands of the Position

• Weight must be proportionate to height, vision must be correctable to 20/20 in both eyes, with glasses or contact lenses, and must have acceptable sensory capabilities in hearing and olfactory senses.
• Tasks involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20 to 50 pounds) items and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds or over) items. Climbing ladders, jumping fences, grappling with suspects, running for long distances, and moving from extended sitting to quick activity.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Motor vehicles, firearms, baton, handcuffs, chemical agents, keyboard, computer, radios, and telephone.

Important

The information you provide during the recruitment process will be used to assist members of the Racine Police Department throughout the entire recruitment process. Your file will be forwarded to the Racine Police and Fire Commission for their review. Any negative facts in your background will be evaluated in terms of the circumstances and facts surrounding their occurrence. These facts will then be considered as to the degree of relevance they may have to the job of a police officer.

Recruitment Process Steps

• Step 1: Application
• Step 2: Screening
• Step 3: Physical Agility Test / Written Test
• Step 5: Background Checks
• Step 6: Police and Fire Commission Interviews
• Step 7: Medical and Psychological Exams
• Step 8: Shift Experience / Ride-a-long
• Step 10: Swearing-In

City Employee Benefits Summary - 2025

• Lateral Transfer:
• Starting salary consistent with years of experience (rounded down to a whole number) in the Association contract. Example: An officer with three (3) years and four (4) months of service lateralling would receive a starting wage of an Association member with 3 years’ experience.
• Vacation time consistent with years of experience (rounded down to a whole number) in the Association contract. Example: An officer with seven (7) years and 11 months of service lateralling would receive earned vacation pay of an Association member with 7 years’ experience.

Lateral Transfer

• 01Are you a citizen of the United States?
• Yes
• No
• 02Do you have a valid Wisconsin driver's license?
• Yes
• No
• 03This position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent. Please select your highest level of education.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• High School Diploma or Equivalent with Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• None
• 04Have you attended a Wisconsin Police Academy?
• Yes
• No
• 05Have you served in any branch of the United States Military including Reserves or National Guard? If Yes, list type of discharge. If not, type "NA".*
• Required Question
• Employer
• City of Racine
• Address
• 730 Washington Avenue
• Room 204
• Racine, Wisconsin, 53403
• Phone
• 262-636-9175
• Website
• https://cityofracinewi.gov