Police Officer

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 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. Officers respond to a wide range of calls, conduct

investigations, and work collaboratively to ensure public safety.

Essential Job Functions: 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 dictates.

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). Benefits Include: Health

insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of

employment. 2026 most affordable plan (Quartz West): \$225.36/month

(single). \$554.72/month (family). No deductible or co-insurance. Dental

insurance through Delta Dental (100% premium paid by the City).

Automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan).

Voluntary benefits: vision, flexible spending, life insurance,

disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical

illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid vacation, holidays, and

sick leave. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Qualifying employer under

the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. To Apply: To be

considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment

application by accessing https://onalaskawi.gov/jobs. Applications

accepted until filled with first review of applications on June 1, 2026.

For additional information please contact: City of Onalaska Human

Resources City Hall (1st Floor) 415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650

Phone: 608-781-9530 ext. 260 Email: afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov Additional

information: Must successfully pass written and physical agility

testing. Selected candidate subject to background check and

pre-employment/post-offer physical, psychological and drug screen. For

selected candidate needing the Law Enforcement Academy the next session

to be determined. The City of Onalaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer

and Drug-Free Workplace. \*\*\*\*\* OTHER EXPERIENCE AND 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. \*\*\*\*\* APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply Online:

www.cityofonalaska.gov