City of Wauwatosa
Overview
The Wauwatosa Police Department’s mission is:
Dedicated service and protection for all
and our vision is : To foster a safe and secure community through collaboration, trust, and
exceptional police service.
A Wauwatosa Police Officer will be ready to serve and committed to the mission and vision of the department. Police Officers are responsible for providing protection of life and property; promoting and preserving peace through cooperation; enforcing municipal, state and federal laws; and delivering police-related services for all residents and visitors of Wauwatosa, WI.
Compensation The starting pay for this position is $32.32 per hour ($67,229.88 annually), moves to $35.91 per hour ($74,692.21 annually) after six months, and $39.46 per hour ($82,085.66 annually) after one year. There are annual step increases until completion of the sixth year, when top pay is reached, currently $46.13 per hour ($95,948.49 annually). Pay rates are based on the 2026 collective bargaining agreement.
Lateral candidates who are WI LESB certified and currently working for a law enforcement agency may be given consideration for years of service when determining starting pay and vacation.
Police Recruitment Website:
https://www.ServeTosa.com
This position is responsible for the essential duties below and other duties as assigned.
Duties
Preserves the peace by responding to calls for assistance involving altercations between people, including but not limited to domestic disturbances, fighting, and neighborhood disputes; performs crowd and traffic control; enforces state and local laws and ordinances relating to keeping of the peace; provides foot patrol to residential and business areas in order to maintain community relations.
Protects life by responding to calls for service and emergency assistance; renders aid to the physically injured, handicapped, and others requiring assistance, including but not limited to victims of accidents, criminal incidents, and mental or physical disabilities; investigates safety hazards and takes action to correct potential problem areas, including road hazards, defects, and environmental hazards.
Protects property by performing security checks of residences and businesses, physically walking through residential areas and viewing all areas of buildings to ensure their physical integrity; observes potential hazards including but not limited to natural disasters, fires, alarms, gas leaks, hazardous material spills, roadway debris, and other structure and infrastructure defects, and take corrective action by contacting proper authorities for assistance and/or securing areas through the use of barricades or other devices; takes found property into custody for safekeeping.
Investigates violations of state laws and local ordinances, and arrests violators using the degree of force necessary in accordance with state law and department policy; secures and protects crime scenes in order to identify and collect any physical evidence present; obtains descriptions of suspects and vehicles involved in crimes or criminal activity; enforces traffic laws on order to curtail violations which endanger lives and property, including excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and careless driving.
Prepares incident and accident reports, affidavits, citations, legal documents, memorandums, and other job-related forms and documents; prepares and testifies in court as to report information and action taken; uses computers to enter and query information as necessary in the performance of official duties.
Participates in job related training and courses to maintain skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to perform duties and maintain law enforcement certification.
Maintains physical condition necessary to perform official duties and day to day operations, and to operate job related equipment, including lethal and non-lethal weapons, radios, handcuffs, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, crime scene kits, and other equipment as needed.
Performs service related activities including assistance to broken down, lost, or locked out motorists, animal complaints, nuisance calls, and other calls for service as warranted.
Drives and operates police vehicles in routine and emergency situations, including normal day to day driving, emergency responses to calls and high-speed pursuits of offending vehicles.
Required Qualities and Characteristics
Courage : Show the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Moments will require bravery in the face of danger, and every day will require the fortitude to serve.
Integrity : Possess the quality of being honest with strong moral principles. Not only does this quality exemplify the professionalism of a police officer, but it is necessary for courtroom testimony.
Respect : Display due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, and traditions of others. Display this quality to co-workers as well as members of the public.
Compassion : Have concern and care for others. Be able to relate with those who need police service and work toward resolutions.
Minimum Requirements
Be at least 21 years old, and a United States Citizen. Certified copy of birth certificate required to verify age. If not born in the United States, a naturalization certificate or United States passport required to verify citizenship. Document(s) must be produced at the Police & Fire Commission Interview.
Education: A minimum of 30 college credits from an accredited college or university at the time of hire. Copies of transcript(s) required. Additionally, 60 college credits will be required within five years of an officer's initial date of hire as a sworn law enforcement officer.
Not have any felony or domestic violence convictions.
Valid driver’s license at time of application and throughout employment.
Vision 20/40 corrected.
Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, in a clear manner using appropriate grammar.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle under normal and adverse conditions while maintaining the ability to communicate and activate the equipment in the vehicle.
Ability to make quick decisions, accurate observations, use sound judgment and maintain a professional demeanor under ordinary and stressful situations.
Ability to recall details, copy written and oral information and apply instructions with a high degree of accuracy.
Ability to read and comprehend legal and non-legal material written in English.
Ability to learn and comply with department operations, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures associated with the position.
Ability to learn and apply federal, state, and municipal laws and ordinances related to police duties and responsibilities.
Ability to apply concepts, procedures, and techniques related to interviewing, investigations, defense and arrest tactics, evidence preservation, search/seizure, and the use of force.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidate’s will receive preference points for the following preferred qualifications:
Higher education graduation (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.)
Current law enforcement certification
Two or more years of previous sworn law enforcement experience
Previous non-sworn law enforcement experience
Military service
Required Documentation
Certified copy of birth certificate required to verify age. If not born in the United States, a naturalization certificate or United States passport required to verify citizenship. Document(s) must be produced at the Police & Fire Commission Interview
If a certified law enforcement officer in Wisconsin, proof of Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) certification and professional history.
If a graduate of a Wisconsin Law Enforcement Preparatory Academy, but not a certified law enforcement officer in Wisconsin, proof of graduation within three years of anticipated hire date.
If enrolled in a Wisconsin Law Enforcement Preparatory Academy at the time of application, proof of academy enrollment.
If a military veteran, proof of military service and honorable discharge required (DD214).
Receives direction and supervision from the Shift Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain or Chief. Immediate Disqualifiers
Criminal History / Legal
Adult commission of undetected crimes of a serious or repetitive nature.
Any conviction of domestic violence, including simple assault against a domestic partner, spouse, child or parent.
Conviction of any crime which carries a 6-months jail sentence or more, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Wisconsin State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.
Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals).
Pending litigation or prosecution for criminal offenses must be resolved prior to consideration for employment.
Traffic Violations
Suspension of driver’s license within the past twelve (12) months (Non-traffic related suspensions, such as insurance related suspension, shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
Conviction or case pending for DUI, DWI or Hit and Run within the last two (2) years.
Drugs
Any illegal possession of heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens or any other schedule 1 or 2 drugs, or any derivative thereof, as defined in Wisconsin State Statutes within the last 2 years.
Any involvement in the sale or distribution of illegal drugs as an adult.
Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 2 years.
Others
Cheating on any examination or testing associated with the position.
Dishonorable discharge from any military service.
Untruthfulness and/or intentional withholding of information on any application, interview, or paperwork associated with the position.
Areas of Concern This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of background disqualifiers. Applicants who are successful in the initial testing will undergo a thorough background investigation. Areas of concern will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis within the context of the full investigation/review. The Police Chief and or their designee may grant an exception to disqualifiers based on the overall assessment of the candidate. Examples of areas of concern may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Criminal History / Legal
Crimes committed as a juvenile, including undetected crime.
Illegal drug possession that does not fall within the parameters defined above.
Reduction of charges as a result of a plea agreement or other form of sentencing disposition prior to a conviction in any of the aforementioned criminal and driving history categories.
Drugs
Juvenile involvement in the sale or distribution of illegal drugs is an area of concern which will be given careful scrutiny in the context of the full investigation/review.
The Police Chief and/or his/her designee may grant an exception to illegal drug activity by an applicant based on the totality of the circumstances.
Personal History
Less than honorable military discharge, erratic work record, or unfavorable employment references.
Traffic Violations
Multiple convictions of driving under the influence.
Patterns of reckless and/or irresponsible driving. Any significant negative driving history, which shall be determined by management review of all relevant facts.
Credit
Demonstrated history of financial irresponsibility. (Examples of areas of concern include unpaid collections or unsatisfactory judgments where no payment plan has been established. Bankruptcies will be evaluated based on the time frame, circumstances, other measures pursued, and restoration of credit).
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Dedicated service and protection for all
and our vision is : To foster a safe and secure community through collaboration, trust, and
exceptional police service.
A Wauwatosa Police Officer will be ready to serve and committed to the mission and vision of the department. Police Officers are responsible for providing protection of life and property; promoting and preserving peace through cooperation; enforcing municipal, state and federal laws; and delivering police-related services for all residents and visitors of Wauwatosa, WI.
Compensation The starting pay for this position is $32.32 per hour ($67,229.88 annually), moves to $35.91 per hour ($74,692.21 annually) after six months, and $39.46 per hour ($82,085.66 annually) after one year. There are annual step increases until completion of the sixth year, when top pay is reached, currently $46.13 per hour ($95,948.49 annually). Pay rates are based on the 2026 collective bargaining agreement.
Lateral candidates who are WI LESB certified and currently working for a law enforcement agency may be given consideration for years of service when determining starting pay and vacation.
Police Recruitment Website:
https://www.ServeTosa.com
This position is responsible for the essential duties below and other duties as assigned.
Duties
Preserves the peace by responding to calls for assistance involving altercations between people, including but not limited to domestic disturbances, fighting, and neighborhood disputes; performs crowd and traffic control; enforces state and local laws and ordinances relating to keeping of the peace; provides foot patrol to residential and business areas in order to maintain community relations.
Protects life by responding to calls for service and emergency assistance; renders aid to the physically injured, handicapped, and others requiring assistance, including but not limited to victims of accidents, criminal incidents, and mental or physical disabilities; investigates safety hazards and takes action to correct potential problem areas, including road hazards, defects, and environmental hazards.
Protects property by performing security checks of residences and businesses, physically walking through residential areas and viewing all areas of buildings to ensure their physical integrity; observes potential hazards including but not limited to natural disasters, fires, alarms, gas leaks, hazardous material spills, roadway debris, and other structure and infrastructure defects, and take corrective action by contacting proper authorities for assistance and/or securing areas through the use of barricades or other devices; takes found property into custody for safekeeping.
Investigates violations of state laws and local ordinances, and arrests violators using the degree of force necessary in accordance with state law and department policy; secures and protects crime scenes in order to identify and collect any physical evidence present; obtains descriptions of suspects and vehicles involved in crimes or criminal activity; enforces traffic laws on order to curtail violations which endanger lives and property, including excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and careless driving.
Prepares incident and accident reports, affidavits, citations, legal documents, memorandums, and other job-related forms and documents; prepares and testifies in court as to report information and action taken; uses computers to enter and query information as necessary in the performance of official duties.
Participates in job related training and courses to maintain skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to perform duties and maintain law enforcement certification.
Maintains physical condition necessary to perform official duties and day to day operations, and to operate job related equipment, including lethal and non-lethal weapons, radios, handcuffs, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, crime scene kits, and other equipment as needed.
Performs service related activities including assistance to broken down, lost, or locked out motorists, animal complaints, nuisance calls, and other calls for service as warranted.
Drives and operates police vehicles in routine and emergency situations, including normal day to day driving, emergency responses to calls and high-speed pursuits of offending vehicles.
Required Qualities and Characteristics
Courage : Show the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Moments will require bravery in the face of danger, and every day will require the fortitude to serve.
Integrity : Possess the quality of being honest with strong moral principles. Not only does this quality exemplify the professionalism of a police officer, but it is necessary for courtroom testimony.
Respect : Display due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, and traditions of others. Display this quality to co-workers as well as members of the public.
Compassion : Have concern and care for others. Be able to relate with those who need police service and work toward resolutions.
Minimum Requirements
Be at least 21 years old, and a United States Citizen. Certified copy of birth certificate required to verify age. If not born in the United States, a naturalization certificate or United States passport required to verify citizenship. Document(s) must be produced at the Police & Fire Commission Interview.
Education: A minimum of 30 college credits from an accredited college or university at the time of hire. Copies of transcript(s) required. Additionally, 60 college credits will be required within five years of an officer's initial date of hire as a sworn law enforcement officer.
Not have any felony or domestic violence convictions.
Valid driver’s license at time of application and throughout employment.
Vision 20/40 corrected.
Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, in a clear manner using appropriate grammar.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle under normal and adverse conditions while maintaining the ability to communicate and activate the equipment in the vehicle.
Ability to make quick decisions, accurate observations, use sound judgment and maintain a professional demeanor under ordinary and stressful situations.
Ability to recall details, copy written and oral information and apply instructions with a high degree of accuracy.
Ability to read and comprehend legal and non-legal material written in English.
Ability to learn and comply with department operations, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures associated with the position.
Ability to learn and apply federal, state, and municipal laws and ordinances related to police duties and responsibilities.
Ability to apply concepts, procedures, and techniques related to interviewing, investigations, defense and arrest tactics, evidence preservation, search/seizure, and the use of force.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidate’s will receive preference points for the following preferred qualifications:
Higher education graduation (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.)
Current law enforcement certification
Two or more years of previous sworn law enforcement experience
Previous non-sworn law enforcement experience
Military service
Required Documentation
Certified copy of birth certificate required to verify age. If not born in the United States, a naturalization certificate or United States passport required to verify citizenship. Document(s) must be produced at the Police & Fire Commission Interview
If a certified law enforcement officer in Wisconsin, proof of Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) certification and professional history.
If a graduate of a Wisconsin Law Enforcement Preparatory Academy, but not a certified law enforcement officer in Wisconsin, proof of graduation within three years of anticipated hire date.
If enrolled in a Wisconsin Law Enforcement Preparatory Academy at the time of application, proof of academy enrollment.
If a military veteran, proof of military service and honorable discharge required (DD214).
Receives direction and supervision from the Shift Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain or Chief. Immediate Disqualifiers
Criminal History / Legal
Adult commission of undetected crimes of a serious or repetitive nature.
Any conviction of domestic violence, including simple assault against a domestic partner, spouse, child or parent.
Conviction of any crime which carries a 6-months jail sentence or more, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Wisconsin State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.
Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals).
Pending litigation or prosecution for criminal offenses must be resolved prior to consideration for employment.
Traffic Violations
Suspension of driver’s license within the past twelve (12) months (Non-traffic related suspensions, such as insurance related suspension, shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
Conviction or case pending for DUI, DWI or Hit and Run within the last two (2) years.
Drugs
Any illegal possession of heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens or any other schedule 1 or 2 drugs, or any derivative thereof, as defined in Wisconsin State Statutes within the last 2 years.
Any involvement in the sale or distribution of illegal drugs as an adult.
Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 2 years.
Others
Cheating on any examination or testing associated with the position.
Dishonorable discharge from any military service.
Untruthfulness and/or intentional withholding of information on any application, interview, or paperwork associated with the position.
Areas of Concern This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of background disqualifiers. Applicants who are successful in the initial testing will undergo a thorough background investigation. Areas of concern will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis within the context of the full investigation/review. The Police Chief and or their designee may grant an exception to disqualifiers based on the overall assessment of the candidate. Examples of areas of concern may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Criminal History / Legal
Crimes committed as a juvenile, including undetected crime.
Illegal drug possession that does not fall within the parameters defined above.
Reduction of charges as a result of a plea agreement or other form of sentencing disposition prior to a conviction in any of the aforementioned criminal and driving history categories.
Drugs
Juvenile involvement in the sale or distribution of illegal drugs is an area of concern which will be given careful scrutiny in the context of the full investigation/review.
The Police Chief and/or his/her designee may grant an exception to illegal drug activity by an applicant based on the totality of the circumstances.
Personal History
Less than honorable military discharge, erratic work record, or unfavorable employment references.
Traffic Violations
Multiple convictions of driving under the influence.
Patterns of reckless and/or irresponsible driving. Any significant negative driving history, which shall be determined by management review of all relevant facts.
Credit
Demonstrated history of financial irresponsibility. (Examples of areas of concern include unpaid collections or unsatisfactory judgments where no payment plan has been established. Bankruptcies will be evaluated based on the time frame, circumstances, other measures pursued, and restoration of credit).
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