Police Officer - Entry Level

Salary: $38.40 Hourly
Location : 300 E Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-21
Department: Police
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 11:59 PM Central

The Sun Prairie Police Department is now accepting applications for entry-level Police Officers. Become a part of our team, where we foster relationships and address challenges through our Core Values: Exceptional Service & Problem Solving (Competence), Professionalism (Character), and Employee Fulfillment (Leadership).

Timeline:

Date

Item

9/3

Process Opens

9/6 & 9/16,


4:00 - 6:00 PM

Future Officer Sessions - to register, please email


9/18 @ 11:59 PM

Application Deadline

9/21 @ noon

Online Exam deadline

9/21, 9/22, and 9/24

Initial 15 minute Zoom Interviews with PD Staff
9/27Physical Readiness Test
TBD

Chief Panel Interviews
By 11/16
Background investigation Report

11/18

Special PFC Meeting - Conditional offers approved

11/30 - 12/04

Medical & Psychological Examinations

12/14/2026

Start Date

1/11/2027

Law Enforcement Academy

Please Note: the dates above are tentative and are subject to change at any time in the hiring process. Any changes will be communicated with corresponding applicants.

Essential Job Functions

• Patrols all assigned areas for the prevention of crime and the enforcement of State Statutes and City Ordinances. Responds to requests for service in both emergency and non-emergency situations and takes appropriate action.
• Responds to ambulance calls, provides first responder emergency service until the City's Emergency Medical Technicians arrive.
• Takes action to prevent criminal acts by checking residential, commercial and industrial structures and investigates suspicions conditions, activities or persons.
• Responds to the scene of traffic accidents and investigates the accident. Determines if any traffic laws have been violated and writes a detailed report identifying the circumstances involved in the accidents.
• Directs and controls traffic and enforces the established traffic laws.
• Provides enforcement of the criminal law: identifies and arrests violators. Upon arrest, the Police Officer books the violator on charges and prepares a variety of Police reports to be used in the criminal prosecution.
• Testifies in court.
• Conducts the initial crime investigation at the scene of criminal activity. Secures the scene, identifies and collects evidence and interviews witnesses.
• May be assigned other duties, as needed, for certain periods of time. May be assigned to field training of new officers, provide animal control services, answers the telephone, dispatches information and provides information to the public on all emergency and non-emergency Police issues.
• Routinely utilize in-car computers, as well as desk-top computers, running a variety of software applications.
• Ensures that all police equipment and police vehicles are properly maintained.
• Prepares various written reports/forms and dictates reports for transcription.
• May provide information and/or references to other law enforcement agencies when required.

Requirements of Work

• High School Diploma or GED.
• United States Citizenship.
• No felony convictions.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire, December 14, 2026.
• Must have correctable vision to 20/20 (wearing corrective glasses/contact lenses classify as correctable vision).
• Must successfully pass a background investigation, physical and psychological assessments.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record, and have valid auto insurance.
• Ability to learn modern Police methods and techniques, preserving evidence and what constitutes admissible evidence.
• Good knowledge of the streets and locations within the City and good knowledge of laws and ordinances is preferred.
• Considerable skill in the use and care of firearms.
• Good skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and recording them clearly and completely.
• Considerable skill in reacting quickly and calmly during emergencies; skill in communicating clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; working skill in executing duties firmly, tactfully, courteously, and impartially; considerable skill in exercising good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.

Other Job Functions

• Must have the ability to safely lift 100 pounds from ground to waist level (the weight of one end of an average stretcher/individual combination).
• Must possess the physical ability and strength necessary to perform the job safely and effectively and must complete general strength and flexibility testing.
• Must have the strength and dexterity to be able to safely and effectively operate a firearm.

The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or
01


Do you possess a High School/GED diploma?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you a United States Citizen?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have any felony convictions or domestic violence convictions that have not been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon?

• Yes
• No

04


Will you be 18 years of age (or older) at the time of hire, December 14, 2026?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have vision correctable to 20/20 (Wearing corrective glasses/contact lenses classify as correctable vision)?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you possess a valid driver's license at the time of application?

• Yes
• No

07


Could you confirm that you have valid auto insurance, as required by Wisconsin state law?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you possess an Associate's degree?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you possess a Bachelor's degree?

• Yes
• No

10


Do you possess a Master's degree?

• Yes
• No

11


Are you certified or certifiable as a Law Enforcement Officer?

• Yes
• No

12


If you do not possess a post-high school degree, but have obtained college credits, please indicate the number of completed college credits. Answer N/A if not applicable.
13


Do you have Veteran status and/or military experience?
14


If you answered 'yes' to the certification question, please explain your level of certification and effective dates.
15


List any prior law enforcement experience. Include dates, department location, and position held. Answer N/A if not applicable
16


Describe your recent community involvement or volunteer experience. Include the organization or club, activity, and dates.
17


Describe your decision-making process, and how it has helped you solve a problem at work or in school.
18


Describe any experiences you may have had in successfully interacting with culturally diverse groups (race, ethnicity, language, nationality, religion, etc.)
19


Describe any notable life experiences that may contribute to your ability to perform as a Police Officer.
20


Describe an effective team you have been involved with and what you think makes an effective team
21


Describe the range of your use of computer technology and software in your school, work, or personal life.
22


List any honors, awards, or commendations you may have received. Answer N/A if not applicable.
23


How did you hear about this job opening?
Required Question