Police Officer

Police Officer Position

The purpose of this position is general duty police work involving protection of life and property, enforcement of laws, crime investigation, and service to the public. The employee has a significant impact on the quality of life through community partnership, strategic police patrols, and thorough investigations. The City of Wausau is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss accommodations with the employer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patrols police sector in squad car, police bicycle, or on foot to prevent or discover the commission of crime and traffic violations. Enforces City of Wausau ordinances and the laws of the State of Wisconsin. Operates a police vehicle in normal and emergency mode, day and night conditions, and during times of inclement weather and congested traffic. Responds to citizen calls for service and provide assistance as necessary. Investigates crime and other incidents, identify, collect and preserve evidence, identify and interview witnesses, issues citations and arrest criminals. Exercises independent judgment in determining reasonable suspicion to detain, probable cause to search and arrest, and use of force. Maintains working knowledge of criminal law as well as current police procedures. Investigates juvenile complaints and communicate with juveniles and parents/guardians. Prepares written documentation of police activities. Communicates police action in criminal and civil court proceedings. Problem solves with community members, business owners, and other city employees. Maintains City of Wausau core values. Efficiently operates computer systems for a variety of tasks. Performs basic CPR and first aid as needed.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform special assignments as assigned by supervisor.
• Attend and participate in neighborhood group meetings.
• Speak in front of citizen groups.

Minimum Requirements

United States Citizenship. Minimum age 21. High School Diploma or equivalent. Minimum of 40 credits from an accredited university, college, or technical school if candidate has not graduated from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy. Minimum of 60 credits from an accredited university, college, or technical school if candidate has graduated from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy. Ability to obtain and possess a valid Driver's License issued by the state of Wisconsin. Have no criminal convictions which would limit the ability to possess a firearm.

Candidates will be required to participate in a polygraph examination containing potential subject areas of excessive physical force against others, illegal drug use, commission of crimes, lying, and lying about anything in the polygraph screening booklet. Polygraph examination results will not be the sole determinant of employment with the City of Wausau Police Department. Certification from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board is required within one (1) year of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read, interpret and explain City of Wausau ordinances and Wisconsin State Statutes.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with citizens, co-workers, supervisors, and others from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments, such as computer keyboard/terminal, police radio, telephone, firearms and restraint devices.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements such as self-defense, firearms use, operation of a motor vehicle, data entry and assembling.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Ability to run, jump, push, pull, drive safely at high speeds and in adverse conditions.
• Ability to physically apprehend and subdue suspects.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms, sounds, tastes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
• Ability to remain calm, composed, undistracted and in full control of cognitive abilities while functioning appropriately in hostile, dangerous or fearful situations that require force, up to and including deadly force.
• Ability to use discretion effectively to determine a proper course of action consistent with a community-oriented, problem-solving approach to policing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of employment.
• Ability to adequately use and properly care for firearms and other police equipment.

Physical and Working Environment: Regular exposure to disagreeable and environmental conditions. Exposed to one or more particularly disagreeable elements such as continuous high noise level, considerable dust, heat, and humidity. Personal protective equipment regularly used. Regular travel throughout City. Ability to work under mildly unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as potential violence, machinery and disease can cause discomfort and where there is a risk of injury.