Police Officer

Salary: $34.10 - $45.11 Hourly
Location : Safety Building, 730 Center Street, Racine, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600057
Department: Racine Police Department
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Central


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 Orientated 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

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.
• 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)

Note: The City of Racine has no residency requirements for employees Out-of-State certified officers are required to successfully complete the Wisconsin Reciprocity Exam prior to the Police and Fire Commission Interviews Possess or obtain a valid Wisconsin driver's license upon appointment


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 will disqualify applicants.

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.


The recruitment group is comprised of members of the police department with varying ranks, experiences, and assignments. These members will be available to assist you at the agility course and during other phases of the recruitment process. A complete list of members and their hours and phone numbers will be available during the agility portion of the process.


RECRUITMENT PROCESS STEPS:
Note: Hiring process subject to change.
Step 1: Application
Step 2: Screening
Step 3: Physical Agility Test / Written Test

• More information can be found by watching the following video or reviewing information Wilenet

Step 4: Panel Interview
Step 5: Background Checks
Step 6: Police and Fire Commission Interviews
Step 7: Medical and Psychological Exams
Step 8: Shift Experience / Ride-a-long

• Experience a shift for at least 4 hours with a Patrol Officer

Step 9: Chief's Interview
Step 10: Swearing-In
This job description is intended to identify essential duties and also illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the City of Racine.


The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
City Employee Benefits Summary - 2025

• Lateral Transfer
  o 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.
  o 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.

All full-time employees are offered a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision benefits, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, life insurance, a student loan repayment program, short-term disability insurance and paid leave benefits. Employees of the City of Racine may also qualify for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through the Federal Government.

For a more detailed overview of our benefits package,
01


Are you a citizen of the United States?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a valid Wisconsin driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03


This 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

04


Have you attended a Wisconsin Police Academy?

• Yes
• No

05


Have 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