Police Officer

Police Officer

The City of La Crosse Police Department seeks to build and maintain a workforce that reflects the diversity of the City. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Law Enforcement positions with an annual starting salary range of $69,160 to $83,116. Responsibilities include working as a team member to enforce laws, maintaining the public peace, protecting life and property, and working with the community to address community problems. The La Crosse Police Department serves over 52,000 local residents, 3 college campuses and 2 major health care centers. Patrol Officers generally work a 12 hour schedule (2/2-3/2-2/3 cycle) with a total of 2080 hours worked per year and every other weekend off. Experienced candidates may qualify for additional starting pay and increased vacation based on years of service with previous agencies.

Successful applicants must have completed a minimum of sixty (60) college credits from an accredited university. College transcripts are required as part of a complete application. Applicants need not be certified to apply. If not certified, successful candidates may be sent to the 720 Academy. Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a valid unrestricted driver's license and meet medical/vision standards. Background check, physical exam, drug screen, and psychological exam required for selected candidates. Successful candidates shall demonstrate maturity in independent decision making, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and respect for the community.

Employee benefits for the position include health insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, Bachelor's degree incentive pay, paid holidays, paid vacations, section 125 flexible spending plans, deferred compensation plan, Roth IRA, employee sponsored dental and vision insurance, and Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension plan. You may visit the City of La Crosse website for additional benefit information.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For complete application instructions, visit Applicants who submit a completed application packet by June 29, 2026 and meet minimum qualifications may be invited to participate in an interview on July 8, 2026 as well as physical fitness exam and written exam on July 9, 2026.

Applicants must submit as part of their application package:

1. Online Application
2. Resume
3. Transcripts documenting college credits (copies or originals)
4. Answers to the following essay questions (no more than one page for each answer):
   1. Why have you chosen to apply for this position?
   2. Discuss things you have done which have contributed to your life experience. Remember to include information regarding volunteer work with civic, school, or professional organizations. Be specific about names and dates.
   3. Why do you believe you could relate to and/or work with people of different races, sexes, cultures, ages, socioeconomic groups, and education levels?

To apply, visit the web address listed above. Follow the prompts to complete and submit an application. Applicants are required to attach a resume, transcripts, and answers to essay questions when submitting an application.

Applicants who meet the basic requirements and have all application materials on file will be invited by the City of La Crosse to participate in the following:

-July 8th, 2026: Oral interview with the Police Department

-July 9th, 2026: Physical Readiness Test administered by the La Crosse Police Department; the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST), and the Personnel Evaluation Profile test (PEP).

Applicants that pass the oral interview with the Police Department, written exam, and physical readiness test may be invited to participate in a screening interview with the Human Resources Department followed by an interview with the City of La Crosse Police & Fire Commission. Those applicants that pass the oral interview with the Commission are then placed on an eligibility list used to fill future vacancies.