"Police Officer I"

Job Details

Salary:
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Police Officer I

Job Summary:

The UW-Madison Police Department is hiring new Police Officers. The Police Officer is a sworn law enforcement position under the general direction of a ranking officer or supervisor. Police Officers must be capable of providing a full range of law enforcement services. They enforce laws, investigate complaints, investigate incidents which may have an impact on the University, maintain order, assist people, identify criminal activity, apprehend and arrest offenders, identify the source of problems in the community and work with the community to resolve issues. An eligibility list will be established for select, qualified candidates who are not selected for hire at this time.

Candidates will be participating in a phone interview, assessment center, and final interviews. The assessment center includes a job simulation, a team dynamics exercise, and a writing exercise. If selected for hire, UWPD will sponsor you to go through the Police Academy to obtain law enforcement certification.

Police Officers may be eligible to apply for specialty positions including K9 handler, Community Officer, Evidence Technician, Honor Guard, Motorcycle Officer, Dignitary Protection Team, multiple instructor opportunities, Police Training Officer, Athletic Liaison, Upham Woods Boat Patrol, Bike Unit, Mounted Unit, Drone Team, and many more opportunities.

UW-Madison Police Department employees will support the department's vision and mission by operating in a fair, unbiased manner which respects the rights, safety and dignity of all individuals. As a department employee, your everyday actions will be guided by the department's values and be grounded in the highest ethical and professional standards. UW-Madison Police Department employees are expected to take an active role in creating and maintaining a positive, welcoming and inclusive work environment. Employees will assist or participate on an as-needed basis with the department's recruiting and hiring efforts and the onboarding of new employees in the work unit. Department employees are expected to work in partnership with the campus and area communities to provide leadership in solving community problems, preventing crime and providing a safe environment to fulfill the mission of the University.

This position will be required to work special events or assignments as designated by the Department. It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Provides protection of life, property, and the preservation of peace and good order and provides emergency aid to the institutional community
• Engages in problem solving, threat mitigation, and conflict resolution for a wide range of issues and incidents involving citizens, groups, campus entities, government agencies, businesses, leaders, and others
• Performs preliminary and follow-up investigations to solve crimes, identify suspects and victims, apprehend criminals, and document case information
• Required to work special events or assignments as designated by the Department
• Ensures the safe and orderly flow of traffic on institutional roadways and enforces traffic laws
• Provides personal safety and crime prevention education to institutional community

Department:

UW-Madison Police Department

Compensation:

Salary range: $34.00 - $44.00 (depending on qualifications)

Individuals with law enforcement experience and/or a higher education degree will receive consideration for advanced placement on the salary range and training track. Applicants new to law enforcement with higher education degrees may also receive consideration for advanced placement pay at 3 years of employment at UWPD.

Night & Weekend Differential: UWPD offers a $2.50/hr night differential for all hours worked between 6:00pm - 6:00am and a $2.00/hr weekend differential for all hours worked between 12:01am - 12:00am on Saturday and Sunday. These differentials are layered, so when working a weekend night, you will receive both.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department is committed to attracting, retaining, and rewarding a highly qualified workforce by supporting competitive and equitable compensation practices through a job framework, salary structure, and clear and flexible salary administrative guidelines.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department participates in the State of Wisconsin excellent benefit program that includes the following:

• Comprehensive health insurance and prescription coverage
• Supplemental dental and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Accident coverage
• Income continuation insurance (short and long term disability)
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Coverage under the Wisconsin Retirement System (employer matching)
• 403(b) and 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Accounts
• Education Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Trainings

Generous paid leave:

• Vacation benefits that increase over time
• Nine paid legal holidays
• Paid personal holidays
• Paid sick leave
• 6 weeks Paid Parental Leave

Other Incentives:

• On duty paid workouts
• Department provided physical therapy
• Fitness room
• Financial and wellness workshops
• Group fitness activities

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires a valid Wisconsin Driver's License with a minimum of 2 years driving experience and also meets UW Risk Management Standards.
• If you are not currently a Wisconsin certified law enforcement officer, you are required to have a minimum of 40 college credits by date of hire with expectation that you complete the police academy sponsored by UW-Madison Police Department to earn the 60 college credits required by the Department of Justice.
• If you are not currently a certified law enforcement officer, you will be enrolled in a law enforcement academy and required to pass the required standards. The Department will cover the costs of attending the academy.
• Candidates must pass the initial application screening, all steps of the hiring process, an extensive background investigation including past employment, reference checks, social media check, credit history, drug screen, and medical and psychological examination prior to beginning employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous protective service experience is not required and all employment and/or life experience will be considered.

Education:

H.S. Diploma

You are required to have a minimum of 40 college credits by date of hire with expectation that you complete the Police Academy, sponsored by UW-Madison Police Department, to earn the 60 college credits required by the Department of Justice.

How to Apply:

Please click on the "Apply" button to start the application process. As part of the application process, you will be required to upload your cover letter and resume into Workday.

Eligible candidates may participate in the following steps (dates are tentative): Phone Screen (3/23 – 3/27), Assessment Center (4/13 or 4/14), and Final Interviews (4/27). The tentative start date is set for August 2026, starting with UWPD orientation one week prior to the start of the Madison College Law Enforcement Academy.