Police Officer

City of South Milwaukee

South Milwaukee, WI

Job Description

RECRUITMENT FOR CERTIFIED AND NON-CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER CANDIDATES.
CERTIFIED/CERTIFIABLE APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE.

The City of South Milwaukee invites applications for the position of Police Officer. Qualified applicants who have submitted required supplementary application materials, including official college transcripts, by the deadline below will be invited to take a written test.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Sunday, April 12: This application closes.

Sunday, April 19: Final deadline for all supplemental application materials (i.e., transcripts) to have been received by the City of South Milwaukee.

AND deadline to register for the written test. (Test invitations will be issued via email to qualified applicants several days prior.)

Wednesday, May 6: 9 AM Written Test (further details about the test will be provided within the invitation, which qualified applicants will receive in late April)

*August 1st, 2026--Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by this date.

The minimum salary listed in this posting is the initial bi-weekly pay rate for non-certified applicants who must attend the law enforcement academy upon hire. Certified officers may begin at a higher rate, depending on years of experience. For example, the bi-weekly rate for candidates with over five years of experience is $3,542.91 under the 2026 contract.

Applicants are not required to have completed an approved State of Wisconsin police recruit academy to apply. If a candidate who has not completed a recruit academy is selected, the City of South Milwaukee will send the new hire to the police academy.

JOB DESCRIPTION/GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Police Officer is charged with keeping the peace, enforcing the law, and providing overall safety and security in the community.

Officers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner when dealing with others, keeping in mind the highest principles of police service. They are sworn to safeguard the lives and property of all persons, and to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens, never letting their personal feelings interfere with their oath.

Officers are expected to build an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, so that citizens and community leaders form a partnership with the police to address the problems of crime, drugs, fear of crime, and social and physical disorder, including neighborhood decay. Accordingly, they shall work with community residents to identify and prioritize problems, and will be facilitators in developing creative solutions to problems that do not focus exclusively on arrest.

SHIFT/HOURS

Various shifts with rotating off days. Subject to Emergency On-Call.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general guidance and direction of the Shift Commander

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Officers shall comply with all lawful orders directed to them by superiors to the best of their ability. They shall treat all persons within their scope of authority in a respectful manner and take necessary actions to insure the protection of their civil and constitutional rights.

At any time, officers may be placed in situations that demand physical and mental endurance. Therefore, they must maintain a high degree of physical and mental fitness.

Duties/Responsibilities

DUTIES
The duties of the Police Officer shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Officers shall be aware of and comply with all Rules, Regulations, Policies & Procedures, and General Orders of the Department, and are responsible to keep abreast of any additions, changes, or modifications to same.
Report for roll call at the specified time and place, wearing the uniform of the day, with all equipment necessary to sustain themselves until the completion of the tour of duty.
Maintain prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance.
Gather and report intelligence-related information.
Conduct Community Oriented Policing to become acquainted with the merchants, businesses and citizens and assist them in identifying problem areas or concerns.
Provide a sense of security for businesses and citizens.
Enforce local, state, and federal laws.
Respond to calls for service.
Respond to and investigate reports of criminal offenses.
Provide follow-up contacts on serious criminal offenses (burglaries, robberies, etc.).
Prepare written reports and maintain records.
Be responsible for building security, where applicable, particularly vacant or temporarily closed businesses or residences.
Conduct interviews with representatives of the media, when instructed.
Serve as a member/advisor of various community organizations and committees at the direction of the administration.
Coordinate tasks to be accomplished with other members of the Department on a regular basis.
Coordinate the services of various government and private agencies in an effort to resolve identified problems.
Provide truthful and accurate written and verbal communications.

Other

PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS

Education

High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate or a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).
AA Degree or minimum sixty (60) semester hours college level courses in Police Science, Criminal Justice or related fields.

Experience

Previous law enforcement experience is helpful but not required

Certification/Licensing

Possession of a valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator's license or ability to obtain one. Possess a good driving record. Maintain ability to lawfully operate designated motor vehicles at all times that duties are performed.
Preference may be given to candidates certified as law enforcement officers.
Ability to complete recruit training and/or receive certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board.
Maintain ability to lawfully carry and use a firearms

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working Knowledge:

Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances.
Knowledge of the City of South Milwaukee's boundaries, culture, and demographics.
Understanding of cultural and racial diversity and sensitivity that will provide a solid foundation for the application of human relations skills in the delivery of police services.
Maintain ability to travel throughout and enter all different properties within jurisdiction.
Maintain ability to competently and credibly testify in court

Required Mental Abilities

High reliance on decision making skills
High reliance in the area of critical thinking
High reliance on common sense reasoning skills
High reliance on sound judgment
High reliance on listening skills
High reliance on reading comprehension skills
High reliance on accuracy and detail

Required Personality Traits

Above average emotional stability
Above average level of self-confidence
Ability to conform to paramilitary rules and procedures
Physically oriented to outside work assignments
Above average level of social appropriateness
Minimal level of underlying hostility/tension
High level of dependability
High degree of tact and persuasiveness
High focus on integrity and honesty
Above average inter-personal skills; the ability to get along with co-workers and associates both inside and outside the Department
Effective communication, oral and written

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Police vehicle, police communication devices, computer, speed measuring devices, handgun, rifle, tazer, and other weapons as required, baton, handcuffs, First Aid equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

stand, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, run
climb, jump, balance, bend, twist and reach with hands and arms
talk and hear
use hands to handle, manipulate or operate objects, controls or tools and equipment listed above.
taste or smell

The employee must be able to overcome physical resistance of uncooperative, sometimes violent, subjects of various age and size using Defense and Arrest Tactics (DAAT).

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application; rating of education and experience; job related test; oral interview with Police & Fire Commission; oral interview with Police Department Command Staff; background/reference check.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirement of the job change.

MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, DRUG SCREEN & PHYSICAL AGILITY

Candidates will be required to submit to a stringent medical examination, psychological examination, drug screen and physical agility test prior to appointment consistent with the requirements of the position.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

This is a union, non-exempt position hired from the Police Officer Eligibility List.

RESIDENCY

Applicants must be United States citizens and reside within the boundaries specified in the labor agreement between the City of South Milwaukee and the South Milwaukee Professional Police Association.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Wage and benefits are determined by the terms of the South Milwaukee Professional Police Association labor agreement and as outlined in the annual Salary Ordinance.

BACKGROUND

All appointees will be finger printed and a record check made of local, state and federal authorities.

The City of South Milwaukee 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.

Minority applicants and Military Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Benefits include:
Available health and dental insurance (the employee contributes), vacation time, floating holidays, holiday pay, sick leave, life insurance, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System.

01 Are you authorized to work in the United States?

02 Do you speak and understand the English language?

03 Will you be twenty one (21) years of age or older by the date specified at the top of this application*?

04 What is the highest level of education that you have attained?

Less than High School
High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Masters Degree
PHD

05 The minimum qualifications for this position include the following: - Must be a United States Citizen. - Must have a high school diploma or equivalent - Must have a two year Associates Degree or minimum of 60 fully accredited college level credits - Must be 21 years or older by the date specified * at the top of this application. - Must have a valid Wisconsin drivers license with a good driving record - No physical, mental or emotional conditions which could adversely affect your ability to perform the essential duties of the job - Must meet the vision standard set by the City - No loss of hearing within normal voice range - Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language - No felony convictions unless pardoned - Other requirements set by Law Enforcement Standards Board for eligibility for employment as a Law Enforcement Officer Are you able to meet all of the requirements listed above? If you answer no to this question, it will reflect that you do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position and you will not be further considered throughout the selection process.

06 Based on the job classification/ job description, do you believe that you are able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without a reasonable accommodation?

07 Have you been convicted of a crime (including misdemeanors) in the last 10 years? Do not include traffic or "non-criminal" offenses.

08 If you answered "Yes" in response to the above question regarding criminal convictions in the last 10 years, Please list the applicable offense and the conviction date: 09 Do you have any felony convictions or domestic violence convictions that have not been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon?

10 Section 922(g)(9) of Title 18, United States Code makes it illegal for anyone who has previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (MCDV) to possess firearms or ammunition. If you have been convicted of a MCDV, according to this regulation, you would be prohibited from consideration for Police Officer. Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?

11 If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, list the date, jurisdiction, circumstances and disposition below. If not applicable, please indicate N/A. 12 Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?

13 Have you been convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating while intoxicated (OWI), or reckless driving within the previous five (5) years?

14 Regarding your driving record, please select the appropriate response from the list below:

I have had more than 2 moving violations in the previous 18 months.
I have had more than 3 moving violations in the previous 36 months.
I have had more than one (1) chargeable accident in the previous 18 months.
I have had more than two chargeable accidents in the previous 36 months.
I have had more than six (6) points within the previous 12 months.
I have had a OWI conviction in the previous five years.
None of the above.

15 Are you prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm?

16 Do you understand that part of the pre-employment process will include a drug and/or controlled substance screening?

17 Under Wisconsin Statute and Section 19.36(7), certain applicant records, except those exempted from disclosure, may be subject to public inspection upon request. However, an applicant may choose to conceal his/her identity. If an applicant makes such an indication in writing, the City shall not provide access to any record that may reveal his/her identity unless the applicant is hired. The applicant understands that nothing contained herein precludes his/her application from being admitted into evidence in the course of litigation or administrative hearing. By selecting yes, this will serve as your written authorization to reveal your identity. By selecting no, this serves as your written authorization to conceal your identity. Please confirm if you wish to have your identity revealed:

18 Do you object to the City contacting any of the employers or references listed in your online application?

19 If you object to the City contacting previous employers or references listed on your application, please specify which employer or reference and provide reasons. Indicate N/A if not applicable. 20 Have you ever been dismissed or asked to resign from any position you held?

21 If you have been dismissed or asked to resign from a position, please describe the circumstances and the name of the organization/company. Indicate N/A if not applicable. 22 Three (3) personal AND three (3) professional references are required. Please list your references here including name, contact information, and whether the reference is personal or professional in nature. 23 **Transcripts** Applicants are required to provide CERTIFIED OFFICIAL transcripts from colleges or universities attended (copies will not be accepted). Official transcripts must be directed to: City of South Milwaukee, Attn: Kate Bernovich- HR Manager, 2424 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172 or by email (directly from the educational institution) to: kbernovich@smwi.org You must submit official transcripts as directed above. Your transcripts will be used to verify that you have obtained an Associate Degree or the required number of college credits in Police Science or a related field, as outlined in the position announcement. If you do not complete this step, your application will not be considered. Certified Electronic transcripts (to the employer from the college or university) are acceptable. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN THE DATE INDICATED AT THE TOP OF THIS APPLICATION TO RECEIVE CONSIDERATION IN THIS PROCESS.

Yes, I will submit transcripts.
No, I am not able to meet this requirement. I understand that because I am not able to meet this requirement, my application will be disqualified.

24 Are you currently Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board certified?

25 If you are not currently a certified police officer, are you eligible to be certified upon hire (meaning: you have already successfully completed a recruit training academy approved by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board)?

Yes, I have completed the recruit academy, and am eligible for certification upon hire.
No, I have not completed a recruit academy, and am not eligible to be certified at this time.

26 A thorough background investigation will be performed for Police Officer candidates prior to any offer of employment. Please describe here any pending charges, convictions, or other relevant information that may be discovered during a background investigation (only pending charges or convictions substantially related to this position would preclude you from employment). Please answer this question as honestly and fully as possible. 27 BACKGROUND EXAMINATION AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, RELEASE OF CLAIMS, INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT Authorization. I want and authorize the City of South Milwaukee to conduct a thorough and detailed investigation of my personal history, including my employment history and education history, and including the employers, businesses, schools, entities and any persons named in my application, in any other documents filed with the City during the hiring process, or as otherwise learned of or contacted by the City, to give any information, including records, regarding my education, employment, character, and qualifications. I want and authorize any person contacted to provide the City any and all information regarding my employment, education and other information about me, which may include, but not be limited to, information about my employment, performance, evaluations, work records (excluding workers compensation information and medical information, if any), wage rates, supervisors' comments, results of any and all nonmedical tests, discipline, employment counseling, investigations,, and any reports or letters, and complaints or allegations regarding any misconduct. I agree to execute release authorization forms as required by the City or my current or former employers to request employment records from my present and/or former employer(s). I authorize the City to conduct a background criminal check and a check with the Department of Transportation prior to making a decision regarding employment. I recognize that information received about my arrest or conviction record will be considered by the City only if it substantially relates to the employment position. I understand this authorization is not an authorization for the City to conduct a credit history check under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. I understand the City will provide me with a separate conspicuous notice informing me of the

Yes, All information on this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and I hereby authorize the City of South Milwaukee to perform a background check as part of this application per the above language.
No, I do not authorize the City of South Milwaukee to perform a background investigation per the above language.

28 Have you filled out this application in its entirety? Information on your resume is not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

29 Do you acknowledge that untruthful answers or information on this application are grounds for non-employment or termination?

Required Question