Police Officer I

The UW-Madison Police Department is hiring both experienced law enforcement officers and those new to the profession. This hiring process will be split into two tracks based upon if you are currently a certified law enforcement officer or looking to become one. An eligibility list will be established for select, qualified candidates who are not selected for hire at this time.

Track 1: Candidates who are already Certified Law Enforcement Officers:

Experienced officers will be taking part in a one-day, accelerated hiring event. If you are a certified police officer and you are open to exploring a new opportunity, this is for you! You will experience a single interview, writing exercise, and job simulation. We will also offer a department tour and the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the department during an informational panel.

Track 2: Candidates who are new to Law Enforcement (not certified):

Candidates new to law enforcement will be participating in a phone interview, assessment center, and final interviews. The assessment center for this group of candidates will include 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.

• Required to work special events or assignments as designated by the Department.

• Performs preliminary and follow-up investigations to solve crimes, identify suspects and victims, apprehend criminals, and document case information

• 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

• 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

UW-Madison Police Department

Police Officer salary range: $34.00 - $44.00

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.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department (UWPD) 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

• Long-term care insurance

• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts

• Coverage under the Wisconsin Retirement System (employer matching)

• 403(b) and 457(b) 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

• Free physical therapy

• Fitness room

• Financial wellness workshops

• Group fitness activities

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.

• Certified Candidates: UWPD will be hosting a one day hiring event for certified candidates, which will tentatively take place on August 22, 2025. The tentative start date is set for October 2025.

• Candidates New to Law Enforcement: Eligible candidates may participate in the following steps (dates are tentative): Phone Screen (August 18-25), Assessment Center (September 3 or 4), and Final interview (September 24). The tentative start date is set for early January 2026, to coincide with starting UWPD orientation one week prior to the start of the Madison College Law Enforcement Academy.

Sgt. Amanda Buckley

608-219-8367

careers@uwpd.wisc.edu

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.