Police Patrol Officer - Lateral Transfers or Preservice Candidates

City of Whitewater•Whitewater, WI

About The Position

The Whitewater Police Department is accepting applications for one sworn Patrol Officer position. The role protects life and property through enforcement of laws and ordinances. Officers patrol assigned areas, respond to criminal, suspicious, traffic, and other unusual situations, investigate crimes, gather evidence, apprehend violators, assist victims, respond to emergencies, and complete reports and related duties. Work includes general-duty and investigative police work under the general supervision of a Lieutenant, but officers perform recurring duties independently and exercise discretion in responding to emergencies. Duties normally include patrol and traffic enforcement within the City on an assigned shift, using a patrol car, bicycle, or foot patrol, and responding to calls for service. Work is performed under departmental rules, regulations, and policies and includes patrol, preliminary investigations, and traffic enforcement. The work involves danger and may require physical strength and agility to apprehend or subdue suspects. Applicants must live within 30 miles of Whitewater city limits by the end of the 15-month probationary period. Visible markings and tattoos require approval by the Chief of Police. Lateral applicants with prior full-time sworn law enforcement experience receive vacation allowance and pay commensurate with their years of experience; those with at least six years of such experience start at top Patrol Officer pay. Selection includes a formal application, written Police Officer Selection Test, oral interviews, job-related physical fitness testing, a background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations after a conditional offer. The position has no formal supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
By the date of hire, must have either 60 college credits from an accredited college or graduation from a Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy.
If the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy has been completed without 60 college credits, must agree to obtain 60 credits from an accredited college within five years of hire.
Must possess, or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid state driver's license with no suspension or revocation in any state.
CPR/CCR certification is required.
Must demonstrate honesty, integrity, and good judgment, including in criminal history, background, and motor vehicle records.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with City and department personnel and the public, and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
Ability to assess emergency and non-emergency situations, exercise independent judgment, make decisions quickly, and act appropriately under pressure.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and cooperatively with others.
Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, criminal investigation, identification, patrol, intelligence, traffic control, defensive tactics, public relations, applicable laws, and departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information and to handle dangerous or stressful situations effectively.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and deal professionally and fairly with the public, courts, law enforcement personnel, and outside agencies.
Ability to demonstrate good observation, recall, conflict resolution, and physical restraint and defensive tactics skills.
Skill in defensive driving, including routine and high-speed situations, and in first aid.
Ability to meet the Department's physical standards and maintain good health and fitness.
Must reside within 30 miles of Whitewater city limits by completion of the 15-month probationary period.
Visible markings and tattoos must be approved by the Chief of Police.
Must complete the formal application, written Police Officer Selection Test, oral interviews, job-related physical fitness test, background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations following a conditional offer.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a second language is preferred.
Prior full-time sworn law enforcement experience is valued for lateral transfer applicants; pay and vacation allowance are based on years of experience, and applicants with at least six years start at top Patrol Officer pay.

Responsibilities

Attend roll call to receive briefings about incidents, wanted suspects, stolen vehicles, suspicious situations, missing persons, and other relevant matters.
Patrol assigned areas, focusing on high-frequency crime locations and known trouble spots while watching for suspects, stolen vehicles, traffic violations, and crimes in progress.
Investigate criminal, illegal, unusual, or suspicious activity and traffic accidents, and enforce applicable laws and ordinances.
Prepare reports, interviews, narratives, and follow-up documentation; issue citations or warnings as appropriate.
Respond to miscellaneous requests for citizen assistance, including stranded or disabled vehicles and property removal.
Investigate traffic accidents, prepare reports and citations, and provide first aid, traffic control, scene clearance, or other needed services.
Observe traffic and issue warnings and citations in accordance with department policy.
Query suspects through CIB and NCIC for wants, warrants, probation or parole status, and criminal history.
Interview, fingerprint, process, and transport arrestees to appropriate detention facilities as circumstances and policy require.
Provide medical, physical, or protective services to ensure the safety of victims, citizens, and property.
Gather crime-scene evidence and serve outstanding subpoenas or warrants.
Evaluate impaired or erratic driving, conduct field sobriety tests, and make OWI arrests when probable cause exists.
Investigate domestic violence and abuse complaints and make arrests in compliance with policy and state law.
Testify in court proceedings.
Participate in training as an instructor or student, including first aid and CPR, firearms, defensive tactics, in-service training, and legal updates.
Gather vice and narcotics information, take appropriate enforcement action, and forward information about organized crime, vice, and narcotics activity to the appropriate agency.
Investigate child abuse and neglect complaints, gather initial information and evidence, protect the child, prepare reports, and refer complaints to the Juvenile Officer or Criminal Investigators.
Perform preventive maintenance on personal equipment and follow maintenance schedules for assigned vehicles and other department equipment.
Recognize problems in assigned areas and seek appropriate resolutions.
Work cooperatively with WPD officers, other law enforcement agencies, and partner organizations and agencies.
Provide crowd and traffic control at parades, festivals, demonstrations, and other events.
Give presentations to schools, businesses, civic groups, and other organizations.
Conduct licensed-premise checks for liquor-law violations and criminal activity.
Take on specialized assignments such as Field Training Officer, Sensitive Crimes Investigator, Defensive Tactics Instructor, or Evidence Technician.
Complete assigned special assignments, projects, policies, and investigations.
Perform dispatcher-related duties when needed, including answering calls, dispatching units, and operating communications equipment.
Assume field supervision, work-prioritization, or related responsibilities in the Lieutenant's absence.

Benefits

Shift differential pay.
$75 Shift Bump Stipend.
$1,500 yearly Spanish Fluency Stipend.
Department-purchased full uniform and required equipment.
$850 yearly uniform allowance.
$500 yearly Lifestyle Spending Account.
Up to a $1,000 yearly stipend for maintaining top physical fitness standards.
Annual Wellness Day.
Lateral applicants receive vacation allowance based on years of full-time sworn law enforcement experience.

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