Police Officer

Job Overview

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.

The La Crosse Police Department serves over 52,000 local residents, three college campuses, and two major health care centers.

• Enforce laws, maintain public peace, protect life and property, and work with the community to address community problems.
• Work as a team member within a 12‑hour schedule (2/2‑3/2‑2/3 cycle); 2080 hours per year and every other weekend off.
• Develop additional starting pay and increased vacation based on years of service with previous agencies.

• Minimum of sixty (60) college credits from an accredited university; college transcripts required.
• Applicants need not be certified; if not certified they may be sent to the 720 Academy.
• Minimum age of 18, valid unrestricted driver’s license, and medical/vision standards met.
• Background check, physical exam, drug screen, and psychological exam required for selected candidates.
• Demonstrate maturity in independent decision making, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and respect for the community.

• Health, life, accident, and income continuation insurance.
• Bachelor’s degree incentive pay.
• Paid holidays, paid vacations, and medical/vision/dental coverage.
• Section 125 flexible spending plans, deferred compensation plan, Roth IRA.
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension plan.
• Additional benefits details available on the City of La Crosse website.

Final date to receive applications: March 2, 2026

Instructions and a complete application package are available online at www.cityoflacrosse.org/police/careers
.

Required Documents:

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

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

• March 11th or March 12th, 2026 – oral interview with the Police Department
• March 13th, 2026 – Physical Readiness Test, POST, and Personnel Evaluation Profile (PEP)
• Screening interview with Human Resources and interview with the Police & Fire Commission (if passing the previous steps)