Police Officer - Position Details

See the most recent job announcement for information on the position of Police Officer with the Milwaukee Police Department, including:

• The essential functions of the position
• The minimum requirements
• Disqualifiers
• Salary and Benefits

Selection Process:

The examination process will include a written test, a state-mandated physical readiness test, an oral interview, a writing sample exercise, and background investigation. All phases of the examination must be successfully completed in order to continue in the selection process. Failure in any segment of the examination disqualifies an applicant.

Qualified candidates will be notified of the time and location of the written examination, which has tentatively been scheduled to be held before the end of April. Candidates who successfully complete the written examination will receive information about the date, time, and location of the other testing components.

If you will be unavailable for one or more portions of the examination due to military service or training, you must provide written notification to the Fire and Police Commission, City Hall Room 706 prior to the examination.

Written Test, Oral Interview, Writing Sample Exercise

The first testing component will be the written test.  The Fire and Police Commission (FPC) uses tests which are locally and nationally validated by an outside third party to measure aptitude for and compatibility with the position.  The testing process is overseen by a committee of FPC citizen board members who are dedicated to a qualified and representative police force, and the testing is administered by an experienced and professional civilian staff.

Physical Ability Test

The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) is the certifying authority in Wisconsin for Police Officers, and they set the standards for the physical ability test.  See the following table for an overview of the standards.

The LESB has also produced a video overview of the test. 

Background Investigation

When we are ready to begin processing your background investigation you will be asked to submit information for review.  After a full investigation using the information provided you'll be interviewed by an investigator.  Please be as accurate and honest as possible in your responses to the questions during the investigation.  It can't be stressed enough that the key to a successful background investigation is that you provide complete and truthful information during the investigation.  A key qualification for a police officer is honesty and integrity, so providing false, misleading or incomplete information may lead to disqualification from the hiring process.

Eligible List:

Candidates who successfully pass the examination process will be placed on an eligible list for Police Officer, with ranking based upon the test scores plus any applicable preference points (see below).

Pre-Employment Medical Examination, Psychological Evaluation and Drug Test:

Individuals offered employment must pass a pre-employment medical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug test as a condition of employment.

Appointments:

Final appointment as a Police Officer is contingent upon passing all preemployment components, the number of vacancies, and approval by the Fire and Police Commission.

Preference Points:

Preference points may be added to the final passing score in accordance with State Statutes and Fire and Police Commission Rules. 

Residency Requirement:

Within six months of being hired, police officers must comply with the City of Milwaukee’s residency requirement for designated emergency personnel and must reside within 15 miles of the jurisdictional boundaries of the city. 

Learn more about the residency requirement and browse a searchable map detailing the residency boundaries