Police applicants want to live and work in cities that offer a high quality of life, career advancement opportunities, diversity, and low cost of living.
They don’t want to sacrifice their personal lives for the job. That’s why it is important to find out which cities are good fits before making an application!
In this article, we will share with you our list of the 12 best sheriff’s office or police department agencies to work for in Wisconsin.
About Law Enforcement Jobs in Wisconsin
However, before we begin, let’s take a look at police jobs in Wisconsin. The state of Wisconsin is located in the Midwest and has a population of over 5 million people.
In 2016, there were over 11,600 police officers working for sheriff’s offices or departments throughout the state.
In addition to having many law enforcement jobs available, Wisconsin also offers several educational programs that are designed to help prepare students for careers in law enforcement.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, for example, offers an online Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice that can be completed in as little as 18 months.
12 Best sheriff, police department to work for in Wisconsin
Now that we have a better understanding of the job market in Wisconsin, let’s take a look at our list of the best agencies to work for!
1. Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This agency offers a high quality of life with great benefits, diverse opportunities, and a low cost of living.
In addition to its many other benefits, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office also offers employees tuition reimbursement, paid vacation time, and an employee assistance program.
If you are looking for a career in law enforcement that will offer you stability and security, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office is a great option to consider.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office is a strong employer for police applicants with military experience, who are looking to transition into civilian law enforcement careers.
Serving a population of over 900,000 people in Milwaukee County, the agency has over 900 employees.
Units within the agency include:
- – Patrol Division
- – Criminal Investigations Division
- – Special Operations Division (including SWAT, K-9, and Bomb Unit)
- – Court Services Division
- – Detention Services Division
- – Information Technology Department
- – Administrative Services Bureau
For more information about the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, visit their website here.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office offers several competitive benefits to employees including:
– Tuition reimbursement program
– Employee assistance plan (EAP)
– Paid sick time off and vacation days each year
Applicants with military experience have a good chance of getting hired here.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office is one of the best places to work in Wisconsin for law enforcement applicants with military experience!
2. Dane County Sheriff’s Office
Another top law enforcement employer to work for in Wisconsin is the Dane County Sheriff. This agency offers many great benefits that include:
– Competitive salaries
– Paid vacation days
– Sick leave
– Medical, dental, and vision insurance
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office also offers employees a tuition reimbursement program and several other benefits.
In addition to its great perks, this agency is also very stable with an excellent reputation in the community.
The Dane County sheriff’s office was founded in 1839 by Danforth Niles as a county-wide police force for both civil law enforcement needs and criminal duties of arrests and investigations.
Today, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office employs over 600 sworn and civilian personnel who serve a population of more than 500,000 residents.
The agency is divided into five divisions: Patrol, Investigations, Civil Process/Jail Operations, Specialty Units (e.g., K- nine Unit), and Administration/Finance.
The Patrol Division is the largest, with over 400 employees, and is responsible for providing general law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of Dane County as well as all municipalities within the county except Madison and Sun Prairie.
The Investigations Division has nearly 100 personnel and is responsible for investigating crimes against persons, property, public morals, and financial institutions.
The Civil Process/Jail Operations Division has over 60 employees who serve civil papers, execute warrants, manage the county jail, and provide other court-related services.
The Specialty Units Division includes the K- nine Unit (a five-dog narcotics unit), a bicycle patrol unit, a dive team, and a mounted patrol unit.
The Administration/Finance Division provides administrative and financial support to all divisions of the sheriff’s office.
If you’re looking for a great place to work in law enforcement, be sure to check out the Dane County Sheriff’s Office.
3. Milwaukee Police Department
The Milwaukee Police Department is another top law enforcement agency in Wisconsin that offers great benefits and career advancement opportunities.
Some of the many benefits offered by the MPD include:
- – Paid vacation days
- – Sick leave
- – Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- – Retirement plan with generous contributions from the City of Milwaukee
- – Uniform allowance for new officers
The MPD also offers a variety of career advancement opportunities, including lateral transfers, promotional opportunities, and assignment opportunities.
The cost of living in Milwaukee is also very affordable, making it a great place to work for law enforcement officers.
4. Green Bay Police Department
The Green Bay Police Department is another great law enforcement agency to work for in Wisconsin.
This department is known for its diversity and high quality of life. In addition, the Green Bay Police Department offers many career advancement opportunities.
The cost of living in Green Bay is also very low compared to other cities in Wisconsin.
5. Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office
The Winnebago County Sheriffs Department consistently ranks as one of the top sheriff departments in Wisconsin.
The department has a good diversity ratio, which is higher than many other law enforcement agencies in this state.
In addition, it offers great opportunities for career advancement and a low cost of living.
6. Appleton Police Department
The Appleton Police Department is another great law enforcement agency to work for in this state.
This police department is located in the city of Appleton, which is known for its diversity and high quality of life.
In addition, the department offers many career advancement opportunities. Officers with this police department also enjoy a low cost of living.
The Appleton Police Department is always looking for qualified applicants to join their team.
If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, then this is the agency for you.
7. Oshkosh Police Department
Sitting on the shore of Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh is a unique city with many things to see and do.
with a population of over 60,000 people.
The Oshkosh Police Department is a great place to work for those who are looking for diversity and career advancement opportunities in the law enforcement field.
Units within the department include patrol, investigations, traffic, K-12 school resource officers, and more.
The Oshkosh Police Department is always looking for qualified applicants to join their team. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, then this is the agency for you.
8. Eau Claire Police Department
The Eau Claire Police Department is another law enforcement agency that offers diversity and career advancement opportunities.
With a population of over 90,000 people, this city has so much to offer in terms of culture and entertainment.
Units within the department include patrol, investigations, traffic safety, crime prevention/community education, and more.
The Eau Claire Police Department is always looking for qualified applicants to join their team. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, then this is the agency for you.
9. Neenah Police Department
Neenah is a city that has so much to offer. With over 20,000 people and opportunities for career advancement in the law enforcement field, this city is a great place to live and work.
The Neenah Police Department offers many opportunities for career advancement.
Units within the department include patrol, investigations, traffic safety, school resource officers, and more.
The Neenah Police Department is always looking for qualified applicants to join their team. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, then this is the agency for you.
10. Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office
The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work for those who are looking for opportunities for career advancement.
This law enforcement agency offers many different units, which include patrol, investigations, corrections, and more.
In addition, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office is a diverse agency that works hard to promote diversity and inclusion for all.
If you are looking for a career in law enforcement, then this police department is the right fit for you!
11. Kenosha Police Department
The city of Kenosha has so much diversity to offer its residents. This includes many different races, cultures, and religions.
The Kenosha Police Department is a great place to work for those who are looking for opportunities for career advancement in the law enforcement field.
Units within the department include patrol, investigations, traffic safety, K-12 school resource officers, and more.
The Kenosha Police Department is always looking for qualified applicants to join their team. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, then this is the agency for you.
12. Racine Police Department
The Racine Police Department is another great place to work if you are looking for a career in law enforcement.
This police department is located in the city of Racine, which is about an hour and a half away from Milwaukee.
The good news for job seekers who are looking to work here, however, is that it’s also right on Lake Michigan, so you’ll be able to take advantage of all sorts of outdoor activities like biking or kayaking during your leisure time.
The Racine Police Department also has a very diverse workforce, which can be great for those who are looking to work in an environment where they feel welcomed and appreciated.
Final Thoughts
There are many police departments and sheriff’s offices throughout Wisconsin that can be great places to work.
You will want to do your research, however, as there are a lot of factors you’ll need to take into consideration before deciding on which one is right for you.
FAQ About police jobs in Wisconsin
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about law enforcement jobs in Wisconsin.
What are the requirements for becoming a police officer in Wisconsin?
In order to become a police officer in Wisconsin, you will need to be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a valid driver’s license.
You will also need at some agencies to have at least 60 college credits or a GED, and you will be required to pass an assessment test.
What are the job opportunities for police officers in Wisconsin?
There are numerous jobs available for law enforcement professionals all throughout Wisconsin.
Some of these include positions with sheriff’s departments, state patrol agencies, campus police departments, and more.
How much does a police officer in Wisconsin make?
The average salary for a police officer in Wisconsin is between $54k and 65k+ per year.
However, this may vary depending on the agency you work for and your level of experience.
What are the benefits of being a police officer in Wisconsin?
Police officers in Wisconsin enjoy a number of great benefits, which may include paid vacation time, sick leave, health insurance, and more.
Some agencies may also offer retirement plans and other perks.
How do I become a detective or investigator in Wisconsin?
In order to become a detective or investigator in Wisconsin, you will need to have completed at least 1-2 years of service as a police officer.
Who is the top employer of police officers in Wisconsin?
The top employers of law enforcement professionals in Wisconsin are Milwaukee Area Technical College, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Police Department, and others.
How much do cops make a year in Wisconsin?
Police officer salaries range from $54,000 to over $65,000 a year in Wisconsin.
Are there any specialties for police officers in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are a number of specialties for police officers in Wisconsin, including K-12 school resource officers, detectives, investigators, and more.
What is the process to become a cop in Wisconsin?
The process of becoming a cop in Wisconsin varies depending on the agency you want to work for.
However, most agencies will require you to apply online, take an assessment test, and then undergo a background check.
When is the best time of year to become a police officer in Wisconsin?
The best time of year may vary from agency to agency, but most agencies will be accepting applications all throughout the calendar year.
