Patrol Officer - City of Onalaska

The City of Onalaska is seeking to establish an eligibility list for anticipated vacancies occurring over the next year or until the next recruitment cycle for the position of Patrol Officer in the Onalaska Police department.  Under the general supervision of the Shift Sergeant or other supervisory authority, an employee in this position is responsible for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.  Work involves patrolling assigned areas, responding to a variety of situations as directed; investigating activities, gathering information and evidence, securing areas, protecting victims, the public and property, apprehending violators and completing the appropriate documentation in a timely and efficient manner.  

Compensation and Benefits:  Starting wage for this non-exempt position is $29.84 per hour (January 2024 rate, step 1) and $30.29 per hour (July 2024 rate, step 1).  
 
Recruit Officers:  Officers hired without certification receive 75% of the starting wage while attending the Law Enforcement Academy until certified.  The City pays for academy costs of tuition, books and patrol uniform gear.  
 
Lateral Transfers: Officers with full-time experience with another agency start at a comparable wage and vacation tier.   Officers with at least 3 years of experience start at $31.40 per hour (January 2024 rate, step 2), $31.87 per hour (July 2024 rate, step 2) and receive up to 2 weeks of vacation.  Officers with at least 5 years of experience start at $32.34 per hour (January 2024 rate, step 3), $32.83 per hour (July 2024 rate, step 3) and receive up to 3 weeks of vacation.  
 
A shift differential of an additional $0.25 per hour is added for Officers working 2nd or 3rd shift.   Uniforms and regular training is provided by the City.  The basic work schedule consists of an 8.5-hour day and a work cycle of 5 days on and 2 days off followed by 5 days on and 3 days off (5-2, 5-3) and then repeating the cycle. Officers may be assigned to special assignments causing them to work a schedule other than (5-2, 5-3).
 
The City offers comprehensive benefits to include health and dental insurance effective the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.   For health insurance, the most affordable area plan is the Quartz West Plan with premiums at $175.80 per month for a single plan or $432.03 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan.  Dental insurance is through Delta Dental and premiums are paid 100% by the City.  The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System pension plan providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement.   Additionally, the City offers a number of voluntary benefits such as flexible spending, life insurance, short-term/long-term disability, deferred compensation, critical illness, cancer and accident insurance, paid sick leave, holidays, vacation and access to an employee assistance program (EAP).  The City of Onalaska is a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.
 
To Apply:  To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing https://cityofonalaska.com/jobs.  Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.  For additional information please contact Human Resources.
 
Additional information:  Must successfully pass:   Written exam, physical agility testing, initial and 2nd interview (further information sent once determined).   Selected candidate subject to background check and pre-employment/post-offer physical, psychological and drug screen.  For those needing the Law Enforcement Academy next session starting February 5, 2024.  EOE/Drug Free Workplace.

Essential Job Functions:

• Reviews records and reports; receives briefings on incidents, wanted suspects, stolen vehicles/property, missing persons and other pertinent information.
• Patrols assigned areas concentrating on high frequency crime locations and known trouble areas; identifies crime patterns and modus operandi used in crimes.
• Investigates criminal and illegal activities, unusual or suspicious activities and conditions, traffic accidents, etc. enforcing applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
• Prepares necessary reports, interviews, narratives and follow-ups for violations and complaints; issues necessary citations or warning notices as appropriate; transports arrestees to the appropriate facility as circumstances and department policy dictates.
• Evaluates erratic or impaired driving, conducts field sobriety tests and make Operating Motor Vehicle While Impaired (OMVWI) arrests if probable cause exists for the arrest.
• Responds to any calls for assistance.
• Investigates traffic crashes, completing necessary documents and provides the necessary services as a result of the crash (e.g. First Aid, traffic control, call towing service, etc.).
• Observes traffic flow for violations identifying areas of traffic concern; issues warnings/citations to violators consistent with department policy.
• Queries suspects through the Criminal Information Bureau (CIB) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for wants/warrants’ probation/parole status; criminal history, etc. to facilitate investigations.  Makes arrests as necessary.
• Provides necessary medical, physical or protective services to ensure the safety of crime victims, citizens or property.
• Gathers vice and narcotics information and takes enforcement action.  Passes along information on organized crime, vice and narcotics activities to the appropriate enforcement agency or bureau. 
• Investigates child abuse/neglect complaints, gathers all initial information, performs or ensures that all necessary evidence collection is completed and completes necessary reports.  Refers complaint(s) to supervisory authority for follow up when needed.