Police Officer Lateral Transfer

Description

The 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 (as of January 1, 2026). Candidates with at least one year of sworn law enforcement experience may qualify for the LCPD Lateral Transfer program which provides additional starting pay and increased vacation based on years of service with other law enforcement agencies.

Responsibilities include working as a team member to enforce laws, maintaining the public peace, protecting life and property, and working with the community to address community problems. The La Crosse Police Department serves over 52,000 local residents, 3 college campuses and 2 major health care centers. Patrol Officers generally work a 12 hour schedule (2/2-3/2-2/3 cycle) with a total of 2080 hours worked per year and every other weekend off.

Successful applicants must have completed a minimum of sixty (60) college credits from an accredited university. College transcripts are required as part of a complete application. Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a valid unrestricted driver’s license and meet medical/vision standards. Background check, physical exam, drug screen, and psychological exam required for selected candidates. Successful candidates shall demonstrate maturity in independent decision making, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and respect for the community.

Employee benefits for the position include health insurance, life insurance, income continuation insurance, Bachelor’s degree incentive pay, paid holidays, paid vacations, section 125 flexible spending plans, deferred compensation plan, Roth IRA, employee sponsored dental and vision insurance, and Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension plan. You may visit the City of La Crosse website for additional benefit information.

This recruitment process will be used to fill current vacancies and to establish an eligibility list for use in filling future vacancies. The City of La Crosse supports attaining a representative workforce and workplace equity. If you like working with people, want to make a difference, and possess the above listed requirements, please submit an application with the required attachments. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For complete application instructions, visit www.cityoflacrosse.org/police/careers. Applications will be reviewed upon submission and may qualify to begin the hiring process immediately.

Police & Fire Commission

City of La Crosse Human Resources Department

Sixth Floor City Hall

400 La Crosse Street

La Crosse WI 54601

Phone: (608) 789-7595

Fax: (608) 789-7598

www.cityoflacrosse.org/police/careers

An equal opportunity employer/A drug free workplace

To Apply, Click The NeoGov “Apply” Link Above. As Part Of The Online Application, Have The Following Available And Ready To Submit

• Resume
• Transcripts documenting 60 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. Remember to include information regarding volunteer work with civic, school, or professional organizations. 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 basic requirements and have submitted all necessary application materials may be invited to participate in the following:

• Oral interview with the Police Department.
• Physical Readiness Test administered by the La Crosse Police Department
• National Police Officer Selection Test (POST)
• Personnel Evaluation Profile test (PEP).
  
  

Applicants that pass the oral interview with the Police Department, written exam, and physical readiness test may be invited to participate in a screening interview with the Human Resources Department followed by an interview with the City of La Crosse Police & Fire Commission. Those applicants that pass the oral interview with the Commission are then placed on an eligibility list used to fill future vacancies. If selected for a position, candidates must submit to a complete background check, physical exam, drug screen, and psychological exam.

To follow is a brief summary of the benefits the City of La Crosse offers to its employees. Benefits and benefit eligibility will vary by position. Detailed benefits information can be found on the City's website under Department>Human Resources>Employee Benefits.

• Medical Benefit Plan – Offered to all full-time, non-represented or unionized employees. Coverage for eligible medical expenses and prescriptions. Note: Employees hired full-time on or after 1/1/14 are not eligible for retiree medical benefit plan coverage.
• Pension (Wisconsin Retirement System-WRS) – Automatic enrollment for full-time positions. Eligibility for part-time positions varies by position and is determined by the number of hours and duration of the position. For eligible positions, contributions begin date of hire. Employer contributions are paid by the employer. Employees are required to pay 50% of the total WRS contribution rate for "general" employees. 2026 rate is 7.2% of pre-tax earnings.
• Life Insurance – (follows WRS eligibility) Up to five times the employee's annual salary is available. Spouse/dependent coverage options also available.
• Income Continuation Insurance – (follows WRS enrollment) A short or long term disability insurance. Various options available for waiting periods.
• Section #125 Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a flexible spending account to defer money from your paycheck pre-tax in a dependent care or medical account.
• Vision Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee.
• Dental Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee. Employees can choose between two different dental plans.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions to be placed in a retirement investment account.
• Roth IRA - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for payroll deductions to be placed in a Roth IRA.
• Paid Leave Time - Vacation, sick leave, personal business leave, family care leave, and holidays. Actual leave accrual determined by employee handbook or union contracts.
• Accident Insurance – pays a cash benefit when you or your covered family members suffer injuries sustained in an accident. The enrollment period for new hires is within the first 30 days of hire. The effective date is when the completed, timely form is received by the employer.