What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer Lateral Transfer position at City of La Crosse?
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
-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.
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
- 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?
-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.
Salary : $69,160 - $83,116