Police Officer - 2027

Police Officer - 2027

Salary

$74,640.00 - $95,496.00 Annually

Location

1000 55th Street, Kenosha, WI

Job Type

Regular - Full Time

Job Number

20260071

Department

Police

Opening Date

06/01/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Overview of Position

THE KENOSHA POLICE DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING

The Mission Statement of the Kenosha Police Department is "To Strengthen and Serve Our Community by Putting People First." Our core values (R.I.S.E.) are Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence. We strive to embrace and promote this mission and our core values in all we do, providing police services, including but not limited to responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, conducting preventative and directed patrols, enforcing municipal ordinances and state laws and engaging in public education and community engagement activities.

The Kenosha Police Department is seeking individuals who wish to make a positive impact within the community. This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants meeting the minimum qualifications. For more information about the recruitment process, please attend one of the recruit informational sessions. There will be a short presentation by the training sergeant and officers will be available to speak to you about the process and to answer any questions.

• Friday, June 12th from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

• Tuesday, July 1st from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: RISE Training Center, 2125 Washington Rd, Kenosha, WI 53140

Email: JoinKPD@Kenoshapolice.com

If you are an applicant, please save this job posting as it contains important information about the Police Officer recruitment and selection process. This job posting will no longer be available online after the closing date. Police Officer recruitments are conducted approximately every six to twelve months.

Recruitment Process:

• Application Acceptance (June 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026): Online applications must be complete, thorough, and submitted online. Paper applications will not be accepted. We currently accept attachments with the following extensions: .bmp, .doc, .docx, .gif, .jpeg, .pdf, .png, .tif, .xls, and .xlsx. Attachments that are larger than five (5) megabytes will not be accepted. If your file is larger than five (5) megabytes, you will need to reduce the file size. Candidates submitting incomplete applications will be rejected and will not be permitted to participate in the written examination process. The supplemental questions asked of applicants will be used to determine minimally qualified applicants. Failure to complete the supplemental questions accurately may result in the elimination of applications from further consideration.
• Online Written Exam (August 6, 2026 - August 14, 2026): The City of Kenosha uses the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) by Stanard & Associates and the test must be taken online with webcam access. There are two study guides for the POST that candidates can purchase at their own expense. Study guides can be purchased here. Applicants must score a minimum of 70% to proceed to the next step in the process. All applicants are notified by email if they passed/failed the test.
• Panel Interviews (September 8, 2026 - September 14, 2026): If an applicant passes the written exam, they will receive an email notifying them to self-schedule their interview. An applicant will be disqualified if they do not respond. Applicants will answer a series of questions in front of a panel of evaluators. This component is intended to examine the applicant's decision-making and communication skills as well as other traits such as character and ethics. Any life experience relating to public service and law enforcement should be shared. All applicants are notified by email if they passed/failed the interview.
• Chief Interviews (Tentatively week of September 21, 2026): If an applicant passes the panel interview, they will receive an email notifying them to self-schedule their interview with the Chiefs. Applicants are required to complete and submit their personal history packet at this interview. All applicants are notified by email if they passed/failed the interview.
• Eligibility List: Applicants who pass the entire testing process will be placed on the eligibility list to be considered for employment. The eligibility list will be developed based on the composite score of applicants who successfully pass the written exam and an oral panel interview. When a police officer vacancy occurs, Human Resources will provide applicants to the Police Chief from the eligibility list for a final interview. The applicants presented to the Police Chief are among the top ten (10) scoring and qualified candidates on the eligibility list for the first vacancy. For each additional vacancy, the Police Chief will receive up to five (5) names from the next highest-scoring and qualified candidates. The Police Chief will use the eligibility list to fill vacancies for the next twelve (12) months or until ten or fewer candidates remain on the list. The list may be extended by the Police & Fire Commission up to an additional 6 months.
• Background Checks: As vacancies occur, the Chief will select candidates to go through the background check, which includes criminal and civil records, drivers license records, employment history, education, current and previous landlord, neighbor and personal references - a minimum of three (3) professional references required, military and training history, social media accounts, etc. Note: Applicants who have not successfully passed the KPD background investigation, psychological examination, or drug screen within twelve (12) months of this job posting opening date may be eliminated from consideration for this recruitment process.
• Conditional Offer (October 2026): Once the background check is complete, the Chief will review all information to determine if the applicant will continue in the hiring process. If an applicant doesn't pass the background check, they will be eliminated from the process. If an applicant is being considered for employment, they will receive a conditional offer based on the applicant passing the Psychological Test, Drug Screening, and Medical Evaluation. The cost of medical exams required for this position, which are scheduled and authorized by the City of Kenosha, are paid by the City. Human Resources will contact the applicant to schedule the medical exams. Note: Candidates who fail any required examinations will have conditional offers of employment rescinded.
• Physical Readiness Test (PRT): In order to be admitted to the academy, candidates must pass a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) administered by academy staff. The chart shows the entrance and exit standards. Please click on the link for more details: Physical Readiness Test. The training sergeant will contact the applicant to schedule the PRT. If an applicant does not pass the Physical Readiness Test, they will be eliminated from the process. Physical Readiness TestEntrance StandardsExit Standards1.5 mile run20:20 minutes16:57 minutes300m run82 seconds68 secondsPush-ups1823Sit-ups2430Vertical Jump11.5 inches14 inchesAgility Run23.4 seconds19.5 seconds
• Onboarding (January 4, 2027 - January 18, 2027): Recruit officers report to the Kenosha Police Department to receive their equipment and learn about the department. Physical Readiness Test (PRT). In order to be admitted to the academy, candidates must pass a Physical Readiness Test (PRT). The Physical Readiness Test is administered by academy staff. (Click on the link for details of the Physical Readiness Test and see the chart below with entrance and exit standards for the academy Physical Readiness Test.) The training sergeant will contact the applicant to schedule the PRT. If an applicant does not pass the Physical Readiness Test, they will be eliminated from the process.
• Police Academy (January 19, 2027): If an applicant is certified, they will participate in the Field Training Program at the KPD before being assigned to solo patrol. (Probationary period of 252 days) If an applicant is not certified, they are required to attend the Police Academy at Gateway for 720 hours before participating in the Field Training Program. (Probationary period of 352 days)
• Residency Requirement: Within one month after the completion of the 352 working day probationary period, the recruit officer must reside within Kenosha County, Racine County, Milwaukee, Walworth and Waukesha Counties, as well as all of Lake County, Illinois.

__

Please note that almost all communication (throughout the recruitment process) will be by email, so please be sure to provide the correct email address and check your email on an ongoing basis.

This position is represented by the Kenosha Professional Police Association and is covered by a fair share agreement.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

The Kenosha Police Department is seeking police officers to enforce local and state laws and ordinances, patrol the City by car and on foot, conduct criminal investigations, make arrests, direct traffic, serve process, and perform any and all other duties required for successful job performance and as assigned by a superior officer.

• Must be willing and able to exemplify the core values of (R.I.S.E.) Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.
• Provides information and/or assistance to the public, answers a wide range of non-police related service calls, informs citizens of available services in the community, promotes crime prevention through community and educational programs, makes presentations to public and local organizations concerning crime prevention and related police matters.
• Conducts routine preventative patrol in designated areas of the City, patrols residential/business areas for detection of violations, initiates contacts with both business operators and residents; maintains an open line of communications within the community.
• Responds to calls for police service, attempts to resolve domestic disputes, disturbances, and other incidents through counseling or referral, settles disputes among neighbors, juveniles and/or gangs; resolves any and all complaints from citizens of the community.
• Attempts to maintain the peace and safety of the community, responds to public disturbances, and maintains civil obedience at group functions.
• Provides for the safe and convenient flow of traffic and pedestrians within the community, investigates traffic accidents, enforces traffic violations, conducts driver intoxication investigations, promotes vehicular and pedestrian safety, reports unsafe road conditions.
• Conducts criminal and non-criminal investigations; performs surveillance; conducts follow-up investigations.
• Enforces laws and arrests lawbreakers, makes felony and misdemeanor arrests; issues notices to appear and traffic citations.
• Prepares written reports, forms and other documents as required.
• Testifies in criminal and civil court proceedings and gives depositions.

The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by persons in positions covered by this classification specification. This list is not all inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this classification to duties not listed above, if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to the level of work performed by employees in positions covered by this classification specification. This classification specification does not create an employment contract between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the department change over time.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to speak and understand the English language.
• Completion of either a two-year Associate Degree or a minimum of 60 fully accredited college-level credits within 5 years of the date of hire pursuant to LES 2.01(1)(e).
• United States citizen.
• Attained the age of eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin drivers license, or the ability to obtain one if out of state, with a good driving record that meets the City standards.
• Have no physical, mental or emotional conditions with or without a reasonable accommodation that could adversely affect their ability to perform the essential duties of the job.
• Must meet the City's vision requirement, with eyesight correctable to 20/20.
• No loss of hearing within normal voice range.
• No felony convictions unless pardoned.
• Others required by law enforcement standards.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Knowledge of federal laws, state statutes, and local ordinances.
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Kenosha Police Department.
• Knowledge of crime prevention techniques.
• Knowledge of First Responder and CPR.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with superiors, subordinates, and the general public.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively.
• Ability to determine proper courses of action within the established framework of policies and procedures.
• Ability to learn the geography of the City and surrounding areas.
• Ability to maintain composure under emergency situations.
• Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions.
• Skills in the care and safe operation of a variety of firearms, impact weapons, and chemical agents.
• Skills in the operation of motorized vehicles under adverse conditions.
• Ability to work shift work.
• Ability to develop a working knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to learn and adapt to changing technologies and practices.
• Must possess ability to exercise discretion.

Physical Requirements:

• Involves the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pounds) items and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds or over) items.
• Physical ability will be tested prior to entrance into a preparatory law enforcement officer training academy and again during Phase 3 of the academy.

Environmental Requirements:

• Task requires that work be performed in adverse environmental conditions

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires color perception and discrimination with no impairment.
• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires odor perception and discrimination.
• Task requires depth perception and discrimination.
• Task requires texture perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination in each eye correctable to 20/20.
• Task requires oral communication ability.

Method of Selection

The hiring process will consist of an application period, written test, oral panel interview, Chiefs interview, a physical readiness test, psychological evaluation, and a medical examination including a drug screen (in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act - ADA.) The passing grade of a 70% on the written examination shall be established using acceptable statistical techniques and consideration of the needs of the City. Applicants must pass each portion of the examination process. Selected applicants will also be subjected to a background investigation of their work history and other factors considered important for successful job performance.

The City of Kenosha is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate against individuals based onrace, color, age, sex, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, military service, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The City's EEO policy applies to all employment decisions.

CITY OF KENOSHA SUMMARY OF BENEFITS

For Police Personnel Represented by the Kenosha Professional Police Association (KPPA)

Salary/Wages

Employees are paid a salary based on a compensation plan approved by the City of Kenosha. The salary range for this classification is divided into eight (8) steps. New employees shall serve a probationary period of two hundred fifty-two (352) days worked. A newly hired Police Officer will remain in Step A until one (1) year of service is completed. Subsequent steps shall be achieved in the same manner until the maximum of the pay range has been achieved.

Direct Deposit

Payroll is made by direct deposit for all employees. Employees must designate a checking or savings account (of their choice) at the time of hire. Police personnel are salaried employees and are paid on the 15th and last day of each month.

Training Costs

New Police Officer recruits receive paid training from the City. Employees who are subsequently terminated by the City for any reason within 36 months after completing police academy training may be required to reimburse the City for these costs, depending on when the termination occurs. Please refer to the Employment Contract for more information.

Additional Compensation

Additional monthly compensation will be provided to employees who complete specialized training or who obtain a degree in certain areas of study. In addition, the City will provide additional monthly compensation to those employees who are assigned to work more than 50% of their work hours during the month in the following specialized areas: Lead Evidence Technician, Motorcycle Duty, Street Crimes Unit or Accident Investigation Unit.

Any member in the department classified as a police officer with a minimum of nine (9) years of continuous Police Department service shall have the opportunity to test for recognition of Senior Patrol Officer. Those officers successfully passing the test with a score of 75% or more shall receive a 1% increase in pay upon reaching their 10 year anniversary date.

Social Security

As required under Social Security (FICA & Medicare), the City pays 7.65% of the employees wages up to the prescribed limits set by the Social Security Administration.

Insurance

The City offers a high deductible health plan (HDHP) to eligible employees and their qualifying dependent(s) as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. All employees are required to pay a five percent (5%) monthly health insurance premium, which will be waived if the employee participates in an annual Health Risk Appraisal (HRA). Employees and qualifying dependents are responsible for any deductibles, co-payments, or other out-of-pocket costs associated with care received under the provisions of the plan(s).

The City offers dental insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. There are two options for Dental Insurance: CarePlus (Dental Associates) and Delta Dental. CarePlus (Dental Associates) monthly premiums are paid for by the City. Employees are responsible for monthly premiums if enrolling in Delta Dental. Only one dental plan may be selected if enrolling.

The City offers vision insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. This plan provides benefits (after applicable co-pay) including a comprehensive exam, eye glasses with standard single vision, etc.

The City holds an open enrollment period each calendar year. If the employee waives coverage of health and/or dental insurance upon hire, they must experience a qualifying life event as prescribed by the Plans summary plan description in order to enroll for either health or dental insurance at any other time during the plan year. Employees who do not experience a qualifying life event must wait for the open enrollment period to elect coverage. Insurance benefits are subject to unilateral changes by the City.

Pension

Employees are enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) upon hire. The current contribution rate for protective employees with social security is 21.9% (this includes a 0.67% Duty Disability premium) - all represented protective service employees pay the required pension contribution amount of 7.2% (the same as general employees). The City contributes 14.7% to the employees WRS pension account. The total pension contribution amount is calculated based on gross wages for each pay period.

Life Insurance

Term life insurance coverage is provided to eligible employees through the Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program. Coverage amount is based on the employees annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000. The premium for Basic Plan coverage is paid by the City. Additional coverage and/or supplemental levels of coverage are available to employee and family at the employees expense. Coverage becomes effective on the first of the month following thirty (30) days from the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may elect to defer part of their income into a 457(b) retirement plan through ICMA-Retirement Corporation, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, or the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program. This deferred income is exempt from State and Federal income taxes until it is withdrawn at retirement or upon termination of employment.

Sick Leave

Each employee shall be granted sick leave with full pay. If an officer cannot report for duty due to illness or injury, he/she must notify the Department prior to the start of their shift. A review of the employees sick leave may be held by Police Administration and the KPPA In the event that said illness or injury exceeds six (6) or twelve (12) continuous months.

Vacation

Employees who have completed the required number of years of continuous service shall earn annual leave for each month of employment during which they work at least half of their scheduled workdays in accordance with the following tables based on anniversary dates of employment.

Continuous Years of Service Days per Year How Accumulated

Less than One (1) 6 ½ day per month

One but less than Ten (10) 14 1 day per month except for 1½ days for April, June, August & October

Ten (10) but less than 20 21 1 ¾ days per month

20 or More 26 2 days per month except for 2½ days for April, June, August & October

On January 1st of each year, employees shall be credited with their full annual leave accumulation for that year based upon the above table. It is mutually understood and agreed that such accumulation is an advance credit and any employee who leaves the service of the City during a year for any reason, except death, shall have his/her vacation accumulation prorated for that year and that any such employee who has used more leave than the prorated amount shall be liable to pay the City, in cash, for all such additional time off.

Holidays

The following holidays shall be considered paid holidays whether they fall on an employees scheduled workday or day off:

New Years Day Memorial Day Christmas Eve Day

Martin Luther King Day Independence Day (July 4th) Christmas Day

Friday before Easter Labor Day New Years Eve Day

Easter Thanksgiving

New Years Day, Easter, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day shall be incorporated into the day off schedule of each employee working the 4-2 and 5-2 work schedule. Christmas Eve, New Years Eve Day, Memorial Day, the Friday before Easter and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day shall be compensated for in the following manner: Each employee be granted a working day off after the holiday has passed, except that as to Memorial Day, every employee who is a veteran of the Armed Services shall be entitled to this day off, but in the event this day falls on an employees scheduled workday and said employee cannot be scheduled for this day off (due to staffing levels) and said employee does not wish to have this day off, the employee shall be compensated with one (1) day off at a later date.

Each employee shall be eligible for one (1) floating holiday per year in addition to the above holidays. Such floating holiday may be used at such time as may be approved by the Chief of Police consistent with the needs of the department. Employees shall not be permitted to carry more than ninety-six (96) hours of accumulated holiday time off beyond December 31st of each year.

Clothing & Dry Cleaning Allowance - The City shall pay the clothing replacement costs for all uniformed personnel. Each new employee will furnish the initial outlay of uniforms at his/her own cost. The City shall pay in full the clothing replacement costs for all plainclothes employees. Employees also receive a monthly dry cleaning allowance if they work at least half of his/her regularly scheduled work days in the month.

Duty-Related Death Benefit

One years salary is paid to the named beneficiary of an eligible employee who is killed in the line of duty.

Health and Wellness Clinic - Employees (and covered spouses) who elect health insurance coverage and complete the annual HRA may utilize the Citys onsite Health and Wellness Clinic, which is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse. Services provided by the Clinic may be subject to a co-payment, as prescribed by City policy and IRS guidelines.

Health Savings Account - The health insurance plan offered by the City qualifies for a Health Savings Account (HSA) as defined by the IRS. Johnson Bank has waived the fees normally associated with opening and maintaining an HSA for all City employees who are enrolled in a qualifying insurance plan. Payroll deduction (pre-taxed) is only available to those employees who hold their HSA with Johnson Bank. Enrollment for this benefit is administered by the Finance Department.

Critical Illness, Accident & Universal Life/Long-Term Care Insurances - Supplemental policies for Critical Illness, Accident and Life/Long-Term Care Insurance are offered to current eligible employees during the Citys annual open enrollment period.

Tuition Reimbursement Program - Regular full-time employees who have completed their probationary period may be reimbursed for 80% of tuition up to $3,000 per calendar year for satisfactory completion (a grade of "B" or greater) of approved courses through an accredited institution in the pursuance of an Associate, Bachelor or Master Degree. Please refer to the Citys Personnel Policies and Regulations for program information.

• Benefit offerings are based on eligibility, reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Union Representation

Police personnel are represented by the Kenosha Professional Police Association (KPPA). Union dues are deducted from the employees pay according to the current labor agreement. Employees should contact their Union Steward to receive a copy of the labor agreement.

01

The following supplemental questions may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided on your application/resume. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during a hiring interview. By completing this supplemental evaluation you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal.

• Yes and I understand and agree
• No I disagree

02

If hired, one (1) month after completion of the probationary period, applicants must reside within Kenosha County, Racine County (except the Town of Waterford; however the Village of Waterford is acceptable), Franklin, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, and Lake County, IL. The incumbent of this position is required to maintain such residency during the term of employment. Are you able to meet the Citys residency requirements?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid drivers license with a good driving record?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you a United States citizen?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you speak and understand the English language?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you eighteen (18) years or older at the time of application?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have any felony convictions or domestic violence convictions that have not been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon?

• Yes
• No

08

Section 922(g)(9) of Title 18, United States Code makes it illegal for anyone who has previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (MCDV) to possess firearms or ammunition. If you have been convicted of a MCDV, according to this regulation, you would be prohibited from consideration for Police Officer. Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

09

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence list the date, jurisdiction, circumstances and disposition below. If not applicable, please indicate N/A.

10

Are you certified by the State of Wisconsin as a law enforcement officer?

• Yes
• No

11

Qualifying U.S. military veterans and certain spouses of such veterans may be granted preference points toward their score(s) from the City of Kenosha employment examination process. If applicable, please select a category below.

• 10 points as a non-disabled veteran with qualifying service.
• 15 points as a disabled wartime veteran whose disability is less than 30% and directly traceable to war service.
• 20 points as a disabled wartime veteran whose diability is 30% or more and directly traceable to war service.
• 10 points as a spouse of a disabled veteran whose disability is 70% or more and directly traceable to war service.
• 10 points as an unmarried spouse of a veteran who was killed in action or died from a service connected disability.

12

If you indicated military service, please indicate the branch, active or reserve, and dates of service.

13

Have you been convicted of a crime (misdemeanor of felony) in the last 10 years? Do not include traffic or "non-criminal" offenses.

• Yes
• No

14

Have you been convicted of a driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating while intoxicated (OWI), or reckless driving within five (5) years from reinstatement or evaluation of overall driving record at the time of application?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm?

• Yes
• No

16

Administrative Rule LES 2.01(1)(e) requires that a law enforcement officer possess either a two-year Associate Degree or 60 college-level credits, or meet the standard within the first five years of employment. The Law Enforcement Standards Board may waive up to 30 credits upon documentation of writing, problem-solving, and other communication skills. The College Credit Waiver Application (DJ LE 331) is available at www.wilenet.org. I understand the Administrative Rule LES 2.01(1)(e)?

• Yes
• No

17

If you were referred to apply for this position by an officer at our department, please list their name.

Required Question

Employer City of Kenosha

Address 625 - 52nd Street

Room 205

Kenosha, Wisconsin, 53140

Phone 262.653.4130

Website https://www.kenosha.org