Patrol Officer
Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant, the Patrol Officer is responsible for assisting the Chief of Police in maintaining law and order within the corporate limits of the Village of Greendale. An employee of this rank may be assigned to uniformed patrol, crime prevention, investigative work, juvenile work or other specialized Department activity. Work involves an element of personal danger in the pursuit of duties. Officers must exercise independent judgment in meeting both routine and complex emergency situations and act without direct supervision. A significant portion of time involves public contact where discretion and tact is to be conscientiously exercised. Assignments and instructions are received in general terms from a superior officer who reviews and evaluates work methods and results through reports, observations and discussions. The Patrol Officer's regular tour of duty shall be set by the Chief of Police. Hours: Various shifts with rotating days off, per Contract Unless otherwise stated, all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications stated herein are essential functions of this position. This position shall be reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis, by the Chief of Police. Applications for Lateral Transfers will also be accepted. Factors considered in a lateral applicant's entry wage include the level of certification, agency size, specialized training and assignments and other job related factors that would help an officer be successful in our agency. "Police experience" refers to completion of a probationary period and currently employed by a municipal, county or state police agency. Corrections, reserve officers, security officers and federal experience does not fulfill our requirement for certified police experience as a lateral applicant. Successful lateral candidates who are currently employed full-time will start at a higher pay step than entry level candidates. Vacation time will also be adjusted according to police experience. Starting pay for Patrol Officer: $33.07 per hour/$67,585.42 per year Lateral pay steps for 2026: 1 year experience: Step 2- $38.55 per hour 2 years experience: Step 3- $41.30 per hour 3 years experience: Step 4- $44.04 per hour After 4 years: $46.79 per hour/$95,633.53 per year Pay for 2027: Start: $34.06 per hour=$69,612.98 per year After 1 year: $39.71 per hour After 2 years: $42.54 per hour After 3 years: $45.36 per hour After 4 years: $48.19 per hour/$98,502.54 per year Supervisor: Patrol Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, Police Captain, Chief of Police
Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills
The Patrol Officer is directly responsible to the Patrol Sergeant and ensures the constitutional rights of all citizens. He/she will impartially enforce the laws of the State of Wisconsin and the ordinances of the Village of Greendale. The Patrol Officer carries out departmental functions primary to the prevention of criminal activity and providing day-to-day police services to the community. The Patrol Officer, after a testing process, shall be appointed by the Police and Fire Commission, and shall hold office subject to suspension or removal by the Commission for cause. The Patrol Officer shall obey all legal orders and directives. Work involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, investigation of crime, apprehension of criminals and the enforcement of laws and ordinances.
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements
Qualifications:
- U.S. citizen
- Minimum 60 college credits - criminal justice or related field preferred.
- Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver's License.
- Must have (or have the ability to obtain) certification as a law enforcement officer for the State of Wisconsin.
- No Domestic violence convictions.
- Ability to possess a firearm.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge and abilities:
- Working knowledge of Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
- Working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local civil and criminal statutes and ordinances on which charges and arrests are executed, including laws of arrest, search and seizure.
- Knowledge of the geography of the Village and location of important buildings.
- Must have the skill to function in a sustained stressful environment; while maintaining an effective working relationship with Police Chief, all Department and Village employees; and a professional, courteous manner with the general public.
- Ability to handle sensitive public contacts and to deal tactfully and courteously but firmly with the public.
- Ability to distinguish confidential material and apply departmental standards for security and privacy.
- Required to complete all appropriate written exams and physical testing.
- Ability to work in all phases of the delivery of law enforcement services and their related police procedures.
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instruction and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
- Ability to make sound decisions and to communicate effectively both verbally and by using written communication.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relations with co-workers, superiors, and the general public.
- Ability to develop and maintain satisfactory performance levels in relevant psycho-motor skills.
- Ability to testify in court, at deposition sessions and similar proceedings.
- Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
- Ability to meet such physical requirements as may be established.
- Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment and to render objective decisions in the application of laws and ordinances.
- Ability to apply techniques of self-defense and use necessary force to apprehend and restrain violent or hostile individuals.
- Ability to operate a computer terminal.
- Skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment and the operation of motor vehicles.
- Ability to demonstrate the essential functions of this position.