Certified Police Officer 2025 *CERTIFIED CANDIDATES ONLY*

Salary : $71,436.00 - $91,356.00 Annually
Location : Kenosha, WI
Job Type: Regular - Full Time
Job Number: 20250071
Department: Police
Opening Date: 04/01/2025
Closing Date: 12/31/2025 11:59 PM Central

General Overview of Position
*This recruitment is only for certified law enforcement officers.*
*A non-certified posting will be posted at a later date for those who are not certified. *
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 are currently certified law enforcement officers who wish to make a positive impact within the community. Panel and Chief's Interviews will be conducted quarterly based on the following schedule:
Applications received between April 1 - June 30: July Interviews

Applications received between July 1 - September 30: October Interviews

Applications received between October 1 - December 31: January Interviews
Please note that this schedule is subject to change.

Recruitment Process:

Application Acceptance (April 2025 - December 2025): 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 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.

Chief Interview: Applicants will receive an email notifying them to self-schedule their interviews. Applicants will be disqualified if they do not self-schedule their interview. Applicants will answer a series of questions in front of the Police Chief. 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 interviews.

Eligibility List: Applicants who pass the entire process may be placed on the eligibility list to be considered for future employment. When a police officer vacancy occurs, Human Resources will provide applicants to the Police Chief. 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 for 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, driver's 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: 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 that 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.

Onboarding/Field Training Program: Appointedincumbents will participate in the Field Training Program (FTO) at KPD before being assigned to solo patrol. Potential for condensed FTO based on prior law enforcement experience. Appointed incumbents are on probation for 252 days. Incumbents hired must comply with all departmental policies and procedures.

Residency Requirement: Within one month after the completion of the 252 working day probationary period, the officer must reside within Kenosha County, Racine County, Milwaukee, Walworth and Waukesha Counties as well as all of Lake County, Illinois.

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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

• Conducts routine preventative patrol in designated areas of the City; patrols residential/business areas for detection of violators; 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.
• 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.
• Attempts to maintain the peace and safety of the community; responds to public disturbances; 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 and 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; gives depositions.

(NOTE: 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:

• Current Certified Law Enforcement Officer.
• 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 or if out of state can obtain a valid Wisconsin driver's license 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.

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.

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 examination will consist of a Chiefs Interview, a psychological evaluation, and a medical examination including a drug screen (in accordance with the American's With Disabilities Act - ADA). Qualified applicants will be notified by e-mail of the exact time and location of the exams. 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 on race, 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 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 employee's 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 provides dental insurance to eligible employees after 30 days of full-time employment. Dental services are provided through one dental group - Dental Associates, which has one location in Kenosha County. You must select one provider location upon enrollment, and can only seek dental treatment through that location once enrolled. Qualifying employees do not pay a premium for this coverage.

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 Plan's 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 even 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 upon hire. The current contribution rate for protective employees with social security is 17.77% (this includes a 0.67% Duty Disability premium) - all represented protective service employees pay the required pension contribution amount of 6.55% (the same as general employees). The City contributes 10.55% to the employee's 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 Coverage amount is based on the employee's 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 employee's 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 , , or the 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 employee's 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 day per month
One but less than Ten (10) 14 1 day per month except for 1 days
for April, June, August & October
Ten (10) but less than 20 21 1 days per month
20 or More 26 2 days per month except for 2
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 employee's scheduled workday or day off:

New Year's Day Memorial Day Christmas Eve Day
Martin Luther King Day Independence Day (July 4th) Christmas Day
Friday before Easter Labor Day New Year's Eve Day
Easter Thanksgiving

New Year's 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 Year's 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 employee's 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.

Duty-Related Death Benefit
The designated beneficiary or estate of any employee killed in the line of duty shall receive a lump sum equivalent to one (1) year's regular pay.

Other Benefits

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.

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 of Kenosha 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.

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 City's annual open enrollment period.

United Healthcare Vision - Eligible employees may elect to enroll in a supplemental vision "insurance" plan. This plan provides benefits (after applicable co-pay) including a comprehensive exam, eye glasses with standard single vision, etc. Open enrollment for this benefit is held on a yearly basis and is administered by the Finance Department.

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 satisfactorily 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 City's Personnel Policies and Regulations for program information.

Union Representation
Police personnel are represented by the Kenosha Professional Police Association (KPPA). Union dues are deducted from the employee's 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

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

• Yes
• No

03

Are you a United States citizen?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you speak and understand the English language?

• Yes
• No

05

Within one month of completing the probationary period, applicants must establish residence within Kenosha County, Racine County, Milwaukee County, Walworth County, Waukesha County, or 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 City's residency requirements?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07

Regarding your driving record, please list any traffic violations you have incurred within the last three (3) years. If not applicable, please indicate N/A.
08

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?

• Yes
• No

09

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

• Yes
• No

10

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

• Yes
• No

11

Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor crime? List the date, jurisdiction, circumstances, and disposition below. If not applicable, please indicate N/A.
12

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

13

Are you currently Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) certified or certified by another state and eligible to take the Wisconsin Department of Justice Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) Reciprocity Exam?

• Yes, I am certified by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board
• Yes, I am certified by another state and am eligible to take the Wisconsin Reciprocity Exam
• Yes, I am certified by another state & have passed the Wisconsin Reciprocity Exam
• No, I am not a certified law enforcement officer

14

What state and school did you attend for the police academy?
15

Are you currently employed as a law enforcement officer?

• Yes
• No

16

If yes, what department are you currently working for?
17

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.

18

If you indicated military service, please indicate the branch, active or reserve, and dates of service.
19

If you indicated military service, what was your discharge status upon leaving the military?

• Honorable Discharge
• Dishonorable Discharge
• Medical Discharge
• Other than Honorable Discharge

20

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. Have you completed at least 60 college credits?

• Yes
• No

21

Have you applied to the Kenosha Police Department within the last 12 months?

• Yes
• No

Required Question