The Fitchburg Police Department is dedicated to increasing the recruitment, retention and promotion of women in policing with 30% women recruits by 2030.
The 30x30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in all ranks of policing across the United States. We want you on our team!
The City of Fitchburg Police Department seeks individuals interested in becoming a part of an organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the diverse and growing City of Fitchburg. Situated between our state's capital and rural farmland, the geography of Fitchburg is as diverse as the people we serve.
The City of Fitchburg's location, diversity, and its many other assets affords a great deal of opportunity for those interested in a career in community-policing-oriented law enforcement. Community-oriented policing has long served as the foundation for our department, and community engagement remains a top priority.
New officers will be able to participate in all aspects of police work, from community engagement and problem-solving to criminal investigations and traffic enforcement. With an authorized sworn-staff strength of 55 officers, our department allows new officers to develop and experienced officers to grow further in a more connected work environment. Following completion of a probationary period, new officers become eligible to apply for specialized positions, including: K9 Handler, Evidence Technician, Honor Guard, Motorcycle Officer, S.R.T. (Special Response Team), Tactics Instructors, Drone Pilot, and more.
Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, conscientious individuals, ready for a unique and challenging career who are able to think critically, solve problems and effectively communicate with a wide array of individuals. Prior law enforcement experience is not required, however the department welcomes experienced officers as part of our lateral-transfer program. Selected candidates who are not already certified law-enforcement officers or are not certifiable as a law enforcement officer in the State of Wisconsin will be sponsored through a 720-hour law enforcement academy.
All City of Fitchburg employees receive an excellent benefit package, including enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (consistently rated one of the country's best).
Officers and detectives are members of the Fitchburg Police Officers Association and have a collective bargaining agreement in place.
The Fitchburg Police Department seeks individuals with law enforcement experience at the municipal, county, or state level to join our team as part of our lateral transfer program. Individuals with qualifying law enforcement experience will receive year-for-year credit with placement on the corresponding salary level and Increased sick leave and vacation.
Officers hired as a lateral transfer from another state will have 12 months to successfully complete the State of Wisconsin Reciprocity Exam.
Earn up to $86,365 a year with 10 years of qualifying law enforcement experience.
The City of Fitchburg recognizes the value of employees who can communicate with residents and customers in languages other than English and offers incentive pay of $0.50 for all hours paid to employees who are fluent in one or more of the eligible languages of Spanish, Hmong, and American Sign Language.
2024 Officer Pay Scale (based on shifts starting between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. )
Academy Rate (2,080 hours) $66,358
Starting (1,950 hours) $67,821
After 1 Years $73,183
After 2 Years $76,518
After 3 Years $78,292
After 4 Years $82,914
After 7 Years $84,727
After 10 Years $86,365
Officers work 1,950 hours a year and are generally assigned to six, eight-hour, work days followed by three days off.
Officers are provided a ballistic vest and issued a handgun. Officers receive a $725 uniform allowance.
All department members are supported by wellness efforts including an annual check-in with a mental health professional, a peer support and wellness team consisting of department members and chaplains, and an employee assistance program.
All applicants will be provided the opportunity to share their relevant professional and life experience as it relates to the position of police officer via written essay. Applications will be scored and ranked based on essay responses, educational background, prior law enforcement experience, veteran status and other qualifications. A select number of applicants will be invited to participate in a panel interview. Invitations for an interview with the Chief of Police will be extended following the panel interviews.
Selected applicants will undergo a full background investigation and must complete an eight-hour ride-along with a field-training officer. Applicants must also pass a drug-screen, medical evaluation, and psychological assessment. Applicants who are not certified law enforcement officers or certifiable as a law enforcement officer must also pass the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice's Physical Readiness Test before beginning the law enforcement academy.
Check out what's going on here!
Do you have questions about a career as a Police Officer with the City of Fitchburg? Contact us today!
If you're interested in working for our Department, we encourage you to schedule a ride-along. You'll gain a better understanding and knowledge of what it would be like to work for the City of Fitchburg.
Chief of Police
Deputy Police Chief
Police Administrative Services Manager
Executive Assistant
Internship opportunities may be available throughout the year. This is your chance to get some exposure to law enforcement!
