Possess the physical capacity to perform the duties of the position as identified under Minimum Qualifications.
An applicant must meet minimum requirements for Police Officer at the time he/she applies:
1. Age 21 years and over by date of hire (photocopy of Birth Certificate required).
2. Citizenship Must be a U.S. citizen.
3. Education* and Certification Applicants must possess from a nationally and/or regionally accredited university or college: A. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, or a closely related field, by January 1st, 2027 OR B. Associates Degree in Police Science, or a closely related field, by January 1st, 2027 OR C. Sixty college credits in Police Science/Criminal Justice, or a closely related field, as of January 1st, 2027.
NOTE: Certified College or University transcripts (no copies) must be included in a sealed envelope from the granting college or university with an application before it will be accepted and processed.
Transcripts can also be sent electronically directly from the College or University to Deputy Chief Christopher Marks at
[email protected]. If final transcripts are not available, a letter from the college or university Registrar’s office is required. The letter, addressed to the City of West Allis Police Department, should include the following information: 1) Final grade point average or, if graduating by January 1st, 2027, grade point average thus far, 2) Confirmation that you have attained the required credits for graduation or, if graduating by January 1st, 2027, the number of credits attained thus far and the number of credits currently being pursued, 3) Program Description/Area of Emphasis.
- Applicants are NOT required to have completed an approved State of Wisconsin police recruit academy to apply. If a candidate scores well in the process, the West Allis Police Department will send new hires to the police academy.
Physical Requirement
A. Applicants must be physically able to perform job-related functions as specified by the Police and Fire Commission, AND
B. As verified by a Police and Fire Commission appointed physician, AND 3
C. Meet the Exit Standards of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board Physical Readiness Test, except for the push-up portion of the PRT. The WAPD will use the PRT entrance standard for the push-up portion in determining whether a candidate has met the WAPD’s physical requirement.
The work requires a superior level of physical conditioning, endurance and agility as follows (refer to Activity Frequencies chart): ability to continuously wear heavy equipment up to approximately 30 lbs (duty belt, vest, etc.); ability to frequently lift objects up to and including 65 lbs; continuous repetitive motion/movements including, but not limited to, pulling, pushing, pulling hand-over hand, running, standing, walking, jumping, climbing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crawling, squatting, reaching, twisting, or pressure involving wrists, hands, or fingers; continuous sitting and exiting/entering a police vehicle; continuous high level of mental and visual alertness; high level of hearing acuity; ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms, sounds, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks; sufficient physical stamina to permit a full day of continuous motor vehicle operation under varying traffic conditions; ability to endure extended working hours; ability to withstand exposure to variable and unfavorable weather and working conditions including, but not limited to, temperature variations and extremes, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, electrical current, vehicular traffic and/or dust; ability to continuously focus for long periods of time on projects or while working on computers.
Driver's License
Applicants must possess a valid unrestricted driver's license and be eligible for a Wisconsin driver's license at the time of application. [Restrictions as to physical reasons only, will not disqualify a person for issuance of an application, but may be a basis for rejection in the medical examination.]
Good Moral Character
A. An applicant shall have no felony conviction record, as this factor will prohibit him/her from lawfully carrying a firearm.
B. An applicant shall have no state misdemeanor conviction record for crimes involving moral turpitude, as this factor will jeopardize his/her credibility as a departmental witness.
Typing Ability
Applicants shall be able to type at a minimum rate of 30 wpm.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants; however, within eighteen months of employment, an appointee must establish residency within the City of West Allis or designated perimeter. [The perimeter for establishing non-residency is south of Highway 60, east of Highway P, south of Highway MM, east of Highway 67, north of Highway LO, east of Highway E, and north of Highway 20. The residence must have a postal address inside of the boundaries or on one (1) of the highways named.]
