FAQ
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HIRING PROCESS
- Must be at least 18 years of age (21 for police officer)
- Must have graduated from high school or received a GED
- Police Officer candidates must have at least 40 college credits
- Good driving record and valid driver license
- No felony or domestic violence convictions
- No misdemeanor convictions within the past 5 years
- No active warrants or domestic violence injunctions
- Additional drug use restrictions
No, you do not have to be a citizen of the United States to work in any position at UWPD; however, you must be able to provide proof of being able to work in the United States without VISA sponsorship.
The Assessment Center is a half-day set of in-person evaluations, including Job Simulation, Team Dynamics, and Writing Assessment. There is no physical fitness component during the assessments.
- Job Simulation: Candidates will be provided a scenario and will act as a police officer in the role play. UWPD trainers will be on hand to provide feedback and coaching on the scenario. Candidates will repeat the scenario after receiving this feedback.
- Team Dynamics: Candidates complete a team problem solving exercise along with other hiring process candidates.
- Writing Assessment: Candidates will be provided a writing prompt and will create a writing sample for assessment.
The Physical Readiness Test is required by the Wisconsin Department of Justice for new police officers entering the police academy. The recruit must pass the entrance standards in order to enter the academy and the exit standards to successfully complete the academy to obtain certification. This testing is administered during the background phase of the hiring process and the results are valid for 6 months. For information on the Physical Readiness Test, please view the resources below:
UW Madison Police Department invites those considering applying to experience what it is like to be a Police Officer, Law Enforcement Dispatcher, or Security Officer by doing a ride along. Meeting a UWPD employee, asking questions, and observing the job can help you decide what position is right for you. Candidates in our hiring process will also be required to take part in a ride along during their background investigation.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS
The background investigation consists of:
- Criminal Background, Driver License, and Vehicle Registration checks
- Reference Check (professional and personal)
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Evaluation (only for police, security, dispatch)
- Drug Test
- Credit History Check
- Home Visit
- Ride Along (only for police, security, dispatch)
Completed background investigations are reviewed by UW Madison Police Department leadership. Applicants who successfully pass the background investigation phase will be given a final offer of employment.
Background investigations generally take about 4 weeks to complete, but the timeline may vary.
WORKING AT UWPD
- Police Officer
- You must live within 1 hour commuting distance from UW Madison Police Department.
- Other Positions:
- There are no restrictions on where you must live, but you must be able to work in house at UWPD, as required by your position.
Each new employee at UW Madison Police Department will take part in a comprehensive orientation. The orientation will include learning about each area of the department, through meeting with a variety of department members. New employees will also complete onboarding trainings, learn about benefit selection, complete tasks related to their specific position, among other activities.
UWPD cares about the health and wellness of their employees. We offer a wide-range of wellness benefits including:
- 90 minutes of paid, on-duty workout time per week
- Free In-house massage
- Complimentary Physical Therapy
- Group fitness opportunities
- Fitness room
- Meditation space
- Wellness seminars and events
UW Madison Police Department is a 24/7 organization, which provides in-person, public safety to our community. Police Officers, Law Enforcement Dispatchers, and Security Officers are required to work on campus and do not have remote work capabilities.
Professional staff have some ability to work remotely after completing probation. Remote work availability varies by position and unit.
UW Madison Police Department work schedules vary by position. All full-time UWPD employees are scheduled for a 40 hour work week base schedule. Our Police Officers, Security Officers, and Law Enforcement Dispatchers work 24/7, so they have multiple shifts. Shifts are assigned once per year, based on seniority, during a shift pick process. These shifts are generally 10 hours long and rotate days off. Police Officers, Security Officers, and Dispatchers work special events as needed by the department.
Professional Staff generally work a Monday-Friday (8am-4pm) work schedule, but that can vary slightly depending on department need. Professional Staff may occasionally be called upon to assist the department outside of their normal working hours for special events.
UW Madison Police Department has a variety of specialty positions that help keep you excited throughout your career. Many of the specialty units are available to officers after they complete their probationary period, but some necessitate a bit more experience.
- Mounted Unit
- K9 Unit
- Drone Team
- Dignitary Protection Team
- Motor Unit
- Athletic Liaison
- Bike Unit
- Evidence Technician
- Training Officer
- Community Officer
- And more!
All standard equipment and uniforms deemed necessary by UWPD are provided to the new hire at no cost to them. A yearly allowance is allocated to each employee for replacement needs.
Parking on campus requires a permit. Daytime permits cost about $40/pay check. Afternoon and night permits cost about $6 – $12/pay check. Some employees elect to use other options like street parking or other commuting options like the bus, park and ride, or ride sharing.
TRAINING
UW Madison Police Department sponsors police officer hires for the Madison College Police Academy by paying the academy tuition. You will also be paid your hourly rate while attending the academy.
UWPD hosts a mini academy and uses the PTO program to train new police officers. This combined on-the-job training lasts about 16 weeks.
Law Enforcement Dispatchers and Security Officers also are trained through similar programs, which last about 14 weeks.
On-the-job training for professional staff positions vary, but there is a strong emphasis on initial and continued training for all staff.
