Wisconsin Employment

[mikeyfatpants0]

I am currently living in Indiana, but I am seeking employment in Wisconsin. I already have over 60 college credits and I do plan on finishing my degree.

My main question is: Should I apply to agencies up there now, or get some money together, move back and enroll in the basic law enforcement recruit courses at my own expense, then seek employment?

I'm sure doing the latter would definately give me an edge, but I am curious about how many applicants have actually put themselves through the classes, as opposed to having the department arrange for the classes.

Thank you in advance for any comments.

[kirch]

You're thinking the right way -- finish your degree first.

Here in WI, very few departments run their own academies. Madison, Milwaukee, State Patrol, maybe a few others, but that's it. A few more will hire and pay your way through. But you've got to show yourself pretty worthwhile for a department to take a flier on you.

The vast majority of officers in WI put themselves through the Basic Law Enforcement Academy on their own. Academies that meet or exceed the minimum standards are offered by several tech schools, and at least one university, throughout the state. The course is a minimum of 520 hours and takes 13 weeks to go through if you attend full-time. I know of one school that offers a 'part-time' academy. You get the same training as the full-time academy but classes meet twice a week (you can choose days or nights) and on a few weekends. It takes a full year to complete the part-time academy. This makes it possible to work a full-time job and go to the academy at the same time.

[keith758]

Kirch is right about the certification courses. Most of the 2-year Associate Degree Police Science schools offer the certification as a part of their cirriculum, and I know of a local private 4-year college that offers certification training fir C.J. majors.

I would start applying for agencies now. The County that I work for is going to be hiring 12 new Deputies in the next year and a half. It never hurts to get your name out there.

[mikeyfatpants0]

Thanks for the information guys.


What agency will be hiring so many officers?

I am putting applications out there. I am at a point where I could finish my degree by correspondence through my university if I would get employed, but if nothing comes of it I am still taking classes and would move up there and take the 13 week course after I get my B.S.

Another question... are all openings listed on the Wilenet site? Is there another source that would have additional listings?

I'm mainly looking at agencies within 1 or 2 hours of Milwaukee or the Madison area (idealy I would like to end up in Waukesha County, but it seems that those jobs will be ultra competitive, although there seems to be several openings there).

Thanks again for your responses.

[jeeper]

I'm going to echo everyone else who said that you should look at putting yourself through the academy.

Most (not all) agencies put their openings on WILENET. It seems that alot of the Milwaukee area agencies don't place ads through that site. Right now, WCMLERA is hiring (WCMLERA is a joint recruitment of numerous small agencies in Waukesha county). I would suggest looking at them if you're really interested in the Waukesha area. In the Madison area, Dane County, University of Wisconsin, Monona, and Madison all do on going recruitments. Madison is a truly impeccable department and as such, is HIGHLY competitive. They often receive over 3000 apps for as few as 10 spots. UW is obviously a campus department and tends to be pretty political though a very good place to get your foot in the door. Monona is a very small city (approx 8000) and doesn't hire that often, so I really don't get the idea of a continuing recruitment there. DCSO will put you through the academy but expect at least 8 years in the jail before building enough seniority to work patrol. DCSO will treat you like utter crap during their hiring process which will often drag out nearly 18months. So, just a heads up about the places who continually hire.

I'm not real up on the Milwaukee area, though a friend just took a job in a suburban agency, so maybe I will be in the near future. I'd be happy to field any more questions you have about WI employment.