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Becoming a Deputy

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office employes approximately 170 sworn law enforcement officers who provided direct police services to nearly 400,000 residents. The department is the backbone of the Waukesha County law enforcement community and is responsible for responding to approximately ninety-five thousand calls for service each year.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office is the largest law enforcement agency in Waukesha County, and the third largest Sheriff's Department in the State of Wisconsin. It was also the first Sheriff's Department in the State of Wisconsin to be accredited by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group. With strong bonds to the community it serves, the highly trained members of the Waukesha Sheriff's Office pride themselves on honesty, integrity and diversity. 

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department typically opens recruitment twice a year for Deputy Sheriff - Law Enforcement Academy Sponsorship. This position requires the candidate to attend an 18-week Law Enforcement Academy which is paid for by the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department. The candidate will be paid wages and accrue benefits while in the academy. 

Deputy Sheriff (Experienced, Certified, or Current Academy Attendees Only) - Application ongoing. 

Employment Information

How to become a member of the Waukesha Sheriff's Department?

All applicants must successfully complete the extensive screening process which includes:

Considering a career in Law Enforcement?

Do you have what it takes?

  • U.S. citizen who is 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Sixty semester credits of post high school education from an accredited university, college, or technical school
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, in a wide variety of environments.
  • Ability to work overtime.
  • Ability to react quickly and effectively to stressful situations
  • Be responsible and able to exercise sound judgment.
  • Maintain a level of fitness to pass the Department's annual Physical Ability Test (PAT) - Click here for Fitness for Duty Guide Book
  • No felony convictions
  • Good driving record
  • Ability to possess a firearm
  • Once obtain, the ability to maintain certification as a law enforcement officer in the State of Wisconsin
  • Ensure truthfulness at all times

****See the job posting for a full list of duties, responsibilities, and minimum qualifications****

Starting pay for candidates with no experience is $32.53/hr. Starting pay for those hired with experience will be determined based on experience. The pay scale for this position ranges from $32.53 – $41.57 per hour.

Lateral Transfer Benefits:  Newly hired deputies who have at least three years of full-time experience as a certified law enforcement officer within the 48 months prior to hire may be afforded a higher starting wage, up to 10 days of vacation and 40 hours of paid sick time during the first year of employment.  After the first year of employment, deputies hired with lateral transfer benefits accrue vacation time in accordance with the County's vacation schedule, based on their total number of years of experience as a full-time certified law enforcement officer.

Waukesha County's group insurance programs and other benefit policies comprise a package that is highly competitive and satisfies the needs of its employees. Information provided here is intended to give only a brief summary of the employee benefit package and should not be considered a complete or definitive source of information. Additional and complete information will be provided upon hire.

**As a deputy, you are considered a Non-Exempt (Represented) Full-Time employee**

Here are some highlights:

Health Insurance

  • County pays 85% of monthly premium, employee pays 15%.

Life Insurance

  • Automatic coverage in life insurance at no cost to employee. Additional coverage for spouse and dependents available at the employee's expense

Sick Leave

  • 8 hours earned per month, up to a maximum of 960 hours

Vacation

  • Vacation is earned starting the first of year of employment
  • Vacation is accumulated based on years of service

Paid Holidays

  • Eleven paid holidays per year

Clothing Allowance

  • Initial uniform allowance of $800

Retirement/Pension

  • Immediate enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office Field Training Program is an intensive and comprehensive training initiative aimed at equipping all new deputies with the essential skills, knowledge, and experience required to perform their duties effectively and safely. This program provides a structured learning environment where new deputies are guided by experienced Field Training Officers (FTOs).

The Field Training Program is a cornerstone of our department's commitment to excellence and community trust, aiming to shape the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Our emphasis on practical training and continual evaluation ensures deputies are equipped to face the challenges of today’s dynamic law enforcement environment with confidence and integrity.

Program Overview:

Objective:

To ensure new deputies are well-prepared to execute their responsibilities with proficiency, professionalism, and adherence to departmental policies and standards.

To integrate theoretical knowledge from the academy with practical, in-field application.

Duration:

The program typically spans 16 weeks but can be adjusted based on the trainee's progress and specific training needs.

Rotation:

New deputies will rotate through various assignments and shifts to gain exposure to diverse operational environments and situations.

Components:

Field Instruction: Hands-on training conducted under the supervision of assigned FTOs who evaluate the trainee's performance in real-life scenarios.

Scenario-Based Training: Simulated scenarios designed to develop critical decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Feedback and Evaluation: Regular feedback sessions and evaluations ensure deputies meet or exceed department standards.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office Mentorship Program is designed to support new hires by pairing them with experienced members of our department who can provide guidance, resources, and support during their initial year of service. This program is a key component of our onboarding process and aims to ensure the smooth transition of newcomers into their roles within the department.

By offering steadfast support and guidance, the Mentorship Program is instrumental in shaping a cohesive and well-integrated workforce. It reinforces our commitment to professional development, retention, and the overall well-being of our deputies, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and reputation of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office.

Program Objectives:

    • To accelerate the development of new hires by embedding them in a supportive learning environment.
    • To build confidence and enhance professional growth through structured guidance and mentorship.
    • To ensure new deputies feel valued and integrated within the department.

2024 & 2025 wages and benefits are subject to ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement.

 

2020-2023 Labor Union Contract

 

Questions

For further information regarding the hiring process, you can email, text or call:

Captain Nicholas Ollinger

414-550-2126

Wisconsin Department of Justice - WILENET

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