Police Officer I

Universities of Wisconsin · River Falls · $32.50/hr (stated in the posting)

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Position Summary:

The Police Officer is a sworn law enforcement position under the limited direction of the Sergeant or

Director/Chief. Police Officers must be capable of providing a full range of law enforcement services. They enforce laws, investigate complaints, investigate incidents that may have an impact on the University, maintain order, assist people, identify criminal activity, apprehend and arrest offenders, identify the source of problems in the community and work with the community to resolve issues.

All Police Officers in permanent status are expected to have the ability to conduct complex investigations, take photographs, collect physical evidence and assist less senior officers in similar circumstances. Police Officers must be capable of preparing complete written reports of all investigation and testifying regarding those reports when necessary. Police officers must maintain a high level of proficiency in the use of police equipment including the handling and use of firearms and be capable of using deadly force when appropriate based on the laws of the State of Wisconsin and Department policy.

Police officers should be capable of working in cooperation with officers from other agencies and interacting with persons from other University departments, mental health and social services agencies. Police officers may be required to participate in crowd control and dignitary protection details.

Experienced Police Officers may be selected to serve as Field Training Officers, Evidence Technicians or Community Policing Officers, in which cases additional training is normally provided. Experienced officers may also be assigned to Court Duties, and/or Crime Prevention programming.

Police Officers must at all times support the department's mission, providing essential law enforcement functions, respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals. Police officers must deal ethically with the public, valuing trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, justice, fairness, caring, civic virtue and citizenship; having character, pride and professionalism.

Key Job Responsibilities:

A. The police officer is the principal agent responsible for carrying out the functions of the University Police Department. These functions include protection of life and property, preservation of peace and good order and the furnishing of various services to achieve and maintain the goals of the department.

• Perform vehicle patrol, foot patrol and other means of patrol as assigned.
• Provide crowd control duties at mass population events such as sporting events, concerts, protests, and appearances by visiting dignitaries.
• Evaluate mentally and emotionally disturbed persons, participate in emergency detentions and deliver persons to mental health facilities when appropriate.
• Operate emergency vehicles at high speeds when required, in conformity with state law, department policy and with due regard for the safety of others.
• Operate and maintain proficiency in equipment such as, radios, computers and camera/video equipment.
• Provide armed escort and security for dignitaries, celebrities, and objects of value.
• Qualify with duty weapons and maintain proficiency in their proper handling and guidelines for their discretionary use.
• Maintain proficiency in defense and arrest tactics.
• Maintain proficiency in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).
• Respond to intrusion and assistance alarms. Respond to fire alarms to assist fire department personnel with vehicle or pedestrian traffic control and building access.
• Assist with the monthly testing of fire alarms in academic buildings.
• Resolve conflict in domestic disturbances, conduct searches for missing persons, and assist with high-risk prisoner escorts.
• Speak to the community on such topics as the police department, crime prevention, personal security, traffic safety, and alcohol issues.
• Utilize problem oriented policing techniques, including the SARA model of problem solving (Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment). With training being provided to officer.
• Serve as a community-policing officer, assigned to a specific community, building(s) and or project(s). Work with the community to identify and resolve problems with their assistance.
• Respond to critical incidents and establish an incident command system if one is not in place. Respond to critical incident and incident command situations in conformity with department policy.
• Provide assistance to individuals requiring medical attention or services as a first responder prior to the arrival of paramedic or EMS personnel.
  
  

B. Perform preliminary and follow-up investigations necessary to solve crimes, identify suspects and victims, apprehend criminals and document case information.

• Enforce State Statute and University Code violations through the apprehension of violators, while preserving the constitutional rights, dignity and safety of all persons. Physically arrest, issue citations and incarcerate when appropriate.
• Identify persons in need of protective custody and place them in the appropriate facility as identified in Chapter 51.
• Prepare complete, timely, concise, accurate and detailed reports.
• Identify and obtain evidence in accordance with the Constitution, state law and case law. Protect evidence throughout an investigation. Preserve evidence through photography and other collection and processing techniques; secure and store evidence according to department policy.
• Interview victims, witnesses and suspects. Develop personal contacts in the community to aid in crime prevention and detection efforts. Assist other agencies with investigations. Inform victims of their rights and resources.
• Conduct legal searches in conformity with the Constitution, state law and court guidelines.

C. Ensure the safe and orderly flow of traffic on all University of Wisconsin roadways; enforce UW System Codes 18.06 and Wisconsin traffic laws regulating motor vehicles and their equipment.

• Deter traffic accidents and violations by effective patrol and observations of high traffic areas and areas where accidents have been known to occur. Direct traffic during times of high volume pedestrian and or vehicular traffic.
• Apprehend traffic law violators while preserving their constitutional rights, dignity and safety. Issue verbal and written warnings, issue citations, and incarcerate persons when necessary or appropriate.
• Collect observational and physical evidence involving persons operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.
• Document all traffic stops and use department recommended methods of contact to ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

D. Coordinate the transmissions and receptions of information via radio, telephone and computer within the Department and with other agencies.

• Receive and disseminate information by radio, telephone, and computer. Communicate in person with the public. Coordinate communications between units within the Department and external agencies.
• Operate computer equipment to conduct inquiries in State and Federal data files.
• Provide relief or emergency dispatch services for the Department.
• Develop knowledge of Department and community resources to assist in directing public inquiries to the appropriate resource.

E. Investigate traffic accidents, provide emergency aid and document facts.

• Interview drivers, passengers and witnesses. Collect and properly preserve evidence.
• Attend to emergency medical needs of accident victims, prior to the arrival of medical personnel.
• Prepare narrative and Department of Transportation report forms when required.

F. Function as specialty officer within the department.  Examples of duties are (but not limited to) Range officer, Field training officer (FTO), Critical Incident Manager (CIM), department equipment inventory manager, maintenance and purchasing, defense and arrest tactics instructor (DAAT), crime prevention program training, etc. 

Department:

University Police Department

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Constitution of the United States of America and principles embodied in case law that regulates investigative procedures, including search and seizure and the admissibility of evidence.

• Knowledge of State of Wisconsin Statutes and University of Wisconsin Administrative Code.

• Knowledge of all written Department Policies and Procedures and University Work Rules.

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including prosecution, judicial functions, and preparation for testimony in court. 

• Knowledge of the proper preparation of all reports, forms and the processing of arrested persons. 

• Knowledge of community policing and problem-oriented policing techniques.

• Ability to clearly and completely communicate facts and ideas orally and in writing. 

• Knowledge and ability to type and dictate reports. 

• Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission regulations, procedures, Department policies and procedures, University of Wisconsin-River Falls employee work rules.  

• Knowledge of dealing with stress and ability to work under stressful conditions and maintain a high level of proficiency.

• Knowledge of Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Laws.

• Possession of a valid Driver's License. 

• Knowledge of emergency vehicle operation procedures and ability to drive a vehicle in emergency mode. 

• Knowledge of the physical layout of campus property and the organizational structure of the University.

• Knowledge and skill in human relations including verbal judo.

• Knowledge of the State of Wisconsin's Use of Force Continuum.

• Knowledge of evidence preservation techniques including photography and other standard evidence collection techniques.

• Knowledge and skill in the use of firearms, Defense and Arrest Tactics (DAAT), OC spray and restraining devices.

• Knowledge of rescue breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and first aid techniques and Automatic External Defibrillation operation.

• Knowledge in the investigation and enforcement of laws regarding operating motor vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Knowledge of crowd management techniques.  

• Knowledge of the incident command system and ability to take command of an incident as a first responder.

• Knowledge of University and Department rules and guidelines for use of work-related technology.

• Knowledge of Department information systems and the ability to access and use all department authorized computer equipment efficiently and effectively.

• Certification, or eligibility for certification upon date of hire, as a law enforcement officer by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB). 

• Ability to complete and successfully pass a post-offer employment test

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications.  Applicants are required to provide:

• Resume

• Cover letter addressing how your education and experience relate to the responsibilities and knowledge, skills and abilities as outlined in the job posting.

• Certification, or eligibility for certification upon date of hire, as a law enforcement officer by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB), and possession of, or eligibility to obtain, a valid Wisconsin driver’s license is required upon hire.

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Karl Fleury

Chief of Police & Search Chair

karl.fleury@uwrf.edu

Revised Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before September 30, 2026.

The pay rate is $32.50

Successful completion of a criminal background check, medical examination including vision and hearing, drug test, psychological evaluation, and an essential job function assessment will be required prior to appointment.

A 12-month probationary period is required.

The selected candidate must hold a valid driver’s license to obtain Wisconsin certification to drive University vehicles.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguideus.pdf

UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 

Title IX Notice 

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uwrf.edu; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix. 

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275. 

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy. 

Reasonable Accommodations 

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact hr@uwrf.edu or 715-425-3518. 

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression 

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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