Police Officer - 2027

Kenosha Police Department Recruitment

The Kenosha Police Department is seeking individuals who wish to make a positive impact within the community. This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants meeting the minimum qualifications. For more information about the recruitment process,please attend one of the recruit informational sessions. There will be a short presentation by the training sergeant and officers will be available to speak to you about the process and to answer any questions.

Friday, June 12th from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tuesday, July 1st from 6:00 pm– 7:00 pm

Location: RISE Training Center, 2125 Washington Rd, Kenosha, WI 53140

Email: JoinKPD@Kenoshapolice.com

If you are an applicant, please save this job posting as it contains important information about the Police Officer recruitment and selection process. This job posting will no longer be available online after the closing date. Police Officer recruitments are conducted approximately every six to twelve months.

Recruitment Process:

1. Application Acceptance (June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026): Online applications must be complete, thorough, and submitted online. Paper applications will not be accepted. We currently accept attachments with the following extensions:.bmp,.doc,.docx,.gif,.jpeg,.pdf,.png,.tif,.xls, and.xlsx. Attachments that are larger than five (5) megabytes will not be accepted. If your file is larger than five (5) megabytes, you will need to reduce the file size. Candidates submitting incomplete applications will be rejected and will not be permitted to participate in the written examination process. The supplemental questions asked of applicants will be used to determine minimally qualified applicants. Failure to complete the supplemental questions accurately may result in the elimination of applications from further consideration.
2. Online Written Exam (August 6, 2026 – August 14, 2026): The City of Kenosha uses the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) by Stanard & Associates and the test must be taken online with webcam access. There are two study guides for the POST that candidates can purchase at their own expense. Study guides can be purchased here. Applicants must score a minimum of 70% to proceed to the next step in the process. All applicants are notified by email if they passed/failed the test.
3. Panel Interviews (September 8, 2026 – September 14, 2026): If an applicant passes the written exam, they will receive an email notifying them to self-schedule their interview. An applicant will be disqualified if they do not respond. Applicants will answer a series of questions in front of a panel of evaluators. This component is intended to examine the applicant's decision-making and communication skills as well as other traits such as character and ethics. Any life experience relating to public service and law enforcement should be shared. All applicants are notified by email if they passed/failed the interview.
4. Chief Interviews (Tentatively week of September 21, 2026): If an applicant passes the panel interview, they will receive an email notifying them to self-schedule their interview with the Chiefs. Applicants are required to complete and submit their personal history packet at this interview. All applicants are notified by email if they passed/failed the interview.
5. Eligibility List: Applicants who pass the entire testing process will be placed on the eligibility list to be considered for employment. The eligibility list will be developed based on the composite score of applicants who successfully pass the written exam and an oral panel interview. When a police officer vacancy occurs, Human Resources will provide applicants to the Police Chief from the eligibility list for a final interview. The applicants presented to the Police Chief are among the top ten (10) scoring and qualified candidates on the eligibility list for the first vacancy. For each additional vacancy, the Police Chief will receive up to five (5) names from the next highest-scoring and qualified candidates. The Police Chief will use the eligibility list to fill vacancies for the next twelve (12) months or until ten or fewer candidates remain on the list. The list may be extended by the Police & Fire Commission up to an additional 6 months.
6. Background Checks: As vacancies occur, the Chief will select candidates to go through the background check, which includes criminal and civil records, driver's license records, employment history, education, current and previous landlord, neighbor and personal references - a minimum of three (3) professional references required, military and training history, social media accounts, etc. Note: Applicants who have not successfully passed the KPD background investigation, psychological examination, or drug screen within twelve (12) months of this job posting opening date may be eliminated from consideration for this recruitment process.
7. Conditional Offer (October 2026): Once the background check is complete, the Chief will review all information to determine if the applicant will continue in the hiring process. If an applicant doesn't pass the background check, they will be eliminated from the process. If an applicant is being considered for employment, they will receive a conditional offer based on the applicant passing the Psychological Test, Drug Screening, and Medical Evaluation. The cost of medical exams required for this position, which are scheduled and authorized by the City of Kenosha, are paid by the City. Human Resources will contact the applicant to schedule the medical exams. Note: Candidates who fail any required examinations will have conditional offers of employment rescinded.
8. Physical Readiness Test (PRT): In order to be admitted to the academy, candidates must pass a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) administered by academy staff. The chart shows the entrance and exit standards. Please click on the link for more details: Physical Readiness Test . The training sergeant will contact the applicant to schedule the PRT. If an applicant does not pass the Physical Readiness Test, they will be eliminated from the process.
9. Onboarding (January 4, 2027 - January 18, 2027): Recruit officers report to the Kenosha Police Department to receive their equipment and learn about the department.
10. Police Academy (January 19, 2027): If an applicant is certified, they will participate in the Field Training Program at the KPD before being assigned to solo patrol. (Probationary period of 252 days) If an applicant is not certified, they are required to attend the Police Academy at Gateway for 720 hours before participating in the Field Training Program. (Probationary period of 352 days)
11. Residency Requirement: Within one month after the completion of the 352 working day probationary period, the recruit officer must reside within Kenosha County, Racine County, Milwaukee, Walworth and Waukesha Counties, as well as all of Lake County, Illinois.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

The Kenosha Police Department is seeking police officers to enforce local and state laws and ordinances, patrol the City by car and on foot, conduct criminal investigations, make arrests, direct traffic, serve process, and perform any and all other duties required for successful job performance and as assigned by a superior officer.

• Must be willing and able to exemplify the core values of (R.I.S.E.) Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.
• Provides information and/or assistance to the public, answers a wide range of non-police related service calls, informs citizens of available services in the community, promotes crime prevention through community and educational programs, makes presentations to public and local organizations concerning crime prevention and related police matters.
• Conducts routine preventative patrol in designated areas of the City, patrols residential/business areas for detection of violations, initiates contacts with both business operators and residents; maintains an open line of communications within the community.
• Responds to calls for police service, attempts to resolve domestic disputes, disturbances, and other incidents through counseling or referral, settles disputes among neighbors, juveniles and/or gangs; resolves any and all complaints from citizens of the community.
• Attempts to maintain the peace and safety of the community, responds to public disturbances, and maintains civil obedience at group functions.
• Provides for the safe and convenient flow of traffic and pedestrians within the community, investigates traffic accidents, enforces traffic violations, conducts driver intoxication investigations, promotes vehicular and pedestrian safety, reports unsafe road conditions.
• Conducts criminal and non-criminal investigations; performs surveillance; conducts follow-up investigations.
• Enforces laws and arrests lawbreakers, makes felony and misdemeanor arrests; issues notices to appear and traffic citations.
• Prepares written reports, forms and other documents as required.
• Testifies in criminal and civil court proceedings and gives depositions.

Requirements

Kenosha Police Department Recruitment

The Kenosha Police Department is seeking individuals who wish to make a positive impact within the community. This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants meeting the minimum qualifications. For more information about the recruitment process,please attend one of the recruit informational sessions. There will be a short presentation by the training sergeant and officers will be available to speak to you about the process and to answer any questions.

Friday, June 12th from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tuesday, July 1st from 6:00 pm– 7:00 pm

Location: RISE Training Center, 2125 Washington Rd, Kenosha, WI 53140

Email: JoinKPD@Kenoshapolice.com

If you are an applicant, please save this job posting as it contains important information about the Police Officer recruitment and selection process. This job posting will no longer be available online after the closing date. Police Officer recruitments are conducted approximately every six to twelve months.

Recruitment Process:

1. Application Acceptance (June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026): Online applications must be complete, thorough, and submitted online. Paper applications will not be accepted. We currently accept attachments with the following extensions:.bmp,.doc,.docx,.gif,.jpeg,.pdf,.png,.tif,.xls, and.xlsx. Attachments that are larger than five (5) megabytes will not be accepted. If your file is larger than five (5) megabytes, you will need to reduce the file size. Candidates submitting incomplete applications will be rejected and will not be permitted to participate in the written examination process. The supplemental questions asked of applicants will be used to determine minimally qualified applicants. Failure to complete the supplemental questions accurately may result in the elimination of applications from further consideration.
2. Online Written Exam (August 6, 2026 – August 14, 2026): The City of Kenosha uses the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) by Stanard & Associates and the test must be taken online with webcam access. There are two study guides for the POST that candidates can purchase at their own expense. Study guides can be purchased here. Applicants must score a minimum of 70% to proceed to the next step in the process. All applicants are notified by email if they passed/failed the test.
3. Panel Interviews (September 8, 2026 – September 14, 2026): If an applicant passes the written exam, they will receive an email notifying them to self-schedule their interview. An applicant will be disqualified if they do not respond. Applicants will answer a series of questions in front of a panel of evaluators. This component is intended to examine the applicant's decision-making and communication skills as well as other traits such as character and ethics. Any life experience relating to public service and law enforcement should be shared. All applicants are notified by email if they passed/failed the interview.
4. Chief Interviews (Tentatively week of September 21, 2026): If an applicant passes the panel interview, they will receive an email notifying them to self-schedule their interview with the Chiefs. Applicants are required to complete and submit their personal history packet at this interview. All applicants are notified by email if they passed/failed the interview.
5. Eligibility List: Applicants who pass the entire testing process will be placed on the eligibility list to be considered for employment. The eligibility list will be developed based on the composite score of applicants who successfully pass the written exam and an oral panel interview. When a police officer vacancy occurs, Human Resources will provide applicants to the Police Chief from the eligibility list for a final interview. The applicants presented to the Police Chief are among the top ten (10) scoring and qualified candidates on the eligibility list for the first vacancy. For each additional vacancy, the Police Chief will receive up to five (5) names from the next highest-scoring and qualified candidates. The Police Chief will use the eligibility list to fill vacancies for the next twelve (12) months or until ten or fewer candidates remain on the list. The list may be extended by the Police & Fire Commission up to an additional 6 months.
6. Background Checks: As vacancies occur, the Chief will select candidates to go through the background check, which includes criminal and civil records, driver's license records, employment history, education, current and previous landlord, neighbor and personal references - a minimum of three (3) professional references required, military and training history, social media accounts, etc. Note: Applicants who have not successfully passed the KPD background investigation, psychological examination, or drug screen within twelve (12) months of this job posting opening date may be eliminated from consideration for this recruitment process.
7. Conditional Offer (October 2026): Once the background check is complete, the Chief will review all information to determine if the applicant will continue in the hiring process. If an applicant doesn't pass the background check, they will be eliminated from the process. If an applicant is being considered for employment, they will receive a conditional offer based on the applicant passing the Psychological Test, Drug Screening, and Medical Evaluation. The cost of medical exams required for this position, which are scheduled and authorized by the City of Kenosha, are paid by the City. Human Resources will contact the applicant to schedule the medical exams. Note: Candidates who fail any required examinations will have conditional offers of employment rescinded.
8. Physical Readiness Test (PRT): In order to be admitted to the academy, candidates must pass a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) administered by academy staff. The chart shows the entrance and exit standards. Please click on the link for more details: Physical Readiness Test . The training sergeant will contact the applicant to schedule the PRT. If an applicant does not pass the Physical Readiness Test, they will be eliminated from the process.
9. Onboarding (January 4, 2027 - January 18, 2027): Recruit officers report to the Kenosha Police Department to receive their equipment and learn about the department.
10. Police Academy (January 19, 2027): If an applicant is certified, they will participate in the Field Training Program at the KPD before being assigned to solo patrol. (Probationary period of 252 days) If an applicant is not certified, they are required to attend the Police Academy at Gateway for 720 hours before participating in the Field Training Program. (Probationary period of 352 days)
11. Residency Requirement: Within one month after the completion of the 352 working day probationary period, the recruit officer must reside within Kenosha County, Racine County, Milwaukee, Walworth and Waukesha Counties, as well as all of Lake County, Illinois.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

The Kenosha Police Department is seeking police officers to enforce local and state laws and ordinances, patrol the City by car and on foot, conduct criminal investigations, make arrests, direct traffic, serve process, and perform any and all other duties required for successful job performance and as assigned by a superior officer.

• Must be willing and able to exemplify the core values of (R.I.S.E.) Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.
• Provides information and/or assistance to the public, answers a wide range of non-police related service calls, informs citizens of available services in the community, promotes crime prevention through community and educational programs, makes presentations to public and local organizations concerning crime prevention and related police matters.
• Conducts routine preventative patrol in designated areas of the City, patrols residential/business areas for detection of violations, initiates contacts with both business operators and residents; maintains an open line of communications within the community.
• Responds to calls for police service, attempts to resolve domestic disputes, disturbances, and other incidents through counseling or referral, settles disputes among neighbors, juveniles and/or gangs; resolves any and all complaints from citizens of the community.
• Attempts to maintain the peace and safety of the community, responds to public disturbances, and maintains civil obedience at group functions.
• Provides for the safe and convenient flow of traffic and pedestrians within the community, investigates traffic accidents, enforces traffic violations, conducts driver intoxication investigations, promotes vehicular and pedestrian safety, reports unsafe road conditions.
• Conducts criminal and non-criminal investigations; performs surveillance; conducts follow-up investigations.
• Enforces laws and arrests lawbreakers, makes felony and misdemeanor arrests; issues notices to appear and traffic citations.
• Prepares written reports, forms and other documents as required.
• Testifies in criminal and civil court proceedings and gives depositions.

Requirements

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