Police officers must live within 15 miles of the City’s jurisdictional border. Even if you don’t live within this region at the time of application, you have 6 months from the date of hire to comply with the residency requirement.  In addition, there is an avenue for temporary exceptions in the case of certain hardships.

You do not need to have your degree in order to apply to be a Police Officer with the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD). State law does require you to obtain at least 60 college credits or an associate degree from a Wisconsin Technical College System district or its accredited equivalent from another state within 5 years of employment.  We offer support through our tuition and textbook reimbursement program

While it’s obvious that society should hold its police officers to a higher standard than workers in other professions, that doesn’t mean that you have to be perfect to apply.  If you care about the City of Milwaukee and are a person of integrity, then you are the person we want for the job.  While there are some automatic disqualifiers, such as being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence, other events in your past might not disqualify you.  A thorough background investigation will be conducted, and it’s certainly best to be honest about your past before the background investigator begins that work.

The physical fitness requirements for admission to the Police Academy are reasonable and achievable.  Even if you aren’t ready right now, if you set yourself to the goal and start an exercise routine now, you’ll be ready by the time you take the fitness test.  The Fire and Police Commission (FPC) will support your efforts and connect you to resources that will help you prepare for the testing. The State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board has produced a video that provides an overview of the physical testing process for Police Officers.

Working as a police officer is a demanding position, but many people are surprised that the rate of injury in many other common occupations is comparable or worse.  For example, recent data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows that occupations such as truck drivers, roofers, and construction workers have higher injury rates than police officers.

A top priority of the Fire and Police Commission is that recruits receive impeccable training so that, when they are in the field, they’re ready and able to excel in the day-to-day realities of the work.  You’ll be provided with 23 weeks of academy training and a comprehensive field training, all with an emphasis on your safety.

We recognize that the public perception of tattoos is evolving, and the MPD has adopted a tattoo policy that aims to balance this evolving cultural norm with the department’s need for professional and respectful officer appearance.

In general, tattoos may not be profane, demeaning, or contain messages that may be disruptive in the workplace, impact productivity, or give the appearance of a preference or bias to the public or other members of the MPD. If a tattoo is visible when the department member is wearing their official uniform, the member must be granted approval for the marking from the Professional Appearance Committee. Department members with visible markings that have not been approved by the Professional Appearance Committee or are prohibited shall keep the markings completely covered with cosmetics or clothing while on duty or in uniform.

Please refer to the department’s official policy regarding tattoos and appearance for a complete understanding of the requirements.