Join the Janesville Police Department – Now Hiring Police Officers!
Click here to view Janesville Police Department’s (JPD) recruitment video
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact while serving and protecting your community? The City of Janesville is seeking dedicated and driven individuals to join our Police Department as Police Officers.
What You’ll Do:
- Enforce laws and maintain public safety
- Respond to emergency and non-emergency situations
- Conduct investigations and gather evidence
- Build strong relationships within the community to foster trust and collaboration
Why Choose JPD?
Located in south-central Wisconsin, Janesville (population 64,415) is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. Known as Wisconsin’s Park Place, Janesville is a welcoming community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City is committed to building a workplace where every employee is treated with dignity and respect, and where all backgrounds and experiences are not only accepted but celebrated.
At JPD, we’re proud to:
- Serve with pride, honor, courage, and respect
- Work in partnership with our community
- Promote safety, peace, and quality of life for all residents
Our 2021 community survey reflects the trust we've built:
- 90% of residents are satisfied or very satisfied with Janesville’s quality of life
- 92% feel comfortable approaching a member of our department
Visit JPD’s website here to view the full survey and annual reports.What requirements/qualifications do I need to meet?
- Minimum Age - 18 years old.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent, supplemented by a minimum 40 college semester credits at time of hire (60 college semester credits for lateral transfer candidates at time of application) or Associate Degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice or related field or general studies from an accredited college or university.
- Meet the requirements of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards and Training Board.
- Valid driver's license.
- Must pass medical examination meeting minimum physical, hearing, and eyesight requirements.
- A United States citizen and have no felony criminal record.
- Must pass a written examination.
- Must pass psychological examination.
- Must pass background investigation.
What if I am already a Sworn Officer working for a different agency?
The Janesville Police Department accepts lateral transfers from qualified law enforcement agencies. For all new employees hired after January 1, 2016, the City may grant an initial pay rate on any step of the salary schedule to a maximum of the 5-year step, and vacation to the maximum of the 2-year step. Such placement shall not affect the new employee’s seniority for any other purpose.
What is the pay?
The starting annual salary for this position is $50,752. This position is eligible for annual economic adjustments and step increases as outlined in the Janesville Professional Police Association (JPPA) labor agreement.
What does the schedule look like?
As a new Officer and once fully trained, you will be assigned second or third shift and will work a rotation of 5 days on, 2 days off, 5 days on, 3 days off. Overtime will also be available and needed.
Are there other benefits?
Absolutely! Besides being an exceptional community for living and/or working, the City offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Paid Time Off: Generous amount of paid time off, right away!
- Vacation: You will receive a prorated amount of 10 days – based upon the number of full months work to year end.
- Floating Holidays: You will receive a prorated amount of 11 days – based upon the number of full months worked to year end.
- Sick: You will earn 8 hours of sick time each full month worked.
- Insurance: CoJ offers several insurance options, to fit your own personal needs!
- Janesville Health & Wellness Center: CoJ recently opened the Janesville Health & Wellness Center that offers a variety of comprehensive primary care services free of charge if you are enrolled in CoJ’s medical insurance plan or for a low cost if not enrolled in CoJ’s medical insurance plan
- Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options,
- Life Insurance: CoJ pays the basic premium for your life insurance; there are additional options you can enroll is as well.
- Disability: Short-term and long-term disability coverage options.
- Retirement: Notably, the City of Janesville is part of the Wisconsin Retirement System, recognized as one of the nation's best-funded and best-managed public pension systems, ranking as the 8th largest in the United States. the City of Janesville contributes 14.95% and the employee contributes 6.95%, totaling 21.9% of earnings contributed each paycheck.
Ready to make an Impact? Follow these next steps:
- Click here to review the full job description.
- Apply online through CoJ’s Jobs Website by 11:59 PM on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
- Qualified applicants will be required to attend JPD’s written and Wisconsin Physical Readiness Test (PRT) testing on Wednesday, 7/30/25 or Saturday, 8/2/25 at Marshall Middle School in Janesville. Additional details will be shared after the application period closes and candidate reviews are complete.
If you're ready to serve with purpose and make a difference in a supportive and forward-thinking community, we encourage you to apply today!
The City of Janesville is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.