The Wisconsin State Patrol is seeking certified law enforcement officers interested in serving communities across the state. Applications will be accepted now through the current recruitment period, which closes on Sunday, August 30.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is a statewide, multi-role law enforcement agency dedicated to providing exceptional public safety services, including transportation safety, criminal enforcement and specialized technical and tactical support to municipal, county, state and federal partners.

As a division of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Wisconsin State Patrol has a key role in ensuring a safe and efficient transportation system. Troopers are assigned to counties throughout the state to enforce traffic and criminal laws. Officers may also serve in specialized roles including pilots, K9 officers, crash reconstruction experts and commercial motor vehicle inspectors. Other special units focus on combating human trafficking and drug interdiction or provide services such as Honor Guard and dignitary protection.

Successful applicants from this recruitment cycle will join the Wisconsin State Patrol 74th Recruit Class, the agency’s third class of lateral hires. Lateral hires are officers who are already certified and experienced in law enforcement. They follow the same hiring process as traditional recruits but undergo an accelerated training program at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy prior to graduating as a trooper.

“We have experienced great success since we began offering the opportunity for lateral hires to join the State Patrol two years ago,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Many lateral hires look forward to opportunities to join our special operations teams and appreciate the benefits we can offer as a state agency. I encourage any law enforcement officer looking for a career change to connect with a Wisconsin State Patrol recruiter.” 

Requirements and training

All Wisconsin State Patrol officers must be qualified and trained at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy prior to serving. Lateral applicants must have at least one year of law enforcement experience within the past three years to apply. They are also required to meet at least one of the following criteria:

·       Certified or licensed in law enforcement or tribal law enforcement

·       Hold or have held military veteran status in a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as a law enforcement officer

·       Employed as a federal law enforcement officer

Applicants are also required to have an associate degree or at least 60 college-level credits. Up to 60 credits may be waived for individuals with relevant training or military experience. Applicants are not required to be from Wisconsin, but they must be willing to relocate if out-of-state.

Candidates who meet the minimum hiring requirements begin the hiring process with interviews, a background investigation, physical readiness tests, and pre-employment medical and psychological exams.

Training begins at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy on January 25, 2027. The training program begins with six weeks at the Academy and then alternates between two weeks in the field and two weeks at the Academy for a total of 18 weeks. Graduation is scheduled for April 30, 2027. New troopers will serve in counties identified in the job posting.

Opportunities to learn more

Throughout the recruitment period, Wisconsin State Patrol staff are available to meet with potential candidates to explain the hiring timeline, share ways to prepare, and answer any questions.

·       Virtual information sessions

o   Dates

§  Tuesday, July 28

§  Tuesday, August 11

§  Tuesday, August 25

o   Time

§  5 to 7 p.m.; join anytime

o   How to join

§  Join the session through Microsoft Teams

§  No registration required

·       Meet a recruiter

o   Recruitment coordinators are available for questions or to schedule a ride along at each Wisconsin State Patrol post