Experienced, certified law enforcement officers have until the end of this week to apply for a lateral transfer opportunity with the Wisconsin State Patrol. Applications for the lateral hiring recruitment period are due at the end of the day on Sunday, August 30. Successful applicants will train with fellow lateral hires in the Wisconsin State Patrol 74th Recruit Class before serving in communities throughout the state.

“Lateral hires have been integral to strengthening our agency’s public service efforts and partnerships with communities,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “If you are an experienced officer looking for a new opportunity, the Wisconsin State Patrol has various career paths to explore.” 

The Wisconsin State Patrol is a statewide, multi-role law enforcement agency whose core mission is to improve public safety, focusing on enforcement and education of traffic and criminal laws and providing 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.

Wisconsin State Patrol offers unique opportunities for officers, including specialized roles for 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.

Requirements and training

All Wisconsin State Patrol officers are qualified and trained at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy. Lateral applicants are required to have at least one year of law enforcement experience within the past three years and 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 required to have an associate degree or at least 60 college-level credits. Up to 60 credits may be waived for relevant training or military experience. Out-of-state applicants must be willing to relocate to Wisconsin.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to complete interviews, a background investigation, physical readiness tests, and pre-employment medical and psychological exams.

Accelerated training begins at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy on January 25, 2027, starting with six weeks at the Academy followed by twelve weeks alternating between field training and Academy training. Graduation is scheduled for April 30, 2027. New troopers will serve in counties identified in the job posting.

Wisconsin State Patrol recruitment coordinators are available for questions or to schedule a ride along.

Visit wsp.wi.gov for more information.