Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, with an estimated population of over 560,000 residents situated along the western shore of Lake Michigan.1 The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state, with more than 1,500 sworn officers serving Milwaukee’s residents and neighborhoods.2 Men and women interested in joining the MPD will find information on the application, selection, and training process below.

Milwaukee Police Officer Requirements

The MPD operates a continuous hiring process throughout the year. To be considered for a position, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  • Be at least 20 years of age at the time of application and 21 at the time of appointment
  • Be a United States citizen
  • Possess a valid driver’s license from your current state of residence
  • Hold a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete at least 60 college credits within five years of hire
  • Establish residency within 15 miles of Milwaukee’s city limits within six months of hire
  • Have no felony convictions, misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, or dishonorable military discharge
  • Be physically able to complete academy training and perform the duties of a sworn officer

Eligible candidates advance through a multi-stage selection process that includes a written examination, a state-mandated physical readiness assessment, and a recorded oral interview. Each component must be passed before advancing to the next. Candidates who successfully complete all stages are placed on an eligibility list; military veterans, current Milwaukee residents, and college graduates with a related degree may receive preference points toward their final scores. Those who receive a conditional offer of employment must also pass a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug test before starting the academy.

For more information about becoming a police officer, see 10 Steps to Becoming a Police Officer on our home page. For details on the current hiring cycle and to apply, visit the Milwaukee Police Department recruitment page.

Milwaukee Police Academy

New MPD recruits complete a paid 27-week training program at the Milwaukee Police Academy. The curriculum encompasses Wisconsin statutes and municipal law, patrol procedures, defensive tactics, firearms, and scenario-based decision-making exercises. After graduating, newly sworn officers are assigned to a district station for supervised field training alongside experienced officers. Officers must then complete a 16-month probationary period before earning permanent status with the department.

Salary, Benefits, and Jobs Outlook

MPD recruits earn an annualized salary of $54,891 during the academy training period. Upon graduation and being sworn in as a patrol officer, base pay rises to $73,188 per year, increasing to a maximum of $97,575 within five years, subject to contractual guidelines.2 Officers also have opportunities to earn additional income through overtime assignments.

The city offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental coverage, life insurance, two weeks of paid vacation after the first year of service, 15 paid sick days per year, 12 days off in lieu of holidays, and paid parental leave. Tuition and textbook reimbursement of up to $1,500 per year is available to support continued education. Additional incentive pay is provided for educational achievement, military service, and bilingual ability. Officers are enrolled in a fully funded city pension plan, with full retirement benefits available at age 53 after 25 years of service.2

Wisconsin employment of police and sheriff’s patrol officers is projected to grow 1.9% from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 960 new positions added each year on average, according to Projections Central.4 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan area is $85,350, with approximately 3,580 officers employed in the region as of May 2024.3

Find open Milwaukee police officer positions on our jobs board.

Career Advancement at the Milwaukee Police Department

All MPD officers begin their careers in patrol, where they gain the experience required for advancement. Promotions to supervisory and leadership roles–including detective, sergeant, and lieutenant–are determined by competitive civil service examinations, with eligibility requirements established for each rank.

Cities and Police Departments Near Milwaukee

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 3,580 police and sheriff’s patrol officers work in the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan area, with a mean annual wage of $85,350 as of May 2024.3 Prospective officers in the region can explore opportunities with the Kenosha Police Department, the Menomonee Falls Police Department, the Racine Police Department, the Waukesha Police Department, and the West Allis Police Department. For more information about police departments across the state, see our Wisconsin page.

Additional Resources

  • Milwaukee Police Association: The labor union representing Milwaukee police officers, providing advocacy, member benefits, and support for active and retired officers.
  • Wisconsin State Fraternal Order of Police: The state lodge of the FOP advocates for Wisconsin law enforcement officers through legislative action, professional development, and member resources.

Milwaukee Police Department Contact

1. US Census Bureau, QuickFacts, Milwaukee city, Wisconsin: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/milwaukeecitywisconsin/PST045224
2. Milwaukee Police Department Recruiting, Pay and Benefits: https://joinmilwaukeepd.com/
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI: https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0033340
4. Projections Central, Long-Term Occupational Projections, Wisconsin: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm