Chief of Police

The City of Oconomowoc is seeking an experienced, professional, and community-focused leader to serve as our next Police Chief.

  Internals & External Candidates Welcome to Apply

The Oconomowoc Police Department is seeking an experienced, professional, and community-focused law enforcement leader to serve as Police Chief. The City of Oconomowoc, a vibrant and growing community of approximately 19,699 residents, is looking for a leader who will provide strategic direction and effective oversight of the Police Department while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and service to the community.

The Police Chief will work closely with the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, department personnel, residents, and community partners to ensure the effective delivery of public safety services. The position provides an opportunity for an experienced law enforcement professional to lead a dedicated department, strengthen community relationships, support and develop department personnel, and work collaboratively with the Western Lakes Fire District and other public safety partners.  If you are an experienced law enforcement leader ready to make a meaningful impact and lead a dedicated police department in a growing community, we encourage you to apply to become the next Police Chief of the Oconomowoc Police Department.

Wage and Benefits:  $131,085 to $149,812 based on experience, with opportunities for additional wage increases in future years. Competitive benefits including participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). 

Application Submission:  For consideration, please complete the online application and upload your resume by 10:00 a.m. on October 16, 2026. A cover letter is optional. Please do not submit certifications, letters of recommendation, transcripts, or other supporting documents with your initial application. Additional documentation may be requested from candidates who advance in the selection process.

Important Interview Information – Save the Dates: If you are selected to move forward in the interview process, please plan to keep the weeks of November 2 and November 9, 2026 available. The first interview is tentatively planned for the week of November 2, with a second interview for candidates advancing in the process tentatively planned for the week of November 9. Interviews will be held in person in Oconomowoc during the afternoon or evening; virtual interviews will not be offered. Selected candidates are expected to be contacted toward the end of the week of October 26, so advance notice may be limited.

Job Summary:  The Chief of Police has responsibility for supervising and evaluating all police functions including planning, directing and controlling patrols, traffic, and investigations of crimes. The work includes responsibility for assuring the proper training, assignments, and discipline of all department members and the general overall performance of the police department. Works in partnership with Western Lakes Fire District to oversee the City’s interest and ensure uniform public safety. The Chief of Police exercises independent judgment in administering the activities of the department and is responsible for internal policy and control. 

• Responsible for the police budget.
• Approves the planning of police operations.
• Address citizen complaints and special policy concerns in a timely manner.
• Supervise and assign duties to police personnel.
• Plan and supervise the enforcement of traffic and safety regulations and programs for crime prevention and detection.
• Direct the training of police personnel.
• Study and submit reports to the Mayor, Council, and City Administrator as to the use of staff and equipment in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
• Serves as City liaison and primary contact with Western Lakes Fire District (WLFD). Meets regularly with WLFD Fire Chief. Monitor operations and represent City interests.
• Meet with business groups, other City departments, school representatives, state and federal units, and other interested individuals or groups as necessary to represent the interests and cooperation of the police department.
• Aware of community relations issues, paying particular attention to public contacts by public safety personnel, and by rule, training, instruction or direction, encourage positive interaction between such personnel and members of the public.
• Work cooperatively with other City department heads to ensure uniform, coordinated, and efficient delivery of services to citizens.
• Enforce, or cause to be enforced, the laws and ordinances within the Chief of Police’s assigned area of duty and as otherwise may come to his/her attention.
• Hold monthly staff meetings and facilitate communications within the police department.
• Evaluate personnel under the control of the Chief of Police on an annual basis.
• Be aware of and promote the welfare and morale of members of the police department.
• Keeps the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator informed in a timely manner regarding budget concerns and police procedures and personnel concerns as well as Western Lakes Fire District activities/matters.
• Administers the police union contract.
• Submits and Monitors grant applications (FEMA, DOT, DOJ)
• Works in partnership with the Emergency Management Director to plan and execute any emergency management needs.
• Keeps books as required by law.
• Works with City Departments to ensure interagency cooperation and efficient delivery of services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Degree: Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a degree in public administration, criminal justice, business administration, or a closely related field, with a bachelor’s degree preferred (equivalent combinations of extensive executive-level law enforcement experience and professional training may be considered).
• Rank & Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible municipal law enforcement experience, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or command capacity (Lieutenant, Captain, or Assistant Chief) within a municipal police department of comparable size (agencies with 20–50 sworn personnel, or similar size).
• Certification: Must possess a current, valid law enforcement certification from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) at the time of application, with no active disciplinary actions, suspensions, or revocations.
• Executive Leadership Training: Preferred graduation from recognized executive leadership programs, such as the FBI National Academy, Wisconsin Command College, or Northwestern University Center for Public Safety (NUCPS) School of Police Staff and Command.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: