Police-Police Captain

Police Captain

The promotional process for the position of Police Captain is announced. Following are the criteria, elements, and timetable for the examination process as well as general information regarding the position.

This selection process is being administered to fill the Police Captain position that was created for 2026. After the selection is made, the duties of the Police Captain and current Captains will be determined.

The Police Captain manages and oversees the activities and operations of the Watertown Police Department, including law enforcement, protection of life and property, and crime prevention. This is a professional managerial position that coordinates assigned activities with the Chief, other departments and outside agencies and supervises all phases of operations. This position is salaried at 40 hours per week, but is on-call on a 24-hour basis, and at times delegates duties to supervisory employees. This new position may supervise Patrol Officers, Specialty Positions, Investigations, Dispatch, and/or Auxiliary Officers.

The starting salary as determined by the 2026 City Pay Plan is Grade 170-A, with an increase following the City of Watertown Employee Handbook. The pay range is dependent on qualifications and compression calculation and will fall between $97,156 and $109,948. A generous benefit package includes health, life and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, uniform allowance, and Wisconsin Retirement Fund.

Interested applicants must complete an application and attach a resume and a letter of interest by February 27, 2026 @ 3:00pm.

External Candidates for the Police Captain position must be certifiable by the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board and have a two year degree or 60 college credits from an accredited college or university (four year degree preferred) in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Communications, or Public Administration or related field, plus ten (10) years' experience as a police officer in a department comparable to the City of Watertown with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience, and/or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training, demonstrating:

• Knowledge of the techniques and objectives of modern police procedures and powers
• Knowledge of ordinances, statutes, laws and their interpretation.
• The ability to effectively plan and supervise officers and police department administration.
• The ability to provide effective leadership and to plan, assign, and direct the work of various operating units.
• The ability to prepare studies and reports used to maintain equipment and facilities of a municipal police department.
• The ability to prepare requested reports and records necessary for the effective and efficient operation of a municipal police department.
• The ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• The ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in developing, applying and interpreting department policies and procedures.
• The ability to work effectively with other city departments and with private groups.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, administrators, and the public.

The examination process will include a written essay on an assigned topic, which will be given out shortly after the receipt of an application. The essay will be due on March 9th, 2026 at 12:00pm. Tentatively, interviews are expected to begin the week of March 9th, 2026. In addition, the selection process will include at least two panel interviews, a background investigation, and a psychological examination, among other processes.