The Sparta Police Department accepts employment applications during an active recruiting period.  Recruitment periods typically occur on an annual basis unless vacancies dictate otherwise.  Recruitment notices are posted on Wilenet (wilenet.org) and in local newspapers. 

The department uses a multi-phase approach in its selection of new officers.  The phases are broken down into: 

•      Application 
•      Written Test 
•      Physical Agility 
•      Oral Interview with Police & Fire Commission 
•      Oral Interview with Departmental Board 
• • Upon conditional offer of employment, applicants must pass:  
  • • Psychological Testing 
    • Medical/Drug Examination 

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements set forth by the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board.  No additional preference is granted to experienced officers. 

The written test consists of a variety of questions designed to evaluate an applicant's suitability to Law Enforcement.  The test measures skills in reading comprehension, arithmetic, grammar and report writing.  Applicants must score a minimum of 75% in all four skill areas to be considered for employment. 

Physical Agility testing is offered to the top fifteen candidates of the written exam.  Agility testing evaluates an applicant's physical ability to perform law enforcement related tasks.  Physical Agility testing includes the following: 

•      1 Mile Run 
•      Sit Ups 
•      Sit and Reach 
•      Upper Body Strength 
•      Vertical Jumps 

The oral interview with the Police and Fire Commission is offered to those who successfully complete Physical Agility testing.  The interview is typically held the same day as the agility test.  The interview consists of several questions designed to highlight a persons interest and discover their suitability to be employed in a law enforcement career in the City of Sparta.

Finally, the top five candidates will under go an extensive background investigation before being offered an interview with a panel of members from within the police department.  The candidates will be asked numerous questions by the panel looking for suitability within the police department.  Once completed, the top candidate will be referred back to the Police and Fire Commission for a confirmation.  Once confirmed, a formal job offer would be made.

Applicants who do not receive a job offer, but are considered employable, will be placed on an eligibility list for one year.  Any vacancies that occur during that time period will be offered to the applicants first.

The ultimate goal of such a lengthy process is to insure that the Sparta Police Department hires the individuals with the high probability of success and meet the high standards of the Department, as well as the profession.