Located in downtown Madison, The Wisconsin State Capitol Police Department has statewide jurisdiction to serve the approximately 35,000 employees of the State of Wisconsin. The Capitol Police has two distinct bureaus: the Bureau of Patrol Operations and the Bureau of Specialized Services. Each bureau is led by a Police Lieutenant who reports directly to the Captain. Together, Capitol Police officers, detectives, and supporting staff provide safety, security, and police response at 61 state facilities between Madison and Milwaukee. Capitol Police also assists with major events including Dane County Farmer’s Market, Concerts on the Square, Taste of Madison, Art Fair on the Square, and many others.

Join our team as a Court Protection Officer and play a vital role in safeguarding our judicial system! This position focuses on specialized security operations within the judicial setting, to include monitoring and responding to potential threats to assigned individuals, neutralizing risks to the safety of dignitaries and public figures, enforcing laws, and maintaining order during court proceedings, public speaking engagements, and special events. If you’re looking for a rewarding career that combines law enforcement expertise with a specialized mission, this is your opportunity to make a difference!

Join an organization that strives to exceed customer expectations by delivering efficient, high-quality state government services. The Department of Administration (DOA) provides direct services to state agency customers and designs and leads initiatives to make government more innovative and cost-effective. Working at DOA offers you the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin.

As the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin, our core values at Department of Administration are Adaptability, Collaboration, Stewardship, Equity, Service Excellence, and Integrity. Our values make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, with a set of shared principles and practices, and form the bedrock of how we operate, interact, and are seen by colleagues, partners, and other agencies.

The Courts Protection Officer is responsible for assigned person-specific security detail for Wisconsin Court System (WCS) justices, judges (Circuit/Municipal/Court of Appeals), or other dignitaries. Protection may be required at meetings, events, conferences, during court proceedings, etc. These positions also perform pre-planning activities (e.g., site assessments, parking, escape routes, logistics as requested, etc.) to ensure pro-active security measures are implemented and coordinated with other law enforcement agencies (e.g., State Patrol, Local law enforcement, etc.); take steps to intercept security threats; and ensure physical safety of assigned dignitary. In the event of an emergency, the officer’s duty is to remove the dignitary from the scene; not to assist other law enforcement with the disturbance or perpetrators.

The Courts Protection Officer shall focus on an assigned dignitary while the dignitary is in an official work capacity, including evening events or speaking engagements. CPU staff do not transport assigned dignitaries nor maintain a presence at the dignitary’s residence. For more information, please view the complete position description.

Starting hourly rate for the Courts Protection Officer position (schedule/range 36-63) will be $44.13 per hour - $46.35 per hour. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. A 24-month probationary period is required.

In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring: 

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of paid leave time to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that roll over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits (health plan options start at just $49/month for single plans and $122/month for family plans after two months of employment)
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being
• Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!

Candidates must have a valid Wisconsin Driver's License with a good driving record. The selected candidate must successfully pass a drug screening, psychological evaluation, medical examination, vision screening, and fitness exam. This position requires ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, days, nights or swing shifts. Must also have the ability to be on call.

Due to the nature of the position, DOA/DCP will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.

Minimally qualified applicants will currently be certified as a law enforcement officer by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) OR be eligible for LESB certification within 60 days of application.

**** Certification as a jail or correctional officer by the Law Enforcement Standards Board does NOT qualify. ****

Apply online! To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. If you are a certified law enforcement officer, upload a copy of your LESB certification to your Wisc.Jobs account under supporting documentation, as a license/certification. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process for available vacancies.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Questions can be directed to Nathan Draeger at nathan2.draeger@wisconsin.gov.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on April 5, 2026.