Police Officer Lateral

Position Description

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Police Department is looking for experienced Police Officer candidates—people who have a strong sense and commitment for public service, outstanding character, sound judgment, excellent work ethic, effective oral and written communication skills, interpersonal tact, empathy, and compassion.

This is a full‑time position and requires variable work shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Officers hired in this lateral hiring process will participate in a one‑month orientation and onboarding process rather than the Minneapolis Police Recruit Officer Academy. After successful completion of orientation, Officers will then participate in a three‑month Field Training Officer (FTO) program, with the potential of an extension if needed.

Work location:

This position currently works on‑site only. The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

• Patrol assigned area to enforce laws, detect and prevent crime and protect life and property.
• Apprehend and arrest law violators (including probable‑cause arrests), prepare written reports of crimes and assist in the prosecution of violators.
• Draft and execute arrest warrants and make probable‑cause arrests.
• Establish probable cause, draft, prepare and execute search warrants.
• Conduct follow‑up investigations for criminal prosecution of criminal and traffic complaints.
• Enforce traffic laws, conduct traffic, marking and tagging vehicles, make written reports of accidents and investigate and reconstruct serious or fatal traffic accidents.
• Collect, evaluate, investigate, protect and preserve evidence at crime or accident scenes.
• Conduct surveillance of suspected criminal activity and provide undercover operations to identify and apprehend suspects.
• Interview and/or interrogate witnesses, victims and suspects and draft formal statements for presentation in court, including testifying in court on criminal and civil matters.
• Record and investigate complaints from citizens, including those on the conduct and actions of officers.
• Respond to residential and business alarms for intrusion, robbery or other emergencies.
• Protect the rights and safety of all individuals, including political figures and dignitaries.
• Recover and assume preliminary custody of lost, stolen or abandoned property.
• Operate various computer terminals to enter and retrieve essential information.
• Function as a Field Training Officer (FTO) supplementing academy instruction through field experience and serving as a final step in the officer selection process. Evaluate recruits on a daily basis and share information with supervisors.

Working Conditions: Exposure to hazardous conditions and life‑threatening situations.

• Completion of a two‑ or four‑year Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice degree through a professional peace officer education program and pass the P.O.S.T licensing exam or equivalent.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Valid Minnesota POST license or the ability to obtain one prior to hire.
• Previous law‑enforcement experience (1 year preferred). The department reserves the right to determine the nature and extent of training necessary for a candidate to be considered for the police officer position.
• Must not have a felony conviction.
• Must successfully pass the MPD background investigation.
• Current Minnesota POST Board certification.
• Must be deemed medically and psychologically fit and successfully pass a drug and alcohol screening prior to hire.
• Must be able to lift up to twenty‑five (25) pounds.

Physical Requirements: Standing, walking, sitting, talking or hearing; using hands to finger, handle or feel; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; reach with hands and arms; close‑distance color vision and peripheral vision with ability to adjust focus.

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