Police Officer - Lateral

The City of Rochester now welcomes applications for

Lateral candidates are experienced law enforcement officers who have enough full-time experience as a police officer, sheriff’s deputy, state trooper, or in a comparable sworn law enforcement position and may be eligible to complete an expedited Rochester Police Department training program. Eligibility for lateral entry will be determined by the Rochester Police Department based on the candidate’s prior law enforcement experience, training, job knowledge, and demonstrated skills.

Starting salary for lateral officers will be determined based on relevant experience, job knowledge, and level of skill. We look forward to your application!

Rochester Police Department believes that partnership and collaboration are essential to achieving trust and legitimacy within our community. We focus on the overall wellbeing and safety of our officers. We train and educate officers, giving them the tools they need to do their job safely. We encourage and aid them in achieving their career goals and interests. We champion officer wellness, and offer resources and opportunities to strengthen physical, spiritual and emotional health.

Our core values of integrity, service, compassion, respect, and innovation serve as a guide.

• Lateral Officers will be hired fall/winter 2026
• Individuals applying and not eligible for lateral hire will have their applications held until early 2027 when applications reopen.

Initial training will be Monday through Friday from approximately 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This training will be designed to satisfy POST board requirements and to ensure readiness for police patrol operations. Once the initial training is completed, lateral officers will be assigned to a patrol shift to complete field training. Patrol shifts will be assigned according to departmental needs which may be day, evening, or overnight 12 hours shifts.

The 2026 wage range is $40.52 to $56.17 per hour

This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester. Please check out the benefits tab at the top of the page for more details.

Applications will close on September 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM.

• Embrace community policing as a philosophy and demonstrate these principles as part of their organizational culture.
• Are committed to providing fair and impartial law enforcement services.
• Treat people with dignity and respect.
• Remain neutral and transparent in their decision-making, and give individuals a voice through their interaction and engagement with the community.
• Strive to reduce crime and do their part to foster a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit.
• Pledge to preserve peace, deliver emergency services, protect life and property, and enforce laws and ordinances.

• Complete their application online and include both a cover letter and a resume.
• Possess a valid Minnesota Peace Officer license or be eligible to be MN POST licensed by their start/hire date
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Have prior experience as a licensed Minnesota police officer or qualify for reciprocity under MN POST rules with experience as a police officer in another state.
• Please refer to this link for more information regarding MN POST reciprocity requirements:
  • MN POST Reciprocity Requirements

• About the Department
• What is it like to work here?
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Notice of Examination - located below
• Police Officer Job Description - to request a copy, email human resources

We, the Rochester Police Department, are dedicated to becoming the premier law enforcement agency in Minnesota, one that is reflective of and responsive to the community that we serve.

To provide exceptional service and superior protection by reducing crime and enhancing the quality of life of the first class community we serve. The Rochester Police Department will accomplish this through strategic…