Police Officer

About Us

About Us: A Medium-Sized-Department with Big Opportunities

If you’re looking for a department that’s large enough to offer real career paths but small enough that you’re never just a number, the St. Louis Park Police Department strikes that balance perfectly. With 63 sworn officers and a total staff of nearly 100, we’re a tight-knit agency where you’re not just a number, serving a community that supports its police.

That support shows up in meaningful ways—including the city’s commitment to ensuring staff are paid at 85% of their market group, reinforcing the value placed on the people who serve here.

$5,000 for new officers; $10,000 for experienced officers. (Tentative contract agreement for 2026)

$89,039 – $122,355 annually + Shift differential from 6pm-6am

• Lateral candidates: $10,000, paid in two installments: $5,000 upon successful completion of field training; $5,000 upon successful completion of the one-year probationary period.
• New candidates: $5,000, paid in two installments: $2,500 upon successful completion of field training; $2,500 upon successful completion of the one-year probationary period.

• Patrol (35) Mix of 10 and 12 hour shifts, 14 out of 28 days off
• Behavioral Health Unit (2) Respond to Mental Health calls with the assistance of Social Worker and Community Response Medic
• Traffic Car (1) Traffic enforcement, Targeted Enforcement due to community concerns
• Training Officer and Admin Sgt. (2) Develop, Track, Assign and Deliver Training
• Dwi Car (1) DWI Enforcement, DRE
• Investigations (8) Mix of 8 and 10 hour shifts
• Drug Task Force (1) Embedded in Hennepin County DTF
• Secret Service Task Force (1) Electronics Crimes Expert
• Violent Crime Reduction Unit (1) Embedded in BCA VCRU
• Police K9 (2) 2 bomb dogs, 1 cross training with SWAT
• School Resource Officer (2) High School and Middle School
• Community Outreach (2)
• Police Analyst (1) Investigative analyst non-sworn
• Dispatch (10) Independent Dispatch Center for SLP

• SWAT (13) Full SWAT team and consortium connection to Minnetonka, Edina, Hopkins, Eden Prairie
• Crisis Negotiations (7) Full CNT Team and consortium connection to Minnetonka, Edina, Hopkins, Eden Prairie
• Public Order Team (10) Works with West Command to include most of the Hennepin County Agencies
• Drone Team (10) Patrol-Based Team, with routine training
• FTO (8) Train our new officers
• Law Enforcement Memorial Association Officer (1)
• Auto Theft Task Force Officer (1)
• Explorer Advisors (4)
• Reserve Advisors (2)
• Use of Force Instructor
• Firearms Instructor
• Firearms Armorer
• Peer Support Team (8) Trained Peer Support Members, Professional, Compassionate and Trusted People to help Employees with Wellness

• Work out on Duty
• Peer Support Team
• Annual Mental Health Check-in and follow-up services provided by agency provider with Law Enforcement Experience
• Brazilian Ju Jitsu Program
• Generous Flex Leave Program for time off
• Leadership Development Program

Accepting candidates who may not be POST eligible until August 31st, 2026. For out of state candidates, you must be qualified to be POST certified in Minnesota.

Preserve law and order, protect life and property, and enforce laws and ordinances in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the St. Louis Park Police Department. Create problem-solving relationships with customers using a thorough knowledge of the department’s community-oriented policing philosophy. Work directly with customers, staff, and other city departments to assist in resolving problems/conflicts. Represent the city with a courteous, helpful and professional manner.

• Apply the St. Louis Park Police Department’s community-oriented policing philosophy and articulates and utilizes the SARA model effectively.
• Pro-actively patrol an assigned geographic area. Maintain knowledge of assigned district and recognize neighborhood characteristics which affect the incidence of crime and disorder. Regularly attend neighborhood meetings and consult with leaders in both business and residential communities.
• Respond to all distress or emergency calls, administer first aid, and investigate and report…