How To Become A Police Officer In Mn

Becoming A Police Officer In Minneapolis Minnesota

Minneapolis police officers responded to over 23.5 thousand violent crimes in 2012. To face the threat of crime, Minneapolis police jobs are available to the most qualified and capable individuals.

Learn how to become a cop in Minneapolis by meeting the established police officer requirements in the state. The application process usually takes between 6-12 months, and proceeds through the following steps:

• Ability to obtain POST certification
• Ability to pass a basic physical and written test

The Minneapolis Peace Officer Standards and Training Board requires the completion of one of the following exams for you to be able to obtain POST certification:

• Peace Officer Licensing Exam: This is for graduates of a Minnesota POST-certified two to four years education degree program.
• Reciprocity Licensing Exam: If you have previous work experience in another state or at the federal level as a law enforcement officer or if you have previous military experience you may be eligible to take this exam. Check the Minnesota POST website to see if you qualify.
• The Reinstatement of License Exam and License Restoration Exam are for those who have previously held eligibility for, or possessed, respectively, certification that has expired.

Step 2. Application

Step 3. Pre-Employment Tests

If your application is considered to be competitive and complete you will be scheduled to take two tests:

Step 4. Interview and Background Check

Minneapolis Police Officer Job Description

New police officers with the Minneapolis Police Department are sworn to protect the citizens and property of Minneapolis and are generally assigned to patrol one of five designated patrol areas within city limits. Police officers who are assigned to patrol typically work a four-day work week with 10-hour shifts. Police officers must complete five years of continuous service with the MPD to be considered for promotion to sergeant, which is earned by passing a promotional exam.

How To Become A Police Officer In Minneapolis

Over 800 sworn officers and 300 civilian employees work for the Minneapolis Police Department .1 With over 410,000 residents living in the city of Minneapolis, which is the largest city in Minnesota, and over three million residents in the greater metropolitan area, Minneapolis is a truly cosmopolitan midwestern city.2,3 Thanks to the efforts of the MPD, Minneapolis is also a safe city its crime rate is below the average for similarly-sized metros.3 The process for joining the MPD is outlined below.

Also Check: What Education Is Needed To Become A Police Officer

Minnesota Police Jobs Outlook

For anyone considering applying for a Minnesota law enforcement position, the future looks positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for police and patrol officers in Minnesota was $64,700 in March 2018.1 Growth for law enforcement positions in Minnesota is projected at 7.6% through 2026, with an expected 720 average annual openings including replacements.9 Replacement hires are expected to rise significantly due to a large number of baby boomer police veterans who will be retiring over the coming years. Additionally, employment and recruitment cycles tend to coincide with allocated state budgets.

For more information current law enforcement openings, take a look at our police jobs board.

Data Security And Integrity

We implement physical, technical, and administrative safeguards designed to maintain data accuracy, integrity, and security, prevent unauthorized access, and facilitate correct use of personal data. Our security measures take into account the risk of harm to you and Customers, as well as the availability of technology, industry common practices, effectiveness of mitigation controls, and the sustainability of those controls by us.

Although we maintain the controls listed herein, transmission of data is not without risk and we complete security of your personal data cannot be guaranteed. Please note, you are responsible for keeping your login credentials secret at all times, including your username and password.

In the event we believe the security of your personal data in our possession or control may be compromised, we may seek to notify you by e-mail and you consent to our use of e-mail as a means of such notification.

Don’t Miss: What Sunglasses Do Police Wear

Minneapolis Police Officer Salary And Job Outlook

Police officers in Minneapolis earn an annual mean salary of $64,160 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.2 The starting salary for new officers is between $54,504 and $69,565, depending on experience and qualifications.1 Police officers with the Minneapolis Police Department also have access to a generous benefits package which includes health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, a pension plan, annual vacation time, sick leave, and paid holidays. Police officers who have accrued eight years of service with the MPD are eligible for additional longevity pay. The city of Minneapolis offers all eligible police officers a complimentary health club membership and reimbursement for uniforms is available. As of 2015, approximately 5,430 police officers worked in the Minneapolis metropolitan area.2

Probation And Parole Services In Minnesota

Probation and parole services in Minnesota are provided in three ways:

Community Corrections Act : There are 17 jurisdictions and 32 counties that participate in the Minnesota Community Corrections Act , which provides probation, parole, and supervised release services. Counties with populations of more than 30,000 may elect to participate in the CCA. Through the CCA, the county of jurisdiction provides all probation and correction services.

Department of Corrections : The Minnesota Department of Corrections provides probation, diversion, parole, and supervised release services through 54 field services offices throughout the state. The Department of Corrections Field Services provides services to the 55 counties in Minnesota that do not participate in the CCA. The probation services through the DOC are state-provided services and therefore under the direction of district supervisors.

County Court Services : Probation officers may be appointed through the district court and supervised by the countys court services in the county in which they work. Probation officers in this capacity are referred to as County probation officers, or CPOs. There are now about 28 counties in Minnesota who appoint their own probation officers.

You May Like: Can Police Help You Unlock Your House

Becoming A Police Officer In St Paul Minnesota

The St. Paul, Minnesota Police Department employs around 600 sworn officers, who in a recent year responded to over 203,000 calls for service. Learn how to become a cop in St. Paul by meeting the established police officer requirements as detailed in the steps that follow:

Step 1. Meeting Police Officer Requirements in St. Paul

Before being eligible for St. Paul police jobs you must first meet the basic requirements as detailed here:

• At least 21 years old
• Valid drivers license with no revocations or suspensions within the last two years
• Mostly clean criminal record, with no felonies, gross misdemeanors, or assaults
• Be in good physical shape
• Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training certification: at least a two-year education program, military experience, or previous law enforcement experience

Step 2. Pre-Employment Tests and Apply

Throughout your career as a St. Paul police officer you will be expected to maintain a high degree of physical health. You may be screened before you are interviewed, being judged based on your performance of a written test that measures you reading and writing abilities, as well as a physical fitness test, that measures your capabilities in sit-ups, push-ups, 1.5 mile-run, sprinting, and flexibility.

Step 3. Interview, Orientation and Background Investigation

• Blood pressure check
• Investigation of anything to which you are prone based on your medical history

Pass The Licensing Exam

The next step to becoming a police officer is to earn a passing score on your states police licensing board exam. Your education and training will prepare you to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training exam.

Each state has its own licensing board, so the tests will also vary. But generally speaking, most POST exams cover topics like: practical application and techniques, civil and criminal law, community policing, victims rights and management and communication. By passing this capstone exam, you are licensed to become a police officer and enforce the law in your jurisdiction. You are now free to seek employment with a police department.

You May Like: What You Have To Do To Be A Police Officer

Minnesota Police Officer Requirements

The Minnesota POST sets minimum standards for the certification of law enforcement officers in the state. All law enforcement agencies must follow these minimum standards, but can set additional requirements beyond the minimum. At the state level, prospective Minnesota cops must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a US citizen
• Have a valid drivers license in their state of residence
• Have an associates degree or higher or have acceptable military experience in lieu of college
• Not have any record of felony convictions of any kind, nor have had any disqualifying misdemeanors
• Pass a written exam, background investigation, physical exam, fitness exam, and psychological exam

Note that while the minimum age to become a police officer in Minnesota is 18, prospective candidates at any age must have an associates degree or higher or qualify with military experience. For candidates who enter the hiring process, background checks for police officers are rigorous. An investigator will often visit former employers, talk with the employers, and look through the personnel file. The investigator may also speak with ministers, school teachers and professors, family members and friends, and others with knowledge of the applicant. Credit reports may be accessed to use as evidence of integrity, as someone with a poor credit score might be someone who could be enticed by bribery. Often this information is also used for the polygraph exam.

How To Become A Police Officer: Your Step

By on 02/10/2020

There are plenty of Hollywood movies out there that detail the rigorous physical training involved in becoming a cop. You might even be able to picture the obstacle courses, shooting ranges and tactical scenario training rooms. These are all important elements of police officer trainingbut they only make up one portion of the process.

Given the high level of responsibility and trust afforded to law enforcement, the standards for becoming a police officer are higher than what youll likely find in many careers. The specific standards and process will vary slightly based on the state, county or town youre applying to work in, but there are a few universal requirements to become a police officer you should be familiar with.

If youre wondering how to become a police officer, youre in the right place. Keep reading for a high-level breakdown of the path to pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Read Also: Can I Call The Police For Verbal Abuse

S To Becoming An Mpd Officer

Continuing Education And Career Advancement

Once you have completed all of these steps to becoming a police officer, you will still have plenty to learn. Nothing beats on-the-job experience to show you all of the specialized areas police officers might want or need to learn more about. The best officers are never done learning.

Similar to other industries, officers must meet continuing education requirements in order to renew their license. For example, Minnesota police officer requirements mandate a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education within the three-year licensing period in order to maintain their license.

In addition, active officers are required to train annually in use of force and once every five years in emergency vehicle operations/pursuit driving. Specialized training may also be directed by your police department based on federal and local needs. Departments might also incentivize other education opportunities to encourage their officers forward. Additional training or credentials may be required for those looking to climb the police ranks.

Read Also: How Do You Become A K9 Police Officer

Acquire A Degree Or Academy Training

The requirements for this step will vary substantially depending on the state in which you plan on becoming a police officer. Some states do not require their officers to be college-educated, even if they may prefer it. Other states, like Minnesota, an Associates degree or equivalent training is one of the requirements to become a police officer.

Generally speaking, the training process for aspiring police officers follows two routes:

• Completing training by earning a two- or four-year degree in Criminal Justice or similar field from a Peace Officer Standings and Training -certified college or university, or
• Completing training through a government-approved police academy or training program.

Since police officer requirements differ, youll want to be sure to check with the agency that sets the standards for law enforcement training and licensure in your area. Some also have arrangements for military reciprocity, allowing candidates who served in the military to follow a different process in acknowledgement of the training they already have.

Whichever path you take, your training will include classroom instruction in state and local laws, covering topics like constitutional law, civil rights and police ethics. Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in areas such as patrol, traffic control, firearm use, self-defense, first aid and emergency response.

Becoming A Police Officer In Minnesota

***IMPORTANT*** The information below may have changed, therefore visit the official webpage of the agency you are interested in working for.

Assuming that you meet certain minimum selection standards, the procedure you have to follow to become a police officer in Minnesota is to complete a two- or four-year Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice degree through a Professional Peace Officer Education program.

You must apply for and pass the Peace Officer Licensing Exam or the Reciprocity Licensing Examination to become eligible to be licensed and be hired by a law enforcement agency. You can find more details about the degree program at the bottom of this article.

The minimum standards have been established by the Minnesota Board of Police Officer Standards . They require candidates to be U.S. citizens at least 21 years old and possess a valid Minnesota drivers license.

Recommended Reading: Can Police Use Drones Without A Warrant

Are You Ready To Find A School That’s Aligned With Your Interests

The Minneapolis Police Department works with the community to advance public safety and provide quality, professional law enforcement services. Approximately 840 sworn officers and 300 civilian support staff work for the Minneapolis PD.1 The department takes a community-based policing approach to its law enforcement strategies and has enacted several initiatives to support community involvement, including the Community Engagement Team and MPD Community Chaplain Corps.

Minnesota Police Training Standards

The two- or four-year degree programs offered by colleges and universities certified by POST focus on five broad categories. Practical Applications and Techniques The Criminal Justice System Community Policing Victims and Victims Rights and Leading, Managing and Communicating.

The first category contains the various elements of policing such as the use of force, firearms training, traffic enforcement and crash investigation, evidence collection and controlled substances and narcotics, to name a few course areas.

The Criminal Justice System element deals with constitutional and criminal Law, the Minnesota Criminal Code, juvenile law, civil liability and process and civil law. Community Policing deals with diversity and bias motivated crime.

The segment on Victims and Victims Rights includes courses on domestic family abuse and assault, child abuse, vulnerable adult investigations, response to crime victims and Americans with Disabilities Act concerns for peace officers.

The last course of study in order to be eligible for licensing as a police officer in Minnesota deals with leadership, ethics, critical thinking, human behavior communications, report writing, courtroom testimony, media relations, stress and conflict management and computers.

Don’t Miss: Can You Access Police Reports Online

Training & Continuing Education

To maintain and renew a license,the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training requires officers to complete 48 hours of continuing education within the three-year licensing period.

In addition to the state-mandated training requirements, the Plymouth police officers participate in more than 100 hours of training each year in crisis intervention and response, deescalation, defensive tactics, firearms, leadership and management and more. In addition to the departments quarterly use of force training, Plymouth is one of the few agencies that regularly allows officers to attend out-of-state trainings, as long as the course reflects the mission and values of the agency.

Your Nevada Privacy Rights

A sale under Nevada law is the exchange of personal data for monetary consideration. We do not currently sell personal data as defined under Nevada law. If you want to submit a request relating to our compliance with Nevada law, please contact us at the privacy support emails listed at the end of this Policy.

Also Check: How Do Police Monitor Social Media

Introduction Scope Of This Policy

The purpose of this Privacy Policy is to describe how we collect, use, store, protect, and disclose personal data online and offline. This Policy applies to personal data we collect or use, and applications owned or controlled by Govermentjobs.com, Inc. , including our related brands NEOGOV.com, NEOED.com, Governmentjobs.com, Schooljobs.com, and our mobile app , or affiliated companies .

By using any part of the Services you agree that you have read this policy, your personal data will be processed as described herein, and you agree to be bound by this Policy. This Policy is incorporated into our Terms of Use. Definitions not explicitly defined herein shall retain the meaning as prescribed in the Terms of Use. Any dispute related to privacy is subject to the Terms of Use and this Policy, including limitations on liability.

We are the controller for the personal data discussed in this Policy, except as noted in the Where We Are a Service Provider section below.

Having Trouble Signing In

If you are signing in to Drupal through the City for the first time, Microsoft will prompt you to provide permissions to StPaul.gov to use your City email and password . Once you successfully authenticate, you will be automatically returned to StPaul.gov where you will see your email address listed in the blue header box as confirmation that you have successfully logged in. Your email address and user name will be the same on the site going forward.

Please note that you must be an active website editor on StPaul.gov to sign in using your City account. City of Saint Paul employees are not automatically granted access to edit StPaul.gov. If you would like access to make changes on the Citys website, please first consult with your department’s website manager and then contact the Service Desk.

Also Check: How To Become A Special Police Officer