Minneapolis Police Department Officer Requirements

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) 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.

Steps to Becoming an MPD Officer

How to Become a Minneapolis, Minnesota Police Officer

Candidates for Minneapolis police officer jobs who meet the education and other eligibility requirements outlined below must complete an online application during an open recruiting period. Qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule a physical agility test. It is also strongly recommended that candidates attend an information session that details the hiring and selection process. Candidates who pass the physical agility test must next complete a background check and drug screen before appearing for an oral exam and interview. Those who are still in the candidate pool at this stage must pass a medical exam and a psychological evaluation. Accepted recruits will receive a conditional hire offer before beginning 16 weeks of police academy training.

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.

Minneapolis Police Officer Training, Prerequisites, and Education Requirements

Applicants to the Minneapolis Police Department must be a minimum of 21 years of age, have a Minnesota driver's license, and be a citizen of the United States. Interested candidates may only submit an application during open recruitment periods. Candidates must have at least an associate's degree or five years of continuous law enforcement or military experience to be considered for employment. Prospective officers must pass each stage of the hiring process to be conditionally hired as police recruits.

Recruits will complete 16 weeks of training at the Minneapolis Police Academy. Following successful completion of the police academy and passing the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Licensing Exam, recruits will go through additional field training and experience. Recruits will then graduate to the role of police officer, earning a patrol assignment. After five years of continuous service with the Minneapolis Police Department, police officers may take the sergeant's exam to qualify for promotion.

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

Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the average salary for officers with the Minneapolis PD?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for police officers in Minneapolis was $64,160 as of 2015.²

Is the Minneapolis Police Department hiring?

The Minneapolis Police Department hires recruits periodically. To check if applications for recruit positions are being accepted, visit the InsideMPD website.

What types of Minneapolis police jobs are available?

While most new recruits are assigned to patrol, after earning experience offers may apply to work in specialized positions in such areas as violent crimes, special crimes investigations, training, crisis negotiation, and K-9.

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References:
1. Minneapolis Police Department: https://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/recruiting/police_recruiting_recruit
2. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_33460.htm