Lateral Police Officer

Duluth Police Department; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Duluth Police Department in Minnesota is seeking sworn officers to protect the public, enforce laws, and respond to emergencies. You will patrol districts, engage with the community, and maintain safety through proactive law enforcement.

Candidates must meet Minnesota POST Board standards and hold a Peace Officer license plus a Minnesota Class D driver’s license, with field duties including investigations, documentation, and court testimony.

Qualifications

• Must meet Minnesota POST Board license requirements.
• Requires Minnesota POST Board eligibility or licensure.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a licensed police officer.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated district to preserve peace and public safety.
• Identify, report, and correct hazards to public safety.
• Direct traffic and enforce laws.
• Administer tests to determine illegal drug or alcohol use.
• Investigate, document, and prosecute suspected criminal activity.
• Testify in court and coordinate with prosecutors.

Education

Minnesota Peace Officer License

Minnesota Class D Driver's License

POST Board eligibility

3+ years of police officer experience

Job description

Salary Range

2026 starting annual base salary: $89,388

2026 starting annual salary including add-ons: $96,539

In addition to the base salary, officers will receive additional guaranteed contractual add-ons for 2026, including:

• 24-Hour Duty Pay: 3% of base pay
• Preparation Pay: 2% of base pay
• First Responder Pay: 3% of base pay

These add-ons, provided as part of the collective bargaining agreement, are designed to reflect the unique demands of the role and are guaranteed for all officers, enhancing their overall compensation package.

SUMMARY / PURPOSE

To ensure preservation of peace and public safety through the enforcement of local, state, and Federal laws, and by providing support and assistance during emergency or crisis situations.

Essential functions, or requirements necessary on the first day of employment

1. Patrol designated district to ensure preservation of peace and public safety.

   • A. Inspect persons, places, and property exposed to crime.
   • B. Identify, report, and/or correct hazards to public safety.
   • C. Provide services for public convenience.
   • D. Monitor and enforce compliance with laws.
   • E. Direct traffic.
   • F. Administer specialized tests to determine illegal drug or alcohol consumption.
   • G. Establish and maintain professional relationships with the general public.
   • H. Maintain a positive, visible law enforcement presence in the community.

2. Identify, apprehend, and assist in the prosecution of suspected violators of the law.

   • A. Respond to and document reports of crime.
   • B. Stop, detain, identify, and search persons suspected of criminal activity.
   • C. Plan, conduct, coordinate, and document investigations of possible criminal activity.
   • D. Interview, question, and/or interrogate victims/complainants, witnesses, informants, and suspects of possible criminal activity.
   • E. Transcribe notes and recordings into formal written reports.
   • F. Collect and preserve evidence.
   • G. Coordinate case preparation with assigned prosecutors, law enforcement, and other personnel.
   • H. Execute search and/or arrest warrants, using only the appropriate level of physical force necessary.
   • I. Testify in court.
   • J. Refer victims/complainants to appropriate service agencies.
   • K. Gather intelligence and other information relating to possible criminal activity.
   • L. Conduct surveillance operations.

3. Respond to non-emergency, emergency, and crisis situations.

   • A. Establish control during unusual incidents or civil disorders.
   • B. Assist in calming neighborhood and family disputes.
   • C. Administer first aid to the injured.

4. Perform other related duties as required.

   • A. Instruct entry-level personnel as Field Training Officer.
   • B. Participate in Special Operations Units as assigned.
   • C. Acquire and maintain specialized knowledge or skill areas.
   • D. Instruct others during training sessions, classes, and group meetings.
   • E. Analyze, organize, and present intelligence and other information relating to suspected criminal activity.
   • F. Reconstruct incidents using mathematical, computer, and other techniques.

Education & Experience Requirements (standards are determined by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board)

1.* Applicants must meet one of the following requirements and have a minimum of three (3) additional years of experience as a licensed police officer working in a law enforcement capacity:

• A. Possess a valid license for Peace Officer in the State of Minnesota; or
• B. Have the status of "eligible to be licensed" as defined by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board; or
• C. Have completed basic requirements in another state and be considered eligible by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board; or
• D. Be considered an exception to all of the above options and eligible by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board.

Driver's License Requirement

1.* Possess a valid Minnesota Class "D" Driver's License or privilege.

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.