Pathways Police Cadet

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals for its Pathways to Policing Program. This initiative aims to diversify the law enforcement workforce by welcoming candidates with cultural competency and a passion for community service. Participants will receive full-time training while earning competitive pay and benefits, leading to a rewarding career as a police officer. The program emphasizes the importance of serving diverse communities and provides all necessary training and resources for success. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact in your community, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Low-cost medical plans

Dental and pharmacy plans

Disability insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Excellent retirement plans

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Must have a 2-year or 4-year degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• No previous police experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in the education and skills program.
• Maintain appropriate physical conditioning for skills training.

Skills

Cultural Competency

Bilingualism

Community Engagement

Education

2-year or 4-year degree

Job description

● The Pathways to Policing Program is designed to bring non-traditional candidates into the field of law enforcement, thereby removing barriers for those who wish to enter the career. Specifically, candidates with cultural competency skills and tools and those with experience living or working with culturally diverse populations will be given preference to more closely align departments with the communities they serve.
● Individuals looking for a new career path and a way to make a difference in their communities are encouraged to apply.
● Earn pay and benefits while attending a full-time professional peace officer education program Brooklyn Park, MN. Must have a two or four-year regionally accredited college degree in any field of study, but no prior law enforcement training or experience is required. Must be a U.S. citizen with a valid driver's license and no felony convictions. The program specifically seeks those with the ability to fluently speak and proficiently read and write a second language, in addition to English, and/or who have experience living or working with culturally diverse populations. Upon completion of the education program (approximately 22 weeks), trainees must attain POST licensure before transitioning to a full time sworn police officer position with one of the participating agencies.

For more information:
Contact Lt. Long Xiong for more information about our Police Department or this program at 612-369-8145, [e-mail].

How the Program Works
Successful applicants will be hired as police trainees by a participating police agency. This is a full-time position with competitive benefits. As a police trainee, individuals will attend 40 hours a week of college coursework and training at Hennepin Technical College Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Educational Center in Brooklyn Park, MN, for approximately 22 weeks and then take the licensing exam for police officers. All course fees and equipment are provided and paid for.
Upon graduation and successful completion of the licensing exam, trainees will be promoted to probationary sworn police officers and begin their career in law enforcement just like any other new officer.

Timeline and Selection Process
Interested individuals should complete an application with the University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety Pathways position posting on the U of M Job Search Portal. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Applications will be accepted until Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at 4pm . After interviews, background checks, and various pre-employment evaluations, successful selected candidates will be given a job offer and enrolled in the Pathways to Policing Program.


Agency
University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety
505 Washington Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55445

Phone Website
612-624-2677 https://publicsafety.umn.edu/

Qualifications

Essential duties and responsibilities:
Attend and actively participate in the identified education and skills program.
Complete all course work associated with the program.
Maintain appropriate physical conditioning to ensure successful completion of the skills training component.
Upon completion of training program, successfully attain POST licensure eligibility.
Agree to provide an employment commitment of at least two years as a law enforcement officer.
Conditional employment offers will be extended to police trainees for the period of time required to complete the aforementioned accelerated training/skills program.
Successful completion of the program will result in a change in employment status to probationary police officer.

Minimum qualifications:
• Must have a 2-year or 4-year degree from a regionally accredited institution in any discipline by July 31st, 2025.
• No previous police experience is required.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, or ability to obtain.
• Must have no felony convictions.
• Must NOT have completed a MN Skills program or taken the MN POST or reciprocity exam.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Ability to fluently speak and proficiently read and write a second language, in addition to English.
• Possession of translator certification.
• Experience living or working with culturally diverse populations.
• We seek individuals who will assist us in serving our very diverse communities. Priority will be given to candidates who have cultural competency skills and knowledge, and community engagement experience that can be applied to police work.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23.32-$27.85/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [e-mail] or call [phone].

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).