Police Cadet

City of Minneapolis; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Minneapolis is seeking dedicated individuals for the Police Cadet program, aimed at training future Police Officers. Candidates must possess strong communication skills, a commitment to public service, and meet educational and physical requirements. This on-site position offers a pathway to a career in law enforcement, with a structured selection process and training program.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• Must successfully pass the MPD background investigation.
• Proficiency in second languages is desired but not required.

Responsibilities

• Attend and complete a law enforcement program at an authorized institution.
• Commit to two years of employment after promotion to Police Officer.
• Participate in physical assessments during the academy.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication

Interpersonal tact

Empathy

Compassion

Ability to work effectively with diverse cultures

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's Degree

Job description

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose—serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The Minneapolis Police Department is looking for Police Cadet candidates - people who have a strong sense of commitment for public service, outstanding character, sound judgment, excellent work ethic, effective oral and written communication skills, interpersonal tact, empathy, and compassion.

Our Police Cadet program is designed to educate and train future Police Officers. Police Cadets will attend and successfully complete a program in law enforcement at a department authorized institution for the purpose of meeting the academic and technical skills requirements of the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board.

Work Location–

This position currently works on-site only.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

INFORMATION SESSION

Want to learn more about the Police Cadet position? The Minneapolis Police Department is hosting an information session which you are highly encouraged to attend. Attendance is optional for all applicants or potential applicants. Registration is NOT required.

Date: February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm

Location: 4119 DuPont Ave North, Minneapolis

We will highlight and discuss some of these topics:

• Application process and educational requirements
• Background Investigation information
• Department Interviews expectations
• Medical, psychological, physical and drug & alcohol testing Cadet Academy
• Minnesota P.O.S.T. minimum selection standards for peace officer licensure

Program Details

• Attend and complete a law enforcement program at a department authorized institution to meet the academic objectives required to take the Minnesota P.O.S.T. licensing examination.
• When hired, Cadets will be promoted to Police Officer upon successful completion of the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board academic and skill requirements when a recruit academy class is scheduled.
• Cadet must commit to two years of employment with the Minneapolis Police Department following their promotion to Police Officer or pay back, on a pro-rated basis, the costs of the tuition paid by the department for the academic training and/or the skills course. (Dismissed cadets will be forgiven any costs outstanding at date of termination).
• Failure to successfully complete Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board licensing exam at the end of the training program may result in termination.

Working Conditions

Exposure to hazardous conditions and life-threatening situations.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's or Associate's Degree from an accredited College or University completed by the Cadet Academy start date (August 25, 2025).

Minimum Experience

N/A

Licenses and Certifications

Valid Driver's License.

Minimum Standards for Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must not have a felony conviction.
• Must successfully pass the MPD background investigation.
• For minimum standards, see https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/6700.0700.

Medical & Psychological Exams

Candidates must be deemed medically and psychologically fit and successfully pass a drug and alcohol screening prior to hire. Pre-Employment Medical exams, including work simulation tests, and Psychological Exams are tentatively scheduled after passing backgrounds.

Physical Requirements

Police work is physically and mentally demanding. Candidates will participate in and be assessed on MPD Police Officer fitness goals during the academy. Requires ability to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, use hands, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds. Must have close distance color and peripheral vision with focus adjustment ability.

Selection Process

Candidates unable to complete any portion of the process will not be eligible to proceed.

Timeline

Week of March 17th	Background investigation begins; may take up to 3 months.
Week of April 7th	Department interviews are tentatively scheduled.
Week of August 4th	Final selections and conditional job offers.
August 25, 2025	Cadet Academy begins.

Union Representation

This position is represented by AFSCME. More info: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/afscme-general-unit/

Eligible List & Interview Selection

Applicants meeting minimum qualifications and passing screening will be placed on an eligible list for employment consideration. The list expires after 6 months. The hiring authority may select candidates for interviews based on various factors including education, experience, work history, or operational needs.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work effectively with diverse cultures, backgrounds.
• Physical ability to run, chase, wrestle, jump, crawl, lift, and drag heavy objects.
• Proficiency in second languages such as Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Laotian, Amharic, Oromo, Vietnamese, or ASL is desired but not required.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.