Police Officer

Elk River; Elk River (MN); On-site; USD 107,081,000 - 156,881,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full uniforms and gear issued (LBVs)

Job summary

Elk River Police Department in Elk River, MN is hiring a full-time Police Officer committed to service, integrity, and professionalism. You will perform patrol, traffic enforcement, and investigations, with opportunities in specialized units and a strong benefits package.

Ideal candidates hold a POST license, MN driver’s license, and pass background, psychological, and physical exams. This role offers career advancement and a supportive department culture that feels like family.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid full-time POST license by date of hire.
• Must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license (or ability to obtain).
• Strong moral compass, clean driving record, and a desire to serve.
• Must pass comprehensive background, psychological, and physical exams.

Responsibilities

• Performs patrol duties, maintaining high visibility and responding to calls.
• Performs traffic law enforcement duties and investigations of motor vehicle accidents.
• Responds to crime locations, secures scenes, and interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects.
• Performs administrative tasks, maintains department equipment and compiles reports.
• Follows safety procedures and participates in safety training.

Skills

POST license

MN driver’s license

Background checks

Education

Two- or four-year degree in law enforcement

Job description

** Communication for this position will be through email. You will receive an email shortly after you complete your application. If you do not receive this email, check your spam/junk folder. If the email is there, mark the email as Not Spam (or however this works with your provider) so that you can stay informed as we go through this hiring process. **
Join a Department That Feels Like Home — Become a Police Officer with Elk River PD

Are you ready to serve a community that backs its police department with pride, respect, and resources? The City of Elk River is hiring a full‑time Police Officer who is committed to service, integrity, and professionalism.

This is more than just a job. This is your opportunity to make a difference, advance your career, and become part of a department that truly feels like family.

Why Choose Elk River PD?

We offer more than a badge — we offer a future.

• Outstanding Compensation
  • Starting at $43.13/hour
  • 2026 salary range: $37.37 – $54.75/hour
  • Top pay reached in just 2 years
  • Veteran’s Administration OJT Program Certified‑Qualified veteran’s able to utilize GI bill funds during field training
• Opportunities for Advancement
  • Specialty units include:
    • SWAT
    • K‑9
    • Bike Team
    • Honor Guard
    • Detective Unit
    • Drug Task Force
    • Drone Unit
    • SRO/Juvenile Detective
    • and more
• Comprehensive Support & Benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement: Up to $3,000/year
  • Full uniforms and gear issued (including LBVs)
  • Access to City fitness facilities
  • Wage Incentive Program (WIP) Bi‑annual check pays 1‑3% of base salary if all requirements are met
  • Abundant overtime opportunities
• Lateral Officer Perks
  • Accelerated wage schedule
  • Vacation: 120 hours front‑loaded
  • Sick leave: 96 hours front‑loaded
  • Fast‑track to top patrol pay-qualified candidates may be eligible for immediate top‑patrol pay status

Who We’re Looking For

• A valid full‑time POST license by the date of hire
• Avalid MN driver’s license (or ability to obtain)
• A strong moral compass, clean driving record, and a desire to serve
• Ability to pass comprehensive background, psychological, and physical exams

Whether you’re new to law enforcement or seeking a department that truly supports your career and well‑being — Elk River PD is where purpose meets opportunity.

Watch our recruitment video We are ERPD Recruiting Video.

Important Notices

• Candidates who haveapplied within the last 12 months will not be considered.
• Candidatesterminated from another department or who resigned in lieu of termination are not eligible.
• If you need accommodations during the application process, contactHuman Resources at 763.635.1000.
• TheCity of Elk River is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Click here for Important Facts about Information on your Employment Application

Police Officer Position Description

Department/Division: Police

Immediate Supervisor: Police Sergeant

Pay Grade: Union LELS 231

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Last Updated: 4/2017

Position Summary:
The Police Officer works under the direction of the Police Sergeant and under the general direction of the Patrol Captain or the Police Chief. Participates in law enforcement efforts that include police and patrol duties, crime prevention and investigation, emergency response, and public assistance.

Essential Functions

1. Performs patrol duties.

• Detects and responds to law violations and hazards to public safety.
• Checks business and residential areas for signs of vandalism.
• Maintains high visibility and responds to emergency and non‑emergency calls.
• Assists in the resolution of civil disputes or disruptions.
• Maintains good community relations through communication and interaction with citizens and business people.
• Works with department guidelines set out by training, policies, procedures, and performance standards.

2. Performs traffic law enforcement duties.

• Enforces law governing the operation of motor vehicles and their operators and laws relating to bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
• Observes and corrects hazards to motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
• Assists disabled or distressed motorists.
• Investigates motor vehicle accidents.
• Works within the framework set down by state statutes, case law and constitutional law.

3. Responds to crime locations/reports.

• Responds to and secures crime scenes; directs other responding units; identifies, obtains, and secures evidence.
• Responds to and takes reports of crimes committed and criminal activity.
• Completes follow‑up investigation when possible, interviews witnesses, suspects and others.
• Takes appropriate action regarding the violator such as warning, citation, or arrest.
• Identifies and interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects.
• Prepares crime reports and assists the investigator as needed.
• Assists prosecuting attorneys with the preparation of suit as directed; testifies; and coordinates the appearance of witnesses.

4. Performs administrative activities.

• Assists in maintaining department equipment.
• Compiles reports and statistical law enforcement data as directed.
• Compiles statistical law enforcement data as directed.Maintains a good working knowledge of constitutional law, state law, case law, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures to effectively perform the required tasks and duties.

  5. Performs other essential job duties.

  • Regular and timely work attendance.
  • Follows all safety procedures.
  • Participates in safety training.

  Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge, skill, and ability to effectively use personal and departmental equipment.
  • Skill to communicate effectively with a variety of groups such as youth, business people, and seniors.
  • Skill in gathering appropriate information through interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects and contacting other law enforcement agencies.
  • Skill in operating a police vehicle in all kinds of weather conditions and situations.
  • Ability to comprehend and apply federal, state, county, and city criminal, traffic, and other civil laws.
  • Ability to prepare routine reports, case files, and correspondence.
  • Ability to work under adverse conditions.

  Minimum Qualifications

  • Valid full‑time POST license by the date of application.
  • First responder certification or ability to obtain within six months.
  • Valid driver’s license at application. Valid Minnesota driver’s license at time of appointment.
  • Must meet all state‑mandated requirements and local policies such as a physical examination and criminal background check.

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Two‑ or four‑year degree in law enforcement related field.

  Police Officer Physical Requirements

  Physical Requirement Frequency

  ESSENTIAL

  Standing or Walking
  Daily
  Sitting
  Daily
  Bending or Stooping
  Daily
  Crouching or Kneeling
  Daily
  Pushing/Pulling
  Daily
  Repetitive Movements
  Daily
  Twisting/Turning
  Daily
  Working in Confined Spaces
  Daily
  Operating a Vehicle
  Daily
  Physically Grappling w/Others
  Daily
  Running
  Daily
  Lifting Objects Above Shoulder
  Weekly or Monthly
  Lifting Objects Waist to Shoulder
  Daily
  Lifting Objects Knee to Waist
  Daily
  Lifting Objects Floor to Knee
  Daily
  Carrying Objects
  Daily
  Exposure to Temperature Extremes
  Daily
  Use of Weapon or Explosives
  Weekly or Monthly
  Operation of Telephone/Radio
  Daily
  Machinery Operation
  Daily
  Equipment Operation
  Daily
  Computer/Typewriter Operation
  Daily
  Requires Good Vision
  Daily
  Requires Good Color Vision
  Daily
  Requires Good Night Vision
  Daily
  Requires Large Motor Skills
  Daily
  Requires Fine Motor Skills
  Daily
  Requires Depth Vision
  Daily
  Requires Peripheral Vision
  Daily
  Requires Far Vision
  Daily
  Requires Near Vision
  Daily
  Requires Good Hearing
  Daily
  Requires Sense of Smell
  Daily
  Requires Sense of Touch
  Weekly or Monthly
  Balancing
  Daily

  HIGHLY IMPORTANT

  Working at Heights
  Weekly or Monthly
  Exposure to Irritants/Fumes
  Weekly or Monthly
  Requires Ability to Taste
  Weekly or Monthly

  MODERATELY IMPORTANT

  Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals
  Rare

  This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.

  This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.

  Application Deadline:
  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews will be scheduled as they are received. This position remains open until it is filled.