Police Officer

City of Northfield (MN); Northfield (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Northfield (MN) seeks a Police Officer to support the Northfield Police Department in enforcing laws, preserving the peace, and providing a safe environment for all residents.

The role emphasizes community policing, rapid response, reporting accuracy, and collaboration with courts and other agencies. A Criminal Justice degree and Minnesota POST licensure are required or eligible; valid MN driver’s license is mandatory. Flexible shifts and overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Law Enforcement or related field.
• Licensed or eligible for Minnesota POST licensure by the application close date.
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License within two weeks of hire.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls and citizen inquiries; patrol the city.
• Prepare and complete reports; testify in court as needed.
• Perform investigative functions and assist in prosecutions.
• Promote community relations and apply problem-oriented policing concepts.

Skills

Customer service

Community policing

Investigation basics

Reporting skills

Court testimony

Public safety

Interagency coordination

Data privacy

Education

Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice

Bachelor’s degree or related field

Job description

This position is responsible for fulfilling the mission of the Northfield Police Department to enhance the quality of life in our community by working with the community to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment for all our citizens.

• Provides excellent customer service to all members of our community, inclusive of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, ages, national or ethnic origins, languages, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, and political affiliations.
• Participates in uniform traffic enforcement and interdiction efforts, promoting safe practices and providing a safe environment in which to live including:
  • Responding to calls for service/citizen calls and complaints.
  • Patrolling the City.
  • Preparing and completes reports.
  • Preparing for court and testifies as needed.
• Performs investigative functions as needed.
• Assists in criminal prosecutions.
• Assists citizens by reducing fear of crime and victimization. Work with victims of crimes, identifying their difficulties created by the victimization.
• Anticipates and communicates public interest and concerns about policing.
• Develops and participates in programs that strengthen relationships between the police and the community and among community members.
• Promotes effective community and media relations by applying the Principles of Problem Oriented Policing model. SARA Model of problem solving.
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints concerning policing. Investigates difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints, solve problems and maintain good relations with the citizens.
• Keeps the Sergeants, Deputy Chief, and Police Chief informed and makes recommendations on critical issues.
• Officer may be assigned special duties including but not limited to: School Resource Officer, Investigator, Drug Investigator, etc.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with city personnel and the general public; maintains professional demeanor, tone, and conversations in all public areas of the city.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of policing.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and comply with all legal requirements of the job.
• Adheres to all city and public works policies, procedures and requirements.
• Responds to inquiries from staff, department managers, and the general public.
• Practices the proper and safe use and maintenance of any assigned City or Police department vehicles, equipment, property, etc.
• Observes, educates and practices safe work habits.
• Effectively interacts, participates and contributes to a high performing Police Department.
• Effectively coordinates activities with other law enforcement staff and agencies.
• Effectively interacts with all levels of City personnel.
• Provides positive support, education, guidance and instruction to police reserves, and police explorers.
• Ensures compliance with pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations including the Minnesota Data Practices Act, OSHA and MnDOT. Complies with all city and departmental policies and procedures.

Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Law Enforcement, or a related field. Currently licensed or eligible to be licensed by the Minnesota Post Board by the application close date. Applicants from other states must have proof of eligibility for licensure from the Minnesota Post Board before Licensed or eligible to be licensed by January 4, 2027. Attach copy of license or eligibility letter. Must have knowledge of community policing and problem solving, modern investigative methods, criminal law, search and seizure and evidence preservation. Valid Minnesota Driver’s License within two weeks of hire.

PREFERRED

• Previous experience working in a progressive, public law enforcement agency.
• Spanish fluency.
• Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply.Rotating eight (8) and ten (10) hour shifts; Monday through Sunday, days, evenings, nights, including holidays.
• Must work overtime as assigned.
• Availability to work any scheduled hours as necessary.
• Timely reporting of work with a minimum of absences.
• Ineligible for hybrid telecommuting work.