Police Officer (Lateral)

City of Apple Valley; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a community-focused team of policing professionals dedicated to enhancing public safety through service and education. This innovative department offers a family-friendly schedule and numerous career enrichment opportunities after the probationary period. With exceptional health programs, modern training, and a supportive environment, your public service will be valued and appreciated. If you have law enforcement experience and a passion for community engagement, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Family-friendly 10-hour shift schedule

Exceptional health & wellness programs

State-of-the-art fitness & wellness center

Over 100 hours of in-service training annually

Partnerships with local Jiu-Jitsu academies

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of law enforcement experience required.
• Licensed or eligible for licensing by the Minnesota POST Board.

Responsibilities

• Handles arrest situations, including apprehending suspects and issuing citations.
• Conducts investigations, interviewing witnesses and processing crime scenes.

Skills

Law Enforcement Experience

Community Engagement

Emergency Response

Traffic Control

Investigation Skills

Education

A.A. Degree

Job description

Looking for a change and seeking greater career opportunities? We are looking for talented individuals with previous law enforcement experience who possess a strong desire to be part of an innovative team that continually strives for excellence. Our community-focused team of policing professionals is dedicated to improving public safety through service, education, and enforcement.

With 60 sworn officers, we proudly serve a thriving and diverse suburban community of over 56,000 residents, just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Our community is home to the Minnesota Zoo, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, and a large retail and entertainment hub.

Why Choose Us?

• Family-friendly 10-hour shift schedule with every other weekend off.
• Your previous experience will be used immediately. A variety of career enrichment opportunities become available after your probationary period:
  • Rotational investigative assignments include electronic crimes, postal inspections, and retail crime positions.
  • Behavioral health unit, crime scene team.
  • School resource officers.
  • Drug & violent crime task force.
  • SWAT team, K9, and training officer positions.
• Exceptional health & wellness programs:
  • Contracted fitness coordinator providing weekly team workouts and personalized fitness & nutrition programs.
  • Patrol operations facility opening in 2025 with a state-of-the-art fitness & wellness center.
  • Yearly 'Check-up from the Neck-up' program, strong peer support team, and confidential counseling services.
• High-quality, modern training promoting safety and professional development:
  • Over 100 hours of in-service and personalized training annually.
  • Outdoor gun range for sworn staff.
  • Evidence-based defensive tactics based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to minimize force, reduce injuries, and boost officer confidence.
  • Optional weekly onsite Jiu-Jitsu training sessions.
  • Partnerships with local Jiu-Jitsu academies offering free weekly classes and monthly women’s seminars.

Our department receives strong support from city staff, public officials, and community members. Join us where your public service will be valued and appreciated!

Interested in joining? Contact our recruitment supervisor, LT Sean Zauhar, at [e-mail] to schedule a ride-along and meet our staff.

1. Handles arrest situations and procedures, including determining violations, apprehending suspects, issuing citations, searching and booking suspects, transporting arrested persons, and providing warnings.
2. Monitors and controls hazardous roadway conditions, directing traffic, detouring, setting up roadblocks, investigating hazards, and performing immediate remedial actions.
3. Enforces driving laws through patrols, stop procedures, violation explanations, vehicle inspections, and citation issuance.
4. Conducts investigations, including interviewing witnesses, suspects, and victims, gathering information, interrogating suspects, taking statements, and processing crime scenes.
5. Controls crash scenes, providing emergency aid, directing traffic, and documenting the scene.
6. Responds to service requests and incidents, enforcing court orders, searching for suspects, and assisting involved parties.
7. Operates vehicles under emergency and tactical conditions, including pursuit driving and low-light operations.
8. Assists in emergencies, rescuing persons and property, evacuating scenes, providing medical aid, and coordinating with other emergency services.
9. Performs routine patrols, building checks, and monitors suspicious activities, aiding motorists and engaging with community members.
10. Interacts with victims, witnesses, and agencies, briefing and referring as needed.
11. Handles evidence and property seizure, handling, and documentation.
12. Completes reports and court documentation.
13. Engages in community education and outreach on issues like delinquency, drug abuse, and traffic safety.
14. Maintains vehicle condition and supplies, driving responsibly and using equipment safely.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Lateral Applicants Minimum Requirements:

• A.A. Degree with at least 2 years of law enforcement experience.
• Licensed or eligible for licensing by the Minnesota POST Board by start date.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license with an excellent driving record; no criminal convictions that bar licensure.
• Accelerated hiring and FTO process for lateral applicants.

Pay Rate: $41.29 - $55.07 hourly. New officers reach top pay by year four. Starting pay and PTO depend on qualifications and experience.