Police Officer - Lateral

City of Rochester•Mn 55901, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Rochester is seeking experienced law enforcement officers for Lateral Police Officer positions. Lateral candidates are those who have sufficient full-time experience as a police officer, sheriff's deputy, state trooper, or a comparable sworn law enforcement role. Eligible candidates may be offered an expedited training program with the Rochester Police Department. The department will assess prior law enforcement experience, training, job knowledge, and demonstrated skills to determine lateral entry eligibility. Starting salary for lateral officers will be based on relevant experience, job knowledge, and skill level. The application requires a cover letter and resume. The Rochester Police Department emphasizes community policing, officer well-being, and core values of integrity, service, compassion, respect, and innovation. Lateral officers are expected to be hired in the fall/winter of 2026. Applications not eligible for lateral hire will be held until early 2027. Initial training will be Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, to meet POST board requirements and prepare for patrol operations. After initial training, lateral officers will undergo field training on patrol shifts, which may include 12-hour day, evening, or overnight shifts based on departmental needs. The 2026 wage range is $40.52 to $56.17 per hour. This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester. Applications close on September 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position.

Requirements

Complete application online and include both a cover letter and a resume.
Possess a valid Minnesota Peace Officer license or be eligible to be MN POST licensed by their start/hire date.
Possess a valid driver's license.
Have prior experience as a licensed Minnesota police officer or qualify for reciprocity under MN POST rules with experience as a police officer in another state.
U.S. Citizen
Shall not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, or any offense in any other state or federal jurisdiction, which would have been a felony if committed in this state.
Is not required to register as a predatory offender.
Has not been convicted of an offense that would prohibit licensure by the MN POST Board.
Must be free from any physical or psychological condition which might adversely affect the performance of the duties required of the position of Police Officer.
Must be a licensed MN Peace Officer or eligible to be licensed by the State of Minnesota pursuant to MN Statute 626.84-626.89 and MN RULES 6700.0100 – 6700.1900.
Eligible to be licensed is defined as having completed the academic and skills training required by Minnesota Statutes.
Every licensed peace officer is required by MN RULES 6700.1000 to complete forty-eight (48) hours of Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board approved education during each three-year licensing period.

Nice To Haves

Have an "active" license in the State of Minnesota, meaning that applicant has met the State of Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board approved requirements for obtaining and maintaining a valid license; OR
Have an “inactive” peace officer license in the State of Minnesota, meaning that the applicant has previously held an “active” license and is eligible to reactivate it in this state; OR
Have successfully completed the MN POST Board approved professional Peace Officer education and skills requirements and passed the State of Minnesota “Peace Officer Licensing Examination” prior to their first day of employment; OR
Have completed basic police training or certification requirements in another state with which Minnesota has reciprocity, meaning that an out-of-state applicant has been found to be eligible to take the licensing examination in Minnesota or who has left Minnesota law enforcement prior to licensing; or has relevant military experience, AND pass the MN POST reciprocity exam prior to their first day of employment.

Responsibilities

Embrace community policing as a philosophy and demonstrate these principles as part of their organizational culture.
Provide fair and impartial law enforcement services.
Treat people with dignity and respect.
Remain neutral and transparent in their decision-making, and give individuals a voice through their interaction and engagement with the community.
Strive to reduce crime and do their part to foster a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit.
Pledge to preserve peace, deliver emergency services, protect life and property, and enforce laws and ordinances.