Police Officer

City of St. Louis Park•St. Louis Park, MN

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The St. Louis Park Police Department is a medium-sized agency with 63 sworn officers and nearly 100 total staff, offering career paths and opportunities to specialize. The department describes itself as a tight-knit agency serving a community that supports its police. The City states that its commitment to staff pay is 85% of the market group. The annual salary range is $89,039–$122,355, with an additional 3% raise starting January 1, 2027 and a shift differential for shifts worked from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. These compensation details are described as part of a tentative 2026 contract agreement. Signing bonuses total $5,000 for new candidates and $10,000 for lateral candidates, each paid in two installments after successful completion of field training and the one-year probationary period. The position preserves law and order, protects life and property, and enforces laws and ordinances consistently with the department’s mission and goals. Officers build problem-solving relationships with the public using the department’s community-oriented policing philosophy, and work with customers, city staff, and other city departments to help resolve problems and conflicts. Officers represent the City in a courteous, helpful, and professional manner. Out-of-state candidates must be qualified for Minnesota POST certification. Officers may pursue primary and secondary assignments. Primary assignments include patrol, behavioral health, traffic, training and administration, DWI enforcement, investigations, task forces, K9, school resource, community outreach, police analysis, and dispatch. Secondary assignments include SWAT, crisis negotiations, public order, drones, field training, advisory roles, instructor and armorer roles, and peer support. Officers may be assigned to one or more special assignments or a combination of assignments. The department describes a supportive environment in which supervisors know and support employees. Its culture and programs include on-duty workouts, a peer support team, annual mental health check-ins and follow-up services from an agency provider with law enforcement experience, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program, a generous flex leave program, and leadership development. The City is committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment.

Requirements

Hold a current Minnesota POST license, be eligible for licensure by March 31, 2027, or, for out-of-state candidates, meet out-of-state or military reciprocity requirements.
Hold a valid Minnesota driver’s license or be able to obtain one within 60 days of appointment.
Be eligible to carry a firearm in Minnesota.
Be able to present evidence and provide credible testimony in court.
Be able to learn the geography of St. Louis Park, including important buildings and the street system.
Be physically capable of performing the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
Out-of-state candidates must be qualified to be POST certified in Minnesota.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Law enforcement experience in a city with similar characteristics, size, and service delivery or response.

Responsibilities

Apply the department’s community-oriented policing philosophy and effectively articulate and use the SARA model.
Proactively patrol an assigned geographic area; maintain knowledge of the district and recognize neighborhood characteristics that affect crime and disorder.
Attend neighborhood meetings and consult with leaders in business and residential communities.
Respond to distress and emergency calls, administer first aid, and investigate and report traffic accidents as required.
Enforce city ordinances and state and federal laws fairly and uniformly in accordance with department policies and procedures.
Make arrests and conduct searches as required; transport prisoners safely under department policies.
Present testimony in court as required.
Investigate complaints concerning violations of ordinances and laws, including interviewing or interrogating witnesses and suspects and collecting and preserving evidence.
Maintain order at accidents and crime scenes and obtain signed statements when needed to support potential legal action with department investigators.
Use department equipment safely and responsibly, including firearms, automobiles, computers, radios, and radar.
Receive and disseminate information using communications equipment and systems, including computers, radios, phones, email, pagers, and recorders.
Prepare clear and accurate reports in accordance with department policies.
Serve warrants and subpoenas and perform other court administration functions as required.
Provide counsel, guidance, and service to the public when appropriate to promote understanding and cooperation.
Report significant law enforcement information to a sergeant or assigned supervisor, and to other staff, officials, or responsible people as appropriate.
Work as a team with department members and city personnel on problem-solving efforts.
Assist with inspections of liquor establishments and other licensed businesses as required.
Participate in or assist with training and activities beyond normal duties.
Provide technical assistance in an area of expertise when needed or assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.
Carry out one or more special assignments, as assigned.

Benefits

$5,000 signing bonus for new candidates, paid in installments after successful completion of field training and the one-year probationary period.
$10,000 hiring incentive for lateral candidates, paid in installments after successful completion of field training and the one-year probationary period.
Annual mental health check-in and follow-up services from an agency provider with law enforcement experience.
Generous flex leave program for time off.
On-duty workout opportunity.
Peer support team.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program.
Leadership development program.
Shift differential for shifts worked from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (tentative 2026 contract agreement).
Additional 3% raise starting January 1, 2027 (tentative 2026 contract agreement).