Police Officer

About Us: A Medium-Sized-Department with Big Opportunities

If you’re looking for a department that’s large enough to offer real career paths but small enough that you’re never just a number, the St. Louis Park Police Department strikes that balance perfectly. With 63 sworn officers and a total staff of nearly 100, we’re a tight-knit agency where you’re not just a number, serving a community that supports its police. That support shows up in meaningful ways—including the city’s commitment to ensuring staff are paid at 85% of their market group, reinforcing the value placed on the people who serve here.

Signing Bonus: $5,000 for new officers; $10,000 for experienced officers

$89,039 – $122,355 annually + Shift differential from 6pm-6am
(Tentative contract agreement for 2026)

Our pay scale is designed to attract and retain high-quality officers. Whether you’re a lateral looking for a department that recognizes your experience or a new recruit ready to start strong, you’ll find compensation here that matches the responsibility of the work.

Lateral Candidates
Lateral candidates will receive a total hiring incentive of $10,000, paid in two installments:
• $5,000 upon successful completion of field training
• $5,000 upon successful completion of the one-year probationary period

New Candidates
New candidates will receive a total hiring incentive of $5,000, paid in two installments:
• $2,500 upon successful completion of field training
• $2,500 upon successful completion of the one-year probationary period

One of the biggest advantages of a medium-sized department is access. You won’t wait years for a chance to grow or specialize. These aren’t distant possibilities—they’re real paths officers here take.
Our officers have real opportunities to pursue assignments such as:

Primary Assignments
•Patrol (35) Mix of 10 and 12 hour shifts, 14 out of 28 days off
•Behavioral Health Unit (2) Respond to Mental Health calls with the assistance of Social Worker and Community Response Medic
•Traffic Car (1) Traffic enforcement, Targeted Enforcement due to community concerns
•Training Officer and Admin Sgt. (2) Develop, Track, Assign and Deliver Training
•Dwi Car (1) DWI Enforcement, DRE
•Investigations (8) Mix of 8 and 10 hour shifts
•Drug Task Force (1) Embedded in Hennepin County DTF
•Secret Service Task Force (1) Electronics Crimes Expert
•Violent Crime Reduction Unit (1) Embedded in BCA VCRU
•Police K9 (2) 2 bomb dogs, 1 cross training with SWAT
•School Resource Officer (2) High School and Middle School
•Community Outreach (2)
•Police Analyst (1) Investigative analyst non-sworn
•Dispatch (10) Independent Dispatch Center for SLP

Secondary Assignments
•SWAT (13) Full SWAT team and consortium connection to Minnetonka, Edina, Hopkins, Eden Prairie
•Crisis Negotiations (7) Full CNT Team and consortium connection to Minnetonka, Edina, Hopkins, Eden Prairie
•Public Order Team (10) Works with West Command to include most of the Hennepin County Agencies.
•Drone Team (10) Patrol-Based Team, with routine training
•FTO (8) Train our new officers
•Law Enforcement Memorial Association Officer (1)
•Auto Theft Task Force Officer (1)
•Explorer Advisors (4)
•Reserve Advisors (2)
•Use of Force Instructor
•Firearms Instructor
•Firearms Armorer
•Peer Support Team (8) Trained Peer Support Members, Professional, Compassionate and Trusted People to help Employees with Wellness

A Culture That Invests in You
•Work out on Duty
•Peer Support Team
•Annual Mental Health Check-in and follow-up services provided by agency provider with Law Enforcement Experience
•Brazilian Ju Jitsu Program
•Generous Flex Leave Program for time off
•Leadership Development Program

About the position:
Accepting candidates who may not be POST eligible until August 31st, 2026. For out of state candidates, you must be qualified to be POST certified in Minnesota.
Preserve law and order, protect life and property, and enforce laws and ordinances in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the St. Louis Park Police Department. Create problem-solving relationships with customers using a thorough knowledge of the department’s community-oriented policing philosophy. Work directly with customers, staff, and other city departments to assist in resolving problems/conflicts. Represent the city with a courteous, helpful and professional manner.

You’ll work in an environment where supervisors know you, support you, and want you to succeed. The City of St. Louis Park is committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment.

• Apply the St. Louis Park Police Department’s community-oriented policing philosophy and articulates and utilizes the SARA model effectively.

• Pro-actively patrol an assigned geographic area. Maintain knowledge of assigned district and recognize neighborhood characteristics which affect the incidence of crime and disorder. Regularly attend neighborhood meetings and consult with leaders in both business and residential communities.

• Respond to all distress or emergency calls, administer first aid, and investigate and report traffic accidents as required.

• Enforce city ordinances and state and federal laws in a fair and uniform manner according to established department policies and procedures.

• Make arrests and searches as required. Safely transport prisoners as required in accordance with approved department policies. Present testimony as required in court.

• Investigate complaints concerning violations of various city ordinances and state and federal laws including interviewing/interrogating witnesses or suspects and collect and preserve evidence. Maintain order at accidents or crime scenes and obtain signed statements when deemed necessary to support potential legal action in conjunction with department investigators.

• Use assigned equipment available through the department in a safe and responsible manner, i.e., firearms, automobiles, computers, radios, radar, etc. Disseminate and receive information through telecommunication duties including but not limited to computers, radios, phones, email, pagers, and recorders.

• Prepare clear and accurate reports in accordance with department policies.

• Serve warrants, subpoenas, or other court administration functions as required.

• Recognize opportunities and when appropriate, provide counsel, guidance, and service to the public as a means of developing community understanding and cooperation (public relations).

• Report significant law enforcement information to sergeant or assigned supervisor. May also report significant information to other staff, officials, or responsible person(s) as needed based on the situation.

• Demonstrate commitment to teamwork when working with other police department members and various city personnel on problem solving efforts.

• Assist with inspection of liquor establishments and other license inspections as required.

• Participate and assist in training or extra activities beyond the normal functions.

• Provide the department with technical assistance, as needed or assigned, in area of expertise.

• Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.

• Officers may be assigned to one or more special assignments or a combination of special assignments.

• Review overall qualifications here: https://mn.gov/post/applicants/generalinformation/
• Current POST license, eligible for POST license by August 31st, 2026 or for out of state candidates, meets out of state or military reciprocity requirements.
• Valid MN driver’s license (or ability to obtain within 60 days of appointment).
• Eligible to carry firearm in Minnesota.
• Ability to
  • Present evidence and offer credible testimony as required in court.
  • Learn the geography of St. Louis Park, including important buildings and the street system.
    
• Physically capable of performing essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
• Experience with law enforcement in city with similar characteristics and size and service delivery/response.