Position Details

Detroit Lakes, MN is a community with a population of 10,119, ideal for those pursuing large city amenities with a small town community feel. Are you and your family seeking an active outdoor lifestyle? The city encompasses both Big and Little Detroit, as well as Long Lake providing excellent fishing and recreational opportunities. Family entertainment for all ages is abundant with Detroit Mountain which provides downhill and cross country skiing as well as endless mountain biking trails right out our back door. The Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center has an Olympic sized pool, 140 foot waterslide and children’s indoor play area. Detroit Lakes also offers a 36-bed level III Trauma Center. The Public Schools have updated buildings, with incredible staff working hard to fulfill children’s education with Laker PRIDE (Purpose, Relationships, Innovation, Development, Equity). 

Fulltime Officer 2023 salary range $61,360 - $80,308 (2025 salary range $65,728 - $86,000). A competitive benefit package including the required uniforms and equipment.

Fulltime Benefits include:

• PERA – City contributes 17.7%; employee 11.8%
• $1.15 per hour shift differential pay between 6pm and 6am
• 12 hour work shifts
• 11 paid holidays each year and 1 day of personal leave
• $975 annual uniform allowance
• $1,500 contribution by the City to an employee Health Savings Account over first 2 years of employment
• Sick leave/Vacation Accrual according to union contract (LELS)
• Fully paid health insurance premiums for single coverage, City pays $1,550 per month for family coverage

Applicants must be licensed or eligible to be licensed by the Minnesota POST Board prior to appointment.

The Police Officer performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities.

Law Enforcement Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs security patrols, traffic control, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct. 

• Works independently during assigned shift using judgment to determine course of action to handle difficult and emergency situations.

• Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on emergencies or precedent. 

• Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances; 

• Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic, prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations and to otherwise serve and protect. 

• Responds to radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action. 

• Interrogates suspects, witnesses and drivers. Preserves evidence. Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene. 

• Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and questions victim, witnesses and suspects. Develops leads and tips. Searches scene of crimes for clues. Analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases and testifies in court proceedings. 

• Prepares a variety of reports and records including CFS reports, reports of investigation, field interrogation report, alcohol reports, influence reports, breathalyzer check list, bad check form, vehicle impoundment form, traffic hazard report, etc. 

• Undertakes community-oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse resistance education (DARE), traffic safety, etc. 

• Provides police officer service to Detroit Lakes School District overseeing more than 2,200 students.

• Investigates narcotic distribution related activities.

• Coordinates activities with other officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney’s office regarding cases, policies and procedures, as needed and assigned. 

• Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about Department activities.

• Serves special assignment roles that include School Resource Officer, Drug Task Force, and Investigator.

Ancillary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities. 

• Maintains contact with general public, court officials, and other City officials in the performance of police activities. 

• Serves as a member of various employee committees.

• Maintains professional knowledge and attends training, education and meetings.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the City.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices, trends and procedures of modern law enforcement.

• Working knowledge of local, state and federal statutes, laws and ordinances relevant to department operations.

• Knowledge of civil and criminal court proceedings.

• Knowledge of geography and road systems in the City of Detroit Lakes.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.

• Ability to use computers and relevant software.

• Ability to maintain effective public relations and deal with hostile, emotional or aggressive persons.

• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.

• Ability to work extended hours as necessary and subject to call-out 24/7.

• Skill in use of law enforcement equipment and vehicles.

• Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved.

• Ability to manage work requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking in adapting policies, procedures and methods to fit unusual and complex situations.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts to achieve organizational objectives in matters requiring cooperation, explanation and persuasion.

Education and Experience

A technical or Associate’s degree in law enforcement or a related field.

Requirements

• Current Minnesota P.O.S.T. License

• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License

• Firearms Certification

• Use of Force Training

• Taser Certification

• First Aid/CPR Certification

• Hazmat/blood borne pathogen training

Physical and Mental Requirements

Positions in this job typically require frequent sitting and standing, intermittent bending or stooping, walking, running, kneeling or squatting, and keyboarding. This position encounters unexpected and prolonged workdays, stress and pressure from dealing with emotional issues and conflicts. There is also sustained exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally moderate-duty and may require the exertion up to 100 pounds of force on occasion and the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and move objects and physically restrain individuals.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

Most work is performed in an office environment and throughout the community involving use of a City vehicle. There is occasional exposure to hot, cold or wet weather and some exposure to hostile, aggressive or assaultive behavior by members of the public. Frequent use of office equipment, radio, and squad.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All City Positions

• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with, all departmental and applicable City policies and procedures

• Demonstrate, by personal example, the spirit of service, excellence and integrity expected from all staff.

• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willingness to assist newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.

• Confer regularly with, and keep immediate supervisor informed of, all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.

• Represent the City of Detroit Lakes in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

• Possess an innovative spirit which can identify, develop and support improved methods, procedures or technologies.

. Candidates will be required to submit a City of Detroit Lakes Employment Application, Supplemental Questionnaire, Cover Letter and Resume to City Clerk at 106 Holmes Street East, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 or gfrench@cityofdetroitlakes.com Deadline for the application period is Wednesday September 20, 2023.

The City of Detroit Lakes does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or provision of services.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER