Police Officer (Lateral)

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 are dedicated to improving public safety through service, education, and enforcement.

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

So 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 as soon as your probationary period is completed.
  • Rotational investigative assignments include electronic crimes, postal inspections, & retail crime positions.
  • Behavioral health unit, crime scene team.
  • School resource officers.
  • Drug & violent crime task force.
  • SWAT team, K9, & training officer positions.
• Exceptional health & wellness programs.  
  • Contracted fitness coordinator who provides weekly team workouts and personalized fitness & nutrition programs. 
  • Patrol operations facility opens in 2025 with a state-of-the-art fitness & wellness center.
  • Yearly check-up from the neck-up program, strong peer support team & dept. contracted confidentialcounseling services.
• High-quality, modern training that promotes safety & professional development.
  • Each officer receives over 100 hours of in-service & personally selected training courses annually.
  • Outdoor gun range for sworn staff to use on or off-duty.
  • Evidence-based defensive tactics program based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu proven to minimize force, reduce injuries, & enhance officer confidence.
  • Optional weekly onsite Jiu-Jitsu training sessions. 
  • Through a collaborative partnership, officers can also attend weekly classes at our local Jiu-Jitsu academy at no cost. 
  • We also host monthly LE women’s only Jiu-Jitsu seminars.

Our department continually receives strong support from our city staff, local public officials and community members. So come join our team where you and your public service will be truly valued and appreciated!

Interested in joining our team? Want to learn more? Please reach out to our recruitment supervisor, LT Sean Zauhar at sean.zauhar@applevalleymn.gov. to schedule a ride along and meet our staff. 

1. Handles arrest situations and procedures, including but not limited to: deter­mining violation and planning method of arrest; apprehend­ing or arrest­ing sus­pects; issuing citations; searching and booking suspects; transporting arrested persons; and providing appropriate warn­ings to suspects.
2. Monitors and controls hazardous roadway conditions, including but not lim­ited to: directing vehicle and pedestrian traffic; detouring traffic; set­ting up roadblocks; investiga­ting hazardous parking; reporting haz­ardous road conditions; and performing immediate action to remedy hazar­dous condi­tions such as downed wires, traffic prob­lems, etc.
3. Enforces compliance with driving laws, including but not limited to: pa­trol­ling areas by vehicle and other means to observe parking and traffic violations; using pro­per stop procedures; explaining violations to offen­ders; assessing driver's ability to operate vehicle; inspecting vehicles for compliance with safety requirements; and issuing citati­ons.
4. Conducts initial and follow-up investigations, including but not limited to: interviewing witnesses, suspects, victims, speci­alists, etc.; gathering information; interrogating suspects; taking statements; conduc­ting searches, and pursuing and following possible leads or other information sources. Processes crime scenes, including: lifting prints; gathering physical evidence; and photo­graphing scene.
5. Controls scene of motor vehicle crashes and establishes proper priority at scene, including but not limited to: establishing key events; ad­ministering emergency aid; calling for supple­mentary aid; informing persons of reporting procedures; preparing field sketches and scale dia­grams; and directing traffic.
6. Responds to requests for service and takes appropriate action, including, but not lim­ited to: enforcing court orders; searching area for suspects; discussing incident with involved parties; advising victims of rights; and/or removing or restra­ining suspect.
7. Operates vehicles properly under emergency, tactical conditions, heavy traffic, and poor weather conditions, including, but not limited to: using appropriate quiet-response tech­niques; engaging in pursuit driving; and driving under low light conditions.
8. Responds and assists in emergency situations, including but not limited to: rescuing persons, properties, and premises; evac­uating, secur­ing and coordi­nating emergency scenes; providing emergency medical attention; and assisting other emer­gency units in the performance of their duties. Estab­lishes proper priorities at scene.
9. Performs routine non-emergency duties; including but not limited to: patrol­ling assigned areas; performing building checks; monitoring crime areas; patrolling parks, residential and commercial areas; obser­ving and monitoring suspicious activity; aiding motorists; and making contact with community members.
10. Interacts with victims, witnesses, survivors, and outside agencies, includ­ing but not limited to: briefing civilian specialists; notifying family of victims; and referring victims to appropriate agenci­es.
11. Confiscates and/or disposes of materials, evidence, vehicles or properties, including proper seizure, handling, packaging, and control.
12. Completes required reports and related documents, including but not limited to: completing initial and required follow-up invest­igative reports; prepar­ing motor vehicle crash investigation reports; and preparing for court.
13. Performs activities including problem solving and making the public aware of special areas of concern such as, delinquency, drug abuse, crime prevention, child abuse, and traffic safety through education, public speaking, and presentations.
14. Monitors and reports on vehicle condition and appearance. Requests necessary repairs. Restocks vehicle with supplies when appro­priate. Drives with due regard for safety and wear/damage to vehicle. Uses equipment responsibly.
15. Performs other duties consistent with the tasks of the position as assigned by the City.

Lateral Applicants Minimum Requirements: 

• A.A. Degree with a minimum of 2 years of law enforcement experience.
• Licensed or eligible to be licensed by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board by start date.
• Valid and unrestricted driver's license and excellent driving record; and no conviction of a crime that is a bar to licensure in Minnesota.
• Lateral applicants can anticipate an accelerated hiring & FTO process. 

Salary : $85,883 - $114,546