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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Marshall, MN ยท On-site

$36.42 - $48.15/hr

Police Department Opening Date: 08/07/2026 Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Central Summary of ... hire. Entry-level officers are hired at Step A and advance one step each year. Lateral-entry ...

Police Officer

Marshall, MN ยท On-site

$36.42 - $48.15/hr

... hire. Entry-level officers are hired at Step A and advance one step each year. Lateral-entry ... Summary of Police Officer position: To protect and promote public safety throughout the City ...

Lateral Police Officer

Duluth, MN ยท On-site

$89K/yr

Instruct entry-level personnel as Field Training Officer. B. Participate in Special Operations ... police officer working in a law enforcement capacity: A. Possess a valid license for Peace Officer ...

Instruct entry-level personnel as Field Training Officer. B. Participate in Special Operations ... police officer working in a law enforcement capacity: A. Possess a valid license for Peace Officer ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Police Officer information

See Minnesota salary details

$31.8K

$60.9K

$101.4K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Minnesota is $60,869.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level police officer?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level police officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What does an entry level police officer do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Officer vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,869 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Police Officer

City of Marshall, MN

Marshall, MN โ€ข On-site

$36.42 - $48.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Salary: $36.42 - $48.15 Hourly
Location : 344 West Main Street, Marshall, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00015
Divison: Public Safety
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Summary of Position
Thank you for your interest in employment as a Police Officer with the City of Marshall! The City is accepting applications for an open full-time position and will also establish an eligibility roster for future full-time and part-time hiring purposes. Consider joining an employer that Cultivates the Best in Us!
The Marshall Police Department offers a robust 14-week field training program for new officers. The Department also offers opportunities for growth and a variety of assignments, including but not limited to: field training officer, ALICE instructor, firearms instructor, use of force instructor, taser instructor, emergency vehicle operator instructor, Cellbrite technician, Emergency Response Unit (ERU), School Resource Officer, drone operator, investigations, etc.
Apply today!
  • Complete the on-line employment application.
  • Upload a copy of your Eligibility Letter or Peace Officer License.
  • Optional: A resume is not required to apply; applicants may submit a resume in addition to a completed Employment Application.
  • Lateral entry credit not exceeding 3 years based on previous experience as a patrol officer or sheriff deputy will be considered for qualifying applicants.
Applicants do not need to be MN Post licensed or eligible at the time of testing, but must be licensed or eligible by the date of hire. Licensing information is available through the MN Post Board.
Ready to learn more? Reach out to to schedule a tour of our PD, schedule a ride-a-long, or to ask any questions you may have.
HIRING PROCESS
The hiring process includes an oral test (interview) and an extensive background investigation. The highest scoring candidates will be invited to a final interview.
Eligibility for hire is conditional upon successful passage of a psychological examination, physical agility test, medical examination, and drug screening to determine suitability for employment.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship.
*The City reserves the right to amend the hiring process.
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to: or 507-537-6790.
Compensation and Benefits Package:
The City offers a competitive wage and benefit package to full-time employees that includes: paid leave time, health, vision, and dental insurances, VEBA/HSA accounts with an Employer contribution, life insurance, LTD insurance, a Health Care Savings Plan, an Employee Assistance Program, deferred compensation options, and a public employee retirement pension plan (PERA). Full-time employees are eligible for benefits on the first of the month after day of hire.
Entry-level officers are hired at Step A and advance one step each year.
Lateral-entry officers/deputies may be placed higher, up to Step C, based on previous experience and other relevant factors.
2026 Pay Schedule
Step A (entry)Step BStep CStep DStep EStep FStep GStep HStep IStep J36.4237.6038.7639.9341.1142.2843.7345.2146.6648.15
2027 Pay Schedule (4% increase)
Step AStep BStep CStep DStep EStep FStep GStep HStep IStep J37.8839.1040.3141.5342.7543.9745.4847.0248.5350.08
Schedule for Full-time Police Officers:
Our schedule consists of rotating 10-hour shifts that allow for every other weekend off.
Summary of Police Officer position:
To protect and promote public safety throughout the City through enforcement of all federal, state, and local laws; the preservation of public peace; the protection of life and property; the prevention of crime; and the detection and apprehension of violators of the law. Assist in the judicial process by reporting the facts of investigations to the prosecuting attorneys, and by testifying in court.
Essential Functions
  1. Operate a patrol vehicle for the enforcement of traffic & criminal laws, for prevention of such violations by providing visibility, and provide for security of persons and property within the City. Patrol in an effort to prevent traffic accidents that cause property damage, personal injuries, and fatalities, as well as financial losses to the City.
  2. Investigate complaints of criminal activity, disturbances to public peace, etc.; determine whether those complaints are criminal or civil in nature, providing direction and working with the complainants to resolve the complaints.
  3. Gather information relating to the investigation of crimes and non-criminal incidents. Prepare detailed written/typed reports for the use of prosecutors, Courts, Probation, Human Services, Detective's Division, the State of MN, and other agencies.
  4. Review Offense Reports, I.C.R.'s, memos, e-mails, and other pertinent information to keep abreast of recent criminal activity and complaints to assist in the prevention of future criminal activity.
  5. Provide training, instruction, and mentoring for the 14-week Field Training Program to new sworn personnel; provide on-going in-service training and attend training sessions mandated by Department Policy, State Law, and P.O.S.T. Board requirements, along with voluntary training that assists the department and the needs of the public.
  6. Provide additional traffic control and security for public events and emergency situations.
  7. Testify in court as to the facts and results of investigations.
  8. Operate special equipment for the assistance of the public, such as: unlock car doors, capture animals running loose and to detain them, and to prevent injury to the public by capturing and disposing of wild animals.
  9. Deliver presentations to the general public including but not limited to: the school district, various civil organizations and public groups.
  10. Perform specialized duties and community training, as assigned. These include but are not limited to: ALICE Instruction, Emergency Response Unit (ERU), Department Firearms Instruction, Department Use of Force Instruction, Department Taser Instruction, Department Emergency Vehicle Operator Instruction, Drone Operator, Cellebrite Technician, etc.
  11. Perform other duties as assigned.
  12. Attendance is an essential function of this position.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Compile information concerning criminal activity, prevention techniques, and public safety concerns, as requested, for the Director, other Officers, other government agencies, the public, and the City Council.
  2. Coordinate community programs, as assigned. These include but are not limited to: TZD: Toward Zero Deaths program, Citizen's Academy presentations, etc.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualifications and Competencies
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A. Eligibility to be licensed as a Minnesota Peace Officer.
B. Must have a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license.
C. Successful completion of civil service examination and background check.
D. Successful completion of the department's Field Training Program and probationary period as established by the City Personnel Policy.
E. Must reside within a twenty (20) minute travel/response time while obeying all traffic laws and speed limits to the Joint Law Enforcement Center located at 611 West Main Street.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
A. Two-year (AA or AAS) degree in Law Enforcement or related field.
B. Law enforcement experience is preferred.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of the objectives of law enforcement and community relations.
  • Knowledge of statutes, ordinances, department policies, and regulations pertaining to Police work.
  • Knowledge of firearms.
  • Knowledge of first aid procedures.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and remain clear and rational in times of extreme duress.
  • Ability to learn and apply modern Police procedures and techniques, principles of investigation and interrogation, and applicable laws, ordinances, and policies.
  • Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper courses of action under a variety of circumstances dealing with the entire spectrum of human behaviors.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
General supervision of interns and department officers undergoing field training.
When serving as a Field Training Officer (FTO) provide direction, supervision, and continuously evaluate the trainee's performance. As a FTO, responsible to make recommendations to the Field Training Supervisor on a trainee's release, extension, or termination from the program.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
General to limited supervision by the on-duty shift supervisor.
PUBLIC CONTACTS
Continuous contacts with the general public, the Courts and other law enforcement agency personnel.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Performing the duties of this job require the use of equipment including but not limited to: motor vehicle, radar, Alco-Sensor, first aid and oxygen delivery systems, AED's, firearms, radios, emergency lighting, sirens, camera equipment, fire extinguishers, lockout tools, tire deflation devices, Tasers, computer, and Microsoft Office software.
Contact Human Resources for the Physical Requirements and Working Conditions form.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY/EEO POLICY
The City of Marshall provides equal employment opportunity in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, directives, and regulations. The City will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of any class protected by state or federal law.
Additional Information
This position is represented by the Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., LELS 190.
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to: HR@ci.marshall.mn.us or 507-537-6790. EOE.
CITY OF MARSHALL, MINNESOTA
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SUMMARY LELS Local 190
2026
INTRODUCTION
This summary is a highlight of the benefits offered for LELS Local 190 employees. This Employee Benefits Summary is not an official summary plan description and is not intended to-and does not-provide full details of the plans described. Full details are contained in the official plan documents, the City's Personnel Policies, and in respective collective bargaining agreements, as applicable. If any representations made in this summary or by City Human Resources differ from the plan documents, the plan documents prevail. The City of Marshall reserves the right to terminate, amend, eliminate, or replace its benefit plans at its discretion and at any time, subject to collective bargaining laws.
Vacation Leave
Employees receive a generous amount of vacation leave based on length of service.
0 to 4 years=80 hours
Start of year 5=120 hours
Start of year 10=144 hours
Start of year 15=160 hours
Start of year 20=200 hours
*Days are based on employees working 8-hour shifts.
Paid Holidays
New Year's Day January 1st
Martin Luther King 3rd Monday in January
President's Day 3rd Monday in February
Memorial Day last Monday in May
Juneteenth June 19th
Independence Day July 4th
Labor Day 1st Monday in September
Veterans Day November 11th
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November
Christmas Day December 25th
2 Floating Holidays Employee chooses dates
*Floating holidays are pro-rated in first year of employment.
Sick Leave
The City offers a paid sick leave benefit in the event of an employee's illness, injury, or for safety leave. Sick leave may also be used for immediate family illness / injuries and medical appointments in accordance with Minnesota laws. All full-time employees earn paid sick leave at a rate equal to 8 hours per month. Reference the Personnel Policy manual for accrual maximums. Upon retirement / resignation from the City, unused accumulated sick leave is distributed to an employee in accordance with the schedule provided in the Personnel Policy manual.
Personal Leave
Full-time employees are granted 12 hours each calendar year (no carryover) to conduct personal business (i.e., appointments, attendance at a funeral, etc.).
Funeral / Bereavement Leave
Employees are granted a maximum of 3 consecutive working days for each emergency, up to 40 hours per calendar year (no carryover), for funeral/bereavement leave.
Medical Insurance
The City offers comprehensive medical/health insurance to eligible employees through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBS). Insurances become effective the 1st of the month following a new employee's date of hire for eligible employees (full-time classification).
2026 Employee Premium for Single Coverage: $134.90 per month
2026 Employee Premium for Family Coverage: $428.40 per month
Health Savings Account (HSA)
An HSA account is a tax-advantaged account for individuals who are covered under high-deductible health plans to help pay for current or future eligible medical expenses