Patrol Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

** Communication for this position will be through email. You will receive an email shortly after you complete your application. If you do not receive this email, check your spam/junk folder.  If the email is there, mark the email as Not Spam (or however this works with your provider) so that you can stay informed as we go through this hiring process. ** 
Join a Department That Feels Like Home — Become a Police Officer with Elk River PD
Are you ready to serve a community that backs its police department with pride, respect, and resources? The City of Elk River is hiring a full-time Police Officer who is committed to service, integrity, and professionalism.

This is more than just a job. This is your opportunity to make a difference, advance your career, and become part of a department that truly feels like family.

 Why Choose Elk River PD?

We offer more than a badge — we offer a future.

• Outstanding Compensation 
• Starting at $43.13/hour 
• 2026 salary range: $37.37 – $54.75/hour 
• Top pay reached in just 2 years 
• Veteran’s Administration OJT Program Certified-Qualified veteran’s able to utilize GI bill funds during field training
• Opportunities for Advancement 
• Specialty units include:
  SWAT • K-9 • Bike Team • Honor Guard • Detective Unit • Drug Task Force • Drone Unit• SRO/Juvenile Detective and more
• Comprehensive Support & Benefits 
• Tuition reimbursement: Up to $3,000/year
• Full uniforms and gear issued (including LBVs)
• Access to City fitness facilities
• Wage Incentive Program (WIP) Bi-annual check pays 1-3% of base salary if all requirements are met
• Abundant overtime opportunities
• Lateral Officer Perks 
• Accelerated wage schedule
• Vacation: 120 hours front-loaded 
• Sick leave: 96 hours front-loaded 
• Fast-track to top patrol pay-qualified candidates may be eligible for immediate top-patrol pay status

 Who We’re Looking For

• A valid full-time POST license by the date of hire
• A valid MN driver’s license (or ability to obtain)
• A strong moral compass, clean driving record, and a desire to serve
• Ability to pass comprehensive background, psychological, and physical exams

Whether you’re new to law enforcement or seeking a department that truly supports your career and well-being — Elk River PD is where purpose meets opportunity.

 Watch our recruitment video – We are ERPD Recruiting Video.

 Important Notices

• Candidates who have applied within the last 12 months will not be considered.
• Candidates terminated from another department or who resigned in lieu of termination are not eligible.
• If you need accommodations during the application process, contact Human Resources at 763.635.1000.
• The City of Elk River is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Police Officer Position Description 

Department/Division:  Police

Immediate Supervisor:  Police Sergeant

Pay Grade:  Union LELS 231

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Last Updated: 4/2017

Positions Supervised:  N/A

Position Summary
The Police Officer works under the direction of the Police Sergeant and under the general direction of the Patrol Captain or the Police Chief.  Participates in law enforcement efforts that include police and patrol duties, crime prevention and investigation, emergency response, and public assistance.

Essential Functions

1. Performs patrol duties.

• Detects and responds to law violations and hazards to public safety.
• Checks business and residential areas for signs of vandalism.
• Maintains high visibility and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Assists in the resolution of civil disputes or disruptions.
• Maintains good community relations through communication and interaction with citizens and business people.
• Works with department guidelines set out by training, policies, procedures, and performance standards.

2. Performs traffic law enforcement duties.

• Enforces law governing the operation of motor vehicles and their operators and laws relating to bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
• Observes and corrects hazards to motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
• Assists disabled or distressed motorists.
• Investigates motor vehicle accidents.
• Works within the framework set down by state statutes, case law and constitutional law.

3. Responds to crime locations/reports.

• Responds to and secures crime scenes; directs other responding units; identifies, obtains, and secures evidence.
• Responds to and takes reports of crimes committed and criminal activity.
• Completes follow-up investigation when possible, interviews witnesses, suspects and others.
• Takes appropriate action regarding the violator such as warning, citation, or arrest.
• Identifies and interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects.
• Prepares crime reports and assists the investigator as needed.
• Assists prosecuting attorneys with the preparation of suit as directed; testifies; and coordinates the appearance of witnesses.

4. Performs administrative activities.

• Assists in maintaining department equipment.
• Compiles reports and statistical law enforcement data as directed.
• Compiles statistical law enforcement data as directed.
• Maintains a good working knowledge of constitutional law, state law, case law, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures to effectively perform the required tasks and duties.

5. Performs other essential job duties.

• Regular and timely work attendance.
• Follows all safety procedures.
• Participates in safety training.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge, skill, and ability to effectively use personal and departmental equipment.
• Skill to communicate effectively with a variety of groups such as youth, business people, and seniors.
• Skill in gathering appropriate information through interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects and contacting other law enforcement agencies.
• Skill in operating a police vehicle in all kinds of weather conditions and situations.
• Ability to comprehend and apply federal, state, county, and city criminal, traffic, and other civil laws.
• Ability to prepare routine reports, case files, and correspondence.
• Ability to work under adverse conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid full-time POST license by the date of application.
• First responder certification or ability to obtain within six months.
• Valid driver’s license at application. Valid Minnesota driver’s license at time of appointment.
• Must meet all state-mandated requirements and local policies such as a physical examination and criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two- or four-year degree in law enforcement related field.

Police Officer Physical Requirements

Physical Requirement                          Frequency

ESSENTIAL
Standing or Walking                               Daily
Sitting                                                        Daily
Bending or Stooping                              Daily
Crouching or Kneeling                           Daily
Pushing/Pulling                                       Daily
Repetitive Movements                           Daily
Twisting/Turning                                     Daily
Working in Confined Spaces                 Daily
Operating a Vehicle                                 Daily
Physically Grappling w/Others              Daily
Running                                                     Daily
Lifting Objects Above Shoulder             Weekly or Monthly
Lifting Objects Waist to Shoulder         Daily
Lifting Objects Knee to Waist                Daily
Lifting Objects Floor to Knee                 Daily
Carrying Objects                                      Daily
Exposure to Temperature Extremes     Daily
Use of Weapon or Explosives                 Weekly or Monthly
Operation of Telephone/Radio               Daily
Machinery Operation                               Daily
Equipment Operation                              Daily
Computer/Typewriter Operation           Daily
Requires Good Vision                               Daily
Requires Good Color Vision                    Daily
Requires Good Night Vision                    Daily
Requires Large Motor Skills                    Daily
Requires Fine Motor Skills                       Daily
Requires Depth Vision                              Daily
Requires Peripheral Vision                      Daily
Requires Far Vision                                   Daily
Requires Near Vision                                Daily
Requires Good Hearing                           Daily
Requires Sense of Smell                          Daily
Requires Sense of Touch                         Weekly or Monthly
Balancing                                                   Daily

HIGHLY IMPORTANT
Working at Heights                                   Weekly or Monthly
Exposure to Irritants/Fumes                   Weekly or Monthly
Requires Ability to Taste                           Weekly or Monthly

MODERATELY IMPORTANT
Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals          Rare

This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.

This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment. 

 Application Deadline:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews will be scheduled as they are received. This position remains open until it is filled.