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Police Academy Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Police Academy Instructor information

See Minnesota salary details

$5

$23

$38

How much do police academy instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for police academy instructor in Minnesota is $23.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.48 and $29.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police academy instructor?

A Police Academy Instructor is responsible for training and educating new recruits and active law enforcement personnel. They teach various subjects, including firearms handling, criminal law, self-defense tactics, and departmental procedures. Instructors typically have extensive law enforcement experience and certifications in specialized training areas. Their role ensures that officers are prepared to uphold the law, handle real-world situations, and maintain public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police academy instructor?

To thrive as a Police Academy Instructor, you need substantial law enforcement experience, a deep understanding of criminal justice principles, and instructor certification, often supported by completion of specialized police training courses. Familiarity with firearms training simulators, defensive tactics equipment, and modern law enforcement technology is essential. Outstanding communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities help instructors engage recruits and foster a positive learning environment. These skills and qualifications ensure effective training, safety, and the professional development of new officers entering the field.

What are some typical challenges faced by police academy instructors?

Police Academy Instructors often encounter the challenge of balancing rigorous training standards with the diverse learning needs of recruits from various backgrounds. They must ensure that all trainees master critical skills under pressure while maintaining safety and discipline in both classroom and practical settings. Effective instructors also need to stay current with evolving law enforcement best practices and regulations, which requires ongoing professional development. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those passionate about shaping competent, ethical law enforcement professionals.

What are popular job titles related to Police Academy Instructor jobs in Minnesota?

For Police Academy Instructor jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Academy Instructor jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Academy Instructor jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Police Academy Instructor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,433 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Police Officer (Lateral & Traditional)

City of Brooklyn Park, MN

Brooklyn Park, MN • On-site

$93K - $129K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Enforce city ordinances, state and federal laws, and investigate violations according to department policies.

  • Pro-actively patrol assigned areas, recognize neighborhood issues, and seek to resolve public safety concerns.

  • Respond to emergency calls, conduct searches, make arrests, and maintain order at crime scenes, disturbances, or accidents.


Job description

Salary : $93,558.40 - $129,542.40 Annually
Location : Brooklyn Park Police Department - North Station, 5400 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN
Job Type: Regular Full-Time Benefit Eligible (40 Hours)
Job Number: 2026-00112-TW
Department: Police
Division: Police/Patrol Services/Patrol
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
Posting Type: Open to the public
Position Summary
Brooklyn Park Police Department is currently seeking traditional and lateral police officers for a January 2027 academy. Candidates must be POST eligible by January 8, 2027. The academy and field training process for lateral officers will be condensed based upon your prior law enforcement experience.
The primary responsibility of this position is to preserve law and order; to protect life and property and enforce laws and ordinances in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the Brooklyn Park Police Department and to create problem-solving relationships with the residents using a thorough knowledge of the department's community-oriented policing philosophy.
The 109 sworn officers that serve the community of Brooklyn Park with professionalism, integrity, and honor are openly supported by our residents, elected officials, and city administration. Brooklyn Park Police officers must demonstrate their commitment to our core values of Service, Justice and Courage. Candidates must have a desire to provide professional and impartial service to our diverse community. Candidates must uphold the principles of justice and demonstrate courage, integrity, and honor in all their actions.
Anticipated Hiring Wage - Traditional Officers
$44.98 per hour is our anticipated hiring wage for new officers. Officers will be paid a shift differential of $1.15 per hour worked if the majority of their shift is between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Newly hired officers will also receive 40 hours of front-loaded sick time.
Anticipated Hiring Wage - Lateral Officers
$48.44 - $57.67 per hour is the anticipated hiring wage for lateral officers.Officers will be paid a shift differential of $1.15 per hour worked if the majority of their shift is between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Specialconsideration will be given for special assignments previously held, such as SWAT, FTO, DT instructor, etc., size of the agency the candidate is transferring from, previous agency's annual calls for service, ability to speak additional languages and having a bachelor's or master's degree.
We are offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus to lateral officer candidates who have been employed as a full-time police officer within the last 12-months, with at least one-year of full-time licensed police officer experience. $2,500 will be paid with your first paycheck, and $2,500 will be paid upon successful completion of field training. Lateral officers will receive 48 hours of front-loaded vacation time. With department approval, lateral officers may be placed on the vacation accrual schedule recognizing up to four years of prior service. Lateral officers will also receive 40 hours of front-loaded sick time.
The Brooklyn Park Police Department offers progressive equipment, such as external vest carriers and drones. The department has a strong focus on overall officer wellness including workout on duty in a fully equipped onsite fitness facility.
If you are looking for exciting growth opportunities, we have K9 handlers, SWAT, CNT, general and juvenile investigations, community outreach, task force detectives, and many more positions. Candidates would be eligible for all special assignments and promotions after they successfully complete probation.
More information regarding the opportunities and benefits of being a police officer in Brooklyn Park is on our website at .
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Enforce city ordinances, state and federal laws in a fair and uniform manner that promotes and provides for public safety; investigate violations in a fair, impartial and just manner and according to established department policies and procedures
  • Knowledge of applicable constitutional law and prevailing court rulings regarding police authority and ability to maintain updates
  • Pro-actively patrol assigned areas; recognizes and seeks to resolve neighborhood issues that adversely affect public safety and livability
  • Respond to all emergency calls, conduct searches of persons and places as required, make arrests, and safely transport prisoners
  • Maintain order at crime scenes, disturbances, or accidents; interviews witnesses and interrogates suspects; collects and preserves evidence
  • Use and care of all firearms and weaponry relevant to patrol job assignment. Appropriately use assigned equipment such as firearms, automobiles, computers, radios, radar, etc. in a safe and responsible manner
  • Appropriately communicate information using computers, police radios, phones, email, and other technologies
  • Prepare clear, accurate and timely reports. Testify and present evidence in criminal and civil legal proceedings. Provides clear, respectful, and effective oral and written communication skills
  • Perform duties in a manner that promotes the legitimacy of the department to serve everyone in the community
  • Initiate and foster positive community relationships with businesses, community residents, and visitors. Commits and contributes to the success of the City's initiative to enhance the quality of life in Brooklyn Park
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum and Desired Qualifications
Education
  • Two (2) year or Associate's degree
  • Must be eligible for licensure under the rules and regulations of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)

Minimum Qualifications
  • Be a United States citizen, or have obtained lawful permanent residency (LPR) status, or completed the military naturalization process or have a pending citizenship application on file with the federal government
  • Must meet educational requirements or reciprocity standards of the
  • Must be a licensed MN Peace Officer or eligible to be licensed by the State of Minnesota pursuant to Eligible to be licensed is defined as having completed the academic and skills training required by state statutes
  • Trained in first aid and achieved a First Responder, or higher-level certification, as recorded by the Minnesota EMS Regulatory Board, or an equivalent first aid/first responder certification from another state
  • Possess a valid driver's license from this or another state or U.S. territory
  • Eligible to carry a firearm in Minnesota; reference
  • Successfully pass a drug test
  • Must be physically, medically, emotionally, and psychologically fit for full police duty. Fitness for duty is assessed by the City's occupational physicians and police psychologists after a conditional job offer is made
  • Successfully pass a background investigation with no bars to peace officer licensure in Minnesota
  • Convictions of the following WILL result in the rejection of police applicants: reference

Lateral Officers
  • Must have at least one-year full-time experience as a police officer
  • Must have successfully passed the probationary period at your current department
  • Must not have received discipline which resulted in the loss of pay or benefits within the last year

Licenses/Certifications
Must possess valid Driver's License without recent significant traffic violations
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of current police procedures and techniques and their appropriate application in various situations
  • Knowledge of basic first aid/life saving techniques
  • Knowledge of city ordinances, local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and codes relating to law enforcement activities and criminal law
  • Knowledge of principles of investigation and interrogation
  • Skill in effective and proper operation and maintenance of various weaponry/equipment used in police activities and the ability to complete required in-service firearms training, scheduled qualification, and other mandated P.O.S.T requirements
  • The ability to maintain composure in stressful situations
  • The ability to perform strenuous duties in emergency situations
  • The ability to perform work requiring a high degree of concentration and judgment in interpreting practices and procedures to solve problems
  • The ability to work independently and to prioritize work requests
  • The ability to plan and conduct training sessions
  • Knowledge of and ability to operate standard office software sufficient to manipulate data, draft reports and maintain records
  • Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences and to perform public speaking, and reading comprehension skills sufficient to read, understand and interpret varied work-related materials
  • Demonstrates the desired standard of conduct and work performance including confidentiality and privacy requirements of the Department
  • Exhibits a number of complex psychomotor skills, such as, but not limited to, safely driving a vehicle in normal and emergency situations, firing a weapon accurately under varied conditions, showing competence in self-defense and apprehension, maintaining agility, endurance, and strength
  • Must maintain the physical and mental fitness needed to perform the duties of a police officer
  • Manages stress that comes in a multitude of forms, such as pursuit driving, abusive behavior directed at the officer, violent behavior or treating victims of serious injuries or illness
  • Exhibits a high level of personal integrity and ethical conduct
  • Displays a professional and courteous manner in his/her conduct with the public, offenders, fellow officers, superiors, and the courts
  • Actions demonstrate concern for motorized and pedestrian traffic safety; responding quickly to accidents and taking proper actions to preserve life and protect property
  • Remains knowledgeable of patrol area and the city as a whole, including physical characteristics and normal routine of events
  • Consistently adheres to departmental policy regulating work activities and city safety policies including personnel protective equipment usage
  • Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction
  • Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement
  • Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion

Desired Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a volunteer
  • College level coursework
  • Bachelor's degree or higher
  • Previous experience working with youth, the disabled community, the elderly, or with drug/alcohol intervention issues
  • Experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds
  • Demonstrated commitment to a healthy lifestyle that includes an ongoing fitness plan/regimen
  • Previous experience working in a public law enforcement agency serving a diverse population
  • Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao, or Vietnamese language(s)
Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.
  • Core business hours are set by departments based on operational needs
  • Possible exposure to hazardous equipment, hazardous contaminants, hot or very cold temperatures
  • Regular exposure to hazardous situations and conditions and may be exposed to blood and body fluids, injury, visual and emotional trauma, traffic accidents, angry or violent individuals
  • Required to drive a vehicle, walk, speak intelligibly, hear, stand, frequently sit, use of hands, handle or feel, firmly grasp, reach with hands and arms, push, pull, twist, lift, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and perform repetitive motions
  • Requires the regular lifting/moving 25-50 pounds, occasionally 100 pounds, may be required to life/drag a victim
  • Must have specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
  • Must be physically capable of completing a physical ability test on an ongoing basis

Anticipated Work Schedule
Full-time, non-exempt, union position subject to a work schedule that includes a 12-hour work shift, to include evening, weekday, weekend and holiday hours.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must successfully pass all selection process events to include a comprehensive and thorough background investigation, a psychological exam, a police officer physical abilities test, a medical exam and a drug test.
Police Officer Physical Abilities Test
Brooklyn Park Police officer candidates who receive a conditional job offer will be referred to a NovaCare facility for a physical abilities WorkSteps test. For more information on testing, visit the League of Minnesota Cities website at:
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted