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Police Captain Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Police Captain

White Bear Lake, MN ยท On-site

$124K - $167K/yr

The Police Captain position involves a combination of administrative, supervisory, command and field responsibility. The position requires the ability to regularly lift and carry objects weighing up ...

Supervision Received Works under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant assigned to the shift and under the general guidance of the Captain and the Chief of Police. Supervision Exercised None.

Police Officer

Bemidji, MN ยท On-site

$74K - $94K/yr

Works under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant assigned to the shift and under the general guidance of the Captain and the Chief of Police. Supervision Exercised * None. In addition to ...

Police Officer

Elk River, MN ยท On-site

$43.13/hr

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 ...

Police Officer

Elk River, MN ยท On-site

$43.13/hr

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 ...

Police Officer

Elk River, MN ยท On-site

$51 - $76/hr

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 ...

Public Safety Officer

Northfield, MN ยท On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Reports to the Corporal, Captain, Associate Director of Public Safety, Director of Public Safety * This position does not supervise anyone. Required Qualifications: * Education: * High school diploma ...

Public Safety Officer

Northfield, MN ยท On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Reports to the Corporal, Captain, Associate Director of Public Safety, Director of Public Safety * This position does not supervise anyone. Required Qualifications: * Education: * High school diploma ...

Police Captain information

See Minnesota salary details

$48K

$127.5K

$206.2K

How much do police captain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for police captain in Minnesota is $127,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,200.00 and $168,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police captain?

Police Captains are senior law enforcement officers who oversee and manage the operations of a police department or a specific division within it. They are responsible for supervising personnel, developing policies, coordinating investigations, and ensuring that their units comply with laws and departmental procedures. Police Captains also serve as liaisons between upper management and lower-ranking officers, and often represent their department in community meetings or public events. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining discipline, efficiency, and public trust within the police force.

What does a police captain do?

A police captain is a high-level officer in a police department who is typically responsible for an entire district or precinct. As a police captain, you answer to the police chief. Your job duties include allocating budget resources to each section of your division, analyzing crime data to determine trends in your area, and providing information to the press about ongoing or resolved investigations. You need strong leadership skills and significant experience as a police officer to be eligible for a job as a police captain.

How does a police captain typically support the professional development of their team members?

A Police Captain plays a pivotal role in mentoring and evaluating officers, providing regular feedback and guidance to promote both individual and team growth. Captains often identify training opportunities, facilitate workshops, and encourage officers to pursue specialized certifications or leadership programs. They also help set career goals during performance reviews and foster an environment where team members feel empowered to advance within the department. This supportive approach not only enhances team effectiveness but also strengthens retention and morale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Captain, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management systems, incident reporting software, and completion of advanced supervisory training or certifications such as FBI National Academy are often required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills help you lead teams effectively and maintain public trust. These competencies are essential for ensuring operational efficiency, upholding departmental standards, and fostering community safety.

What is the difference between Police Captain vs Police Lieutenant?

AspectPolice CaptainPolice Lieutenant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experienceHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple precincts or divisions, administrative dutiesManages specific units or shifts, field supervision
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPolice Captain vs Police Lieutenant

The main difference between a Police Captain and a Police Lieutenant lies in their level of responsibility and scope of oversight. Police Captains typically oversee entire divisions or multiple precincts and focus on administrative and strategic planning. Police Lieutenants usually manage specific units or shifts, with a more direct role in field supervision. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to law enforcement hierarchies, but their duties and areas of focus differ significantly.

Is it hard to be a police captain?

Being a police captain is a challenging role that requires extensive experience in law enforcement, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage personnel and operations effectively. It often involves long hours, high-pressure decision-making, and a thorough understanding of departmental policies and community relations.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Police Captain jobs in MN?

For Police Captain jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police Captain job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,522 per year, or $61.3 per hour.

Police Captain

City of White Bear Lake, MN

White Bear Lake, MN โ€ข On-site

$124K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary : $124,446.40 - $167,481.60 Annually
Location : White Bear Lake
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600021
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/2/2026 12:00 PM Central
We welcome you as an applicant for employment with the City of White Bear Lake It is the City of White Bear Lake's policy to provide equal opportunity in employment. The City of White Bear Lake will not discriminate on the basis of race (including traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locs and twists) color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, local human rights commission activity or any other basis protected by law.
Please furnish complete information, so we may accurately and completely assess your qualifications. You may attach any other information which provides additional detail about your qualifications for employment in the position you seek. Please refer to the Applicant Data Practices Advisory for guidance regarding how your application information will be used, the consequences of providing or not providing your information, and more.
The City of White Bear Lake accommodates qualified persons with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the application process. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact Sara Weber at sweber@whitebearlakemn.gov or 651-429-8504.
Opportunity
**INTERNAL POSTING ONLY**This is an internal opportunity open only to eligible current employees of the department who meet the established qualifications for the position.
This position provides administrative and supervisory support to the Police Chief in the overall administration of the Police Department. The Police Chief serves as the first assistant to the Police Chief and assumes full command of the department in the Police Chief's absence.
Responsibilities include planning, directing, and supervising Police Sergeants, Police Officers, Community Service Officers, and administrative staff. The position is responsible for directing and overseeing all field operations, including patrol and investigations, as assigned, in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Police Chief.
Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Police Chief.
Salary Range: $59.83/hour - $80.52/hour (Grade J)
Schedule:
Subject to a variety of schedules which includes a standard forty (40) hour work week plus a variety of evening and weekend meetings: i.e. City Council, Civil Service Commission, civic organizations, project meetings, and community groups. On call with an expectation to physically respond to critical incidents.
Union Representation: Non-Union
Examples of Typical Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
  • Understand and apply the Community Oriented Policing philosophy of the White Bear Lake Police Department in the performance of police duties.
  • Provide credible testimony and/or evidence at trials, hearings, and before grand juries, as required.
  • Maintain a strong code of ethics of the highest standard of conduct while on and off duty.
  • Ensure proper investigative follow-up when needed, and coordinates prosecution with the proper prosecutor in compliance with judicial and department rules.
  • Plan, direct, command, and supervise personnel, operations, and activities of patrol, investigations and administration. Ensure employee compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and takes appropriate corrective action as needed.
  • Develop, modify, and maintain a schedule for Department personnel in a manner that will ensure necessary minimum coverage while achieving maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Assists in other staffing needs as necessary.
  • Supervise departmental inspections and internal affairs functions.
  • Analyze crime and call for service data and initiates staffing changes and techniques that will have the maximum impact on reducing criminal activity and increasing public safety.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate strategic planning initiatives and department programs and activities, including crime prevention programs.
  • Coordinate the formal written and ongoing informal performance evaluation of Police Officers and Community Service Officers conducted by Police Sergeants; conducts performance evaluations of Police Sergeants and administrative staff.
  • Identify training needs of the department and its members and make recommendations to the Police Chief.
  • Actively participate in County/Regional partnerships and professional development opportunities.
  • Conduct training and mentoring of future police leadership issues.
  • Possess outstanding communication, organizational and general presentation skills.
  • Assist the Police Chief with the development of the department budget and prepare administrative reports as required.
  • Perform other position-related duties as required or assigned.

EXAMPLES OF PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:
  • Motivates personnel to work to their highest potential and fosters a sense of trust and belonging for all department staff.
  • Maintains effective working relationships and positive communications and cooperation with department staff, general public, elected officials, City Administration, coworkers, and outside agencies and stakeholders.
  • Consistently follows and ensures compliance with department policies, procedures and operating guidelines.
  • Responds to and manages requests for service properly, quickly and with a high level of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of local, state and federal laws, and regulations relating to law enforcement.
  • Ensures department training is effectively coordinated, documented and compliant with MN Post Board standards and department policies.
  • Demonstrates strong communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrates commitment to community policing principles.

Qualifications
Minimum (all):
  • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, emergency management, or related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years' experience in law enforcement with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership role.
  • Active Minnesota POST Board certification.
  • A valid driver's license and driving record that meets City and/or department standards.

Skills and Experience That Elevate your Success (Not required):
  • Master's degree in criminal justice, emergency management, or a related field; or graduation from the FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, or other executive command training.
  • More than four (4) years of supervisory or leadership experience in law enforcement.
  • Bilingual or multilingual communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in English and one or more additional languages.

Equivalency Statement: An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.
Working Conditions
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical and cognitive demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. The Police Captain position involves a combination of administrative, supervisory, command and field responsibility.
The position requires the ability to regularly lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds and, when operationally necessary, to occasionally lift, carry, or drag heavier objects over 100 pounds. The position also requires sufficient visual acuity to perform essential duties, including close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors, and the ability to adjust focus.
COGNITIVE DEMANDS
The position requires the ability to exercise sound judgment; analyze information; make timely and effective decisions; maintain situational awareness; communicate clearly and effectively; manage competing priorities; and respond appropriately to routine, emergency, and rapidly changing situations. The position requires the ability to remain attentive and focused for extended periods and to effectively perform duties under stressful or high-pressure conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Administrative and command duties are primarily performed in a standard office environment and involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer use, meetings, and other routine office activities. Physical effort is generally light, with intermittent lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The position requires repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with keyboarding, computer use, and other office tasks. Approximately 30% of the workday may be spent standing or walking.
Field and operational duties may be performed in a variety of environments and may include driving or riding in department vehicles, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, responding to emergency and non-emergency incidents, and providing command or supervisory oversight at active scenes. Depending on assignment and operational needs, the captain may perform or assist with patrol, investigations, special operations, or other law-enforcement activities.
The position may involve exposure to potentially hazardous or stressful conditions, including blood and bodily fluids, injuries, traffic crashes, hazardous environments, emotionally distressing or traumatic situations, and individuals who may be angry, combative, or violent. The position may require the employee to carry and use a department-issued firearm, wear a duty belt or load bearing vest, operate department vehicles using defensive-driving techniques, and respond appropriately to potentially dangerous situations.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 30 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, contact Human Resources at sweber@whitebearlakemn.gov