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Police Department Intern Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Police Cadet

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$23.49 - $29.56/hr

This position will provide learning opportunities and inter-departmental mentorship with the goal ... Prior experience as a police explorer, police reserve, or police intern. Fluent in a second ...

Police Cadet

Edina, MN · On-site

$23.49 - $29.56/hr

Extended Part-Time Job Number: 202600061 Department: Police Opening Date: 07/24/2026 Closing Date ... Prior experience as a police explorer, police reserve, or police intern. * Fluent in a second ...

Police Department Intern information

See Minnesota salary details

$8

$17

$26

How much do police department intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for police department intern in Minnesota is $17.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police department intern?

Police Department Interns are students or recent graduates who work temporarily within a police department to gain hands-on experience in law enforcement operations. Their responsibilities can include administrative tasks, assisting officers with research, participating in community outreach, and observing police procedures. Internships are designed to provide insight into the daily workings of a police department and help interns determine if a career in law enforcement is right for them. These positions are typically unpaid or offer academic credit and are an excellent way to build professional skills and network with law enforcement professionals.

What kinds of projects or tasks can a police department intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Police Department Intern, you may be involved in a range of tasks such as assisting with administrative work, research projects, data entry, and community outreach activities. Interns often help with organizing files, preparing reports, observing ride-alongs with officers, and supporting crime prevention programs. The experience provides exposure to various divisions within the department, allowing you to learn from sworn officers and civilian staff alike. Collaboration with different teams helps build a well-rounded understanding of law enforcement operations and can be valuable for those considering a future career in public safety.

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

To thrive as a Police Department Intern, you typically need coursework or a background in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field, along with a demonstrated interest in law enforcement. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, police records systems, and basic research tools is often expected. Strong communication, discretion, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help interns stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for supporting department operations, maintaining confidentiality, and gaining valuable experience for potential future careers in law enforcement.

What is the difference between Police Department Intern vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Department InternPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or currently enrolled in college; some internships may require related courseworkHigh school diploma or GED; police academy training and certification
Work EnvironmentSupervised, educational setting within police departments, often part-time or seasonalFull-time, active duty in various law enforcement settings
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agencies, governmentPolice departments, law enforcement agencies, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Police Department Interns typically participate in educational or training programs within police departments, focusing on learning about law enforcement. Police Officers are fully trained law enforcement professionals responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining public safety, and responding to incidents. The internship provides exposure and experience, while the police officer role involves active duty and full responsibilities.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Police Department Intern jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Police Department Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Department Intern job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,058 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Police Cadet

City of Edina

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$23.49 - $29.56/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Position Description The Police Cadet position is a part-time position which provides support services to all divisions within the Police Department. This position works a varied schedule 30 or more hours per week including day, evening, weekend and holiday hours. It is a two-year maximum position.

To be eligible for hire, applicants must have an expected graduation date in the Fall of 2027 or later. The Police Cadet is a uniformed apprentice-type position assisting in various community service-oriented activities and police officer support services. This position will provide learning opportunities and inter-departmental mentorship with the goal of being promoted to a police officer position at the conclusion of the position upon meeting Department expectations and open police officer positions.

Tuition assistance to complete a degree and become POST Eligible will be provided. Essential Functions Enforce applicable ordinances and statutes pertaining to animals, animal control, parking, and selected health and nuisance ordinances. Perform detention duties, including booking, searching, controlling and releasing prisoners.

Provide traffic control or perimeter security as assigned. Safely operate assigned police department vehicles and assist in the servicing and maintenance of the department automotive fleet and selected equipment. Assist in the recovery and inventorying of lost, abandoned and/or confiscated property.

Participate in learning activities. Prepare and submit accurate and thorough reports and other paperwork required by various job activities, and other duties as assigned. Assist police officers, support services and investigations with any additional operational duties.

Not engage in any conduct that would bar the Cadet from becoming licensed as a Minnesota peace officer or cause the Cadet to be disqualified under our background investigation standards. Performs other duties as assigned. Working Conditions: The job is performed primarily in the field and includes driving or riding in a vehicle.

The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue. Work hours include evenings, weekends and holidays. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma or G.E.D

equivalent Must be enrolled at time of hire and successfully complete the required educational program and necessary testing required to be licensed as a Minnesota peace officer by the conclusion of the position. Must immediately start full time college attendance upon hire and maintain a 2.00 GPA ("C" average) or better. The college scholarship will only pay for college expenses incurred after the date of hire

Must be physically, medically, emotionally, and psychologically fit for full duty as determined by the City's occupational physician and police psychologist. Cadets must be able to safely perform all the tasks and responsibilities of the position and be fit and suitable for promotion to police officer. Must possess the desire to become a police officer and work as a police officer in Edina.

Must have a valid MN Driver's License. Desired qualifications: Prior experience as a police explorer, police reserve, or police intern. Fluent in a second language to include sign language.

Demonstrate the ability to positively enhance understanding/interactions between diverse groups of people. Physical Requirements: This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of over 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to manipulate, handle or feel and climbing or balancing; frequently requires lifting and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling and pushing or pulling; work has standard vision requirements; operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities. The position is contingent upon passing a background check, medical exams and drug testing.

Supplemental Information Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required for Successful Job Performance: The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of criminal code and city code. The ability to accomplish stated goals and objectives of the departments.

The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, officers, and supervisors. The ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds The ability to work with animals