Police Helper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $42.27 - $57.73 Hourly
Location : Lakeville Police Department, 9237 183rd Street, Lakeville, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Police - Patrol
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Position
The City of Lakeville, a rapidly growing community in the south metro, is looking for Police Officer candidates to join our team. We seek individuals who thrive in a collaborative environment, demonstrate professionalism, and are passionate about serving the public. Our core values focus on hard work, fun, responsibility, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. If these align with your values, we encourage you to apply.
To learn more about our recruitment process, training and other benefits/incentives to our Police Officers, visit our recruitment page.
Applicants must be POST licensed or eligible to be licensed by October 2, 2026.
Visit Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) for additional information:
Recruitment Schedule
Applications and resumes are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for August 3-4, 2026, with a second interview for invited candidates August 6, 2026. Additional information will be provided to candidates selected to interview. The anticipated start date is October 12, 2026. Interview schedules may be subject to change.
About our City
Nestled amongst numerous lakes and an extensive park system, Lakeville offers a vibrant lifestyle across its 38.2 square miles. As one of the fastest growing cities in Minnesota, and the largest within Dakota County, our population is booming- reaching an estimated 73,000 residents.
The Lakeville Police Department serves a diverse community, encompassing three school districts (Lakeville, and portions of Rosemount and Farmington). Our city boasts a thriving business landscape, with a robust industrial park and several big-box retailers, ensuring a variety of law enforcement experiences.
About our Department
The Lakeville Police Department offers a rewarding career path for dedicated individuals seeking to make a real difference. We foster a collaborative environment where officers can truly know their city while also owning their beat within our four designated sectors. Our core values are hard work and professionalism. We're a team of over 100 strong, comprised of sworn officers and essential support staff who are all dedicated to the community we serve.
Our headquarters is a modern 70,000-square-foot facility brimming with the latest technology. A secure underground garage keeps our fleet of modern patrol vehicles - both marked and unmarked - ready for action. Our fleet also includes specialized units like K-9 squads and crime scene investigation vehicles.
Our commitment to public safety begins with our commitment to you. As a Lakeville Police Officer, you will also have premier access to the brand-new First Responder Skills Training (FiRST) Center-a state-of-the-art facility where you will train safely, realistically, and consistently. We ensure you are equipped, confident, and ready for whatever the shift brings. Join a department that invests heavily in your operational readiness, tactical skills, and well-being. If you are looking for an agency that prioritizes your safety and continuous professional growth with elite-level training, your career belongs here.
At the Lakeville Police Department, we believe in fostering strong relationships with the community we serve. Throughout the year, you'll have the opportunity to connect with residents at a variety of events. These include National Night Out, the First Responders Community Picnic, Safety Camps, Shop with a Hero, and even Lakeville's annual community celebration, Pan-O-Prog.
Major Areas of Accountability

1. Respond to police calls and/or emergencies, both off-duty and on-duty, as directed. Operate vehicles properly under both emergency and tactical conditions.
2. Handle arrest situations and procedures as appropriate. This may include the apprehension of violators or providing appropriate warnings to suspects.
3. Monitor and control hazardous roadway conditions and perform immediate action to remedy hazardous conditions; enforce traffic laws and other ordinances; and assist stranded motorists.
4. Respond to traffic accidents and triage scenes. Provide rescue help and emergency first aid treatment as necessary and provide support to other agencies as directed.
5. Conduct initial review of investigations including taking statements and gathering information or physical evidence as required. serve warrants and subpoenas as directed.
6. Respond and react to various complaints and calls for assistance as appropriate or directed.
7. Complete required reports and related documents for investigations, accidents, and preparation for court.
8. Interact with victims, witnesses, survivors, and outside agencies in order to maintain effective community relations. Communicate appropriate information to help make the public aware of special areas of concern.
9. Monitor and report on vehicle condition and appearance. Request necessary repairs. Restock vehicle with supplies when appropriate.
10. Perform such other duties as are consistent with the tasks of the position and as may be assigned by the Chief of Police, his designee, or the City.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, 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 finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions, frequently requires sitting and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting;
• Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision;
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly;
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound;
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities;
• Work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to the risk of electrical shock, working with explosives, exposure to vibration, wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment;
• Work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field; OR
• An Associate's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field;
• Eligible to be licensed as a peace officer by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must successfully complete a physical exam, psychological assessment, drug and alcohol screening, and background investigation. No felony convictions.
• Knowledge of State Statutes and local ordinances.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience in computer operations, including word processing.
• Ability to cope with situations professionally, courteously and tactfully and with respect for the rights of the citizen.
• Ability to acquire skill in the use and care of firearms.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of modern police service delivery and investigation methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding modern police methods, techniques, and records.

City of Lakeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The City of Lakeville provides the following benefits:
Equipment and Uniforms:
New officers receive a full complement of uniforms, belt, jackets, boots, taser and a ballistic vest. Glock 17 handguns are the department issued service weapons. After two years of service, officers receive $920 annually for uniforms and maintenance.
Vehicles:
The Lakeville Police Department operates Chevrolet Tahoe PPV. Vehicles are replaced at 100,000 miles. In-car video systems, rifles and squad computers are replaced as needed and kept in good condition.
Facility:
Our Police Station opened in 2008 and has features to serve the public and the employees. Underground parking for police department vehicles, an evidence processing lab, and many other features make this a great place to work. A Lifetime Fitness is located just across the street.
Supplemental Assignments:
Supplemental assignments include Crime Scene Unit, Field Training Officer, Use of Force Instructor, School Resources Officer, K-9 Officer, and Detective. These are just a few examples provided to the officers.
Medical Insurance:
Employees can choose between single, single plus children, single plus spouse, or family coverage. Three different plans are offered. If one of the high deductible plans are selected, the City contributes a designated amount into a VEBA/HRA account or HSA account.
Dental Insurance: The City provides dental care benefits. Employees can choose single, single plus one, or family coverage.
Life Insurance: Basic life insurance is provided for the employee with the option to purchase additional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, or dependent children.
Long-Term Disability Insurance: The City provides long-term disability insurance.
Vacation: Employees earn paid vacation time based on years of service.
Holidays: Employees are eligible to use 96 hours of holiday per calendar year or elect to choose a lump sum check payable in December. Pro-rated based upon date of hire.
Sick Leave: Employees earn paid sick leave each month.
Flexible Spending Account: Employees who enroll in a flexible spending account are allowed to set aside pre-tax dollars to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses for both medical and dental expenses. In addition, pre-tax dollars can be set aside for dependent daycare. This benefit increases your spendable income and helps to lower your taxes.
Deferred Compensation Plans: Employees are able to designate and set aside a part of their income on a tax-deferred basis.
PERA: Employees automatically become members of the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) when they begin public service. Contribution percentages (city and employee) are established by PERA.
01
The following questions are the "Training and Experience" exam. These questions are asked as a means of producing a report listing your qualifications. The report will be used to filter applications. Provide complete information for each question and do not write "See Resume". Do you understand that "See Resume" is not an acceptable answer and could eliminate you as a candidate?

• Yes
• No

02
What is the highest level of education that you have achieved?

• High School or G.E.D.
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Other

03
Please list the specific program/degree that you completed. If none, type N/A.
04
Are you a student currently enrolled in a Law Enforcement program?

• Yes
• No

05
If you are currently a student enrolled in a Law Enforcement program, what is your anticipated graduation date (including the completion of your SKILLS program)? If you are not a student, type N/A.
06
Do you have a valid MN Peace Officer License?

• Yes
• No

07
If you have a valid MN Peace Officer's license, what is your POST license number? If you do not have a valid MN Peace Officer's license, type N/A.
08
Are you, or will you be, POST license eligible by October 2, 2026?

• Yes
• No

09
Have you ever been convicted of a crime that may prohibit you from becoming licensed as a Peace Officer in Minnesota (as defined by MN Rules 6700.0700)?

• Yes
• No

10
Are you proficient in Microsoft Word?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

12
How many years of total law enforcement experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to three years
• More than three years

13
Place a check mark beside each practical experience level that you have achieved.

• Full time Police Officer
• Part time Police Officer
• Community Service Officer
• Police Reserve or Police Explorer
• Other
• None

14
How may years of experience do you have as a full time Police Officer?

• No experience
• Less than two years
• Two to three years
• More