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Police Intern Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Public Safety Intern

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$18 - $19.89/hr

The Police Intern Program provides a positive learning environment that encourages professional development through exposure to the various aspects of a public safety department. Woodbury Public ...

Public Safety Intern

MN · On-site

$18 - $19.89/hr

The Police Intern Program provides a positive learning environment that encourages professional development through exposure to the various aspects of a public safety department. Woodbury Public ...

Police Cadet

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$23.49 - $29.56/hr

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 ...

Police Cadet

Edina, MN · On-site

$23.49 - $29.56/hr

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 ...

Police Intern information

See Minnesota salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do police intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for police intern in Minnesota is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police intern?

Police interns are students or recent graduates who work with law enforcement agencies to gain practical experience in police work. They assist officers and staff with administrative tasks, community outreach, research, and sometimes ride-alongs, but they do not have arrest powers. Internships help participants learn about the criminal justice system, develop professional skills, and explore career opportunities in law enforcement. These positions are typically temporary and unpaid or modestly compensated, and they often require a background check and an application process.

What does a police intern do?

As a Police Intern, your daily responsibilities may include assisting with administrative work, observing officers during patrols, supporting community outreach programs, and helping with data entry or case file organization. Interns often have opportunities to attend briefings, participate in ride-alongs, and shadow different units to gain a well-rounded perspective of police operations. While direct involvement in law enforcement activities may be limited, you’ll collaborate closely with officers, detectives, and civilian staff, making this a valuable hands-on learning experience. Being proactive and eager to learn will help you make the most of your internship and may open doors for future opportunities within the department.

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

To thrive as a Police Intern, you generally need foundational knowledge of criminal justice, strong observation skills, and enrollment in or completion of relevant coursework. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, report writing software, and basic office systems is often required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and ethical judgment are important soft skills that help interns interact with the public and support officers effectively. These skills ensure that Police Interns can contribute meaningfully, learn quickly, and uphold the standards of law enforcement agencies.

What is the difference between Police Intern vs Police Cadet?

AspectPolice InternPolice Cadet
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programs may require college coursework
Work EnvironmentInternship programs within police departments, often part-time or seasonalCadet programs, often part-time, involving training and community engagement
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Police Interns typically participate in internships to gain exposure to law enforcement, often while in college, focusing on observation and learning. Police Cadets are usually high school or college students involved in training programs that prepare them for future roles in law enforcement, often with more hands-on activities. Both roles serve as entry points into law enforcement careers but differ mainly in their level of responsibility and program structure.

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

The most popular types of Police jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Police Intern jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Police Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Intern job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,706 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Public Safety Intern

City of Woodbury

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$18 - $19.89/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Summary The City of Woodbury is seeking applicants with exceptional character for position of Police Intern. The Police Intern Program provides a positive learning environment that encourages professional development through exposure to the various aspects of a public safety department. Woodbury Public Safety is especially interested in utilizing this program to provide individuals with diverse backgrounds a better understanding of the profession.

The student will work on operational, administrative, and support functions and will be mentored by a public safety employee. Essential Duties ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide exceptional customer service to a wide variety of internal and external customers including residents, visitors, City of Woodbury staff and other agency staff. Work in a cooperative and professional manner; demonstrate a positive, courteous, helpful, and business-like attitude; demonstrate commitment to the organization, initiative, dependability, maturity in relationships with others, and self-confidence.

Perform administrative duties in support of the Public Safety Department including assisting customers in person and over the phone, creating and editing documents in Microsoft Word and Excel, ordering supplies and performing other general office duties. Conduct research on specific police related topics. Assist at community events.

Participate in ride alongs and other activities designed to provide exposure to various aspects of public safety operations. Fosters an inclusive work culture and advances the City's diversity, equity and inclusion goals. Maintain and foster an environment, which facilitates the Exceeding Expectations (professional, responsive, leaders) philosophy of the City.

Perform other duties as assigned or apparent. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must be 18 years of age. Must possess high school diploma or GED.

Must possess valid and unrestricted driver's license. Must have a history of good personal conduct. Must demonstrate interest in a career as a police officer or other position related to public safety.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience using personal computers. Fluent in a second language. Environment PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear.

The employee is frequently required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to work in outside weather conditions including adverse climatic conditions as well as working in an office setting and driving city vehicles.

The employee occasionally works near animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately noisy in office and field settings.