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Police Intern Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 Cadet

Minneapolis, MN

$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 6, 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 do you do as a police intern?

A police intern assists law enforcement officers with administrative tasks, ride-alongs, and community outreach activities. They observe police procedures, gain exposure to law enforcement operations, and may perform basic support duties under supervision to learn about police work.

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 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.

How much do police interns get paid?

Police interns typically receive a stipend or hourly wage that varies by department, often ranging from minimum wage to around $15-$20 per hour. Compensation may depend on the location, department budget, and whether the internship is paid or unpaid; some internships are unpaid but offer valuable experience and training.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 1% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,706 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Police Cadet Position

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.

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.

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.

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