1

Police Lieutenant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Police Lieutenant information

See Minnesota salary details

$36.7K

$120.9K

$238.5K

How much do police lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for police lieutenant in Minnesota is $120,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,900.00 and $145,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police lieutenant?

Police Lieutenants are mid-level supervisors in a police department who oversee sergeants, officers, and daily operations within a division or precinct. They play a crucial role in implementing department policies, managing personnel, and ensuring that investigations and patrol duties are carried out effectively. Lieutenants often serve as a bridge between upper management (such as captains and chiefs) and front-line officers. Their responsibilities may also include preparing reports, handling administrative tasks, and responding to major incidents.

What does a police lieutenant do?

A police lieutenant is a person who has been awarded the rank of lieutenant within a police department, and operates within the leadership structure as part of their job duties. As a result, they supervise other officers within a precinct and report to the police captain or other superior officers. They still perform all the duties that are required of a police officer when upholding the law. Police lieutenants will command a unit of officers when working in groups out in the field, as when police are sent to handle large-scale situations.

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

To thrive as a Police Lieutenant, you need strong leadership abilities, substantial law enforcement experience, and a solid understanding of criminal justice, often supported by a bachelor's degree and police academy training. Familiarity with police management systems, incident reporting software, and certifications in areas such as emergency management are common requirements. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively supervising officers, ensuring public safety, and maintaining operational integrity within the department.

How does a police lieutenant typically balance administrative duties with active field supervision?

A Police Lieutenant is responsible for both overseeing daily operations and ensuring department policies are upheld, which means splitting time between office-based administrative tasks and active field supervision. They often review reports, manage schedules, handle personnel issues, and coordinate with other units or external agencies. Simultaneously, Lieutenants are expected to be present during major incidents, oversee critical investigations, and provide guidance to sergeants and officers in the field. Effective time management and delegation are key to maintaining this balance, ensuring both operational efficiency and strong leadership presence.

What is the difference between Police Lieutenant vs Police Captain?

AspectPolice LieutenantPolice Captain
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certification, and experience as a patrol officerSame as Lieutenant, often with additional leadership training or certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises patrol officers, manages shift operations, and enforces department policiesOversees multiple units or precincts, involved in strategic planning and administrative duties
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

Police Lieutenants and Police Captains share similar credentials and work environments, with Lieutenants focusing on shift supervision and Captains on broader administrative and strategic roles. The main difference lies in their scope of responsibility and leadership level within the department.

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Police Lieutenant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Police Lieutenant job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Police Lieutenant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,851 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

SHERIFF RESERVE OFFICER VOLUNTEERS

Employment | Isanti County, MN

Cambridge, MN • On-site

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with special events, traffic or crowd control, and administrative or clerical tasks as a supplementary law enforcement support.

  • Patrol designated areas for a minimum of 10 hours per month, including ride-alongs with licensed deputies, and perform related duties such as security checks and vehicle assistance.

  • Participate in monthly meetings and assist with special duties, events, and call-out tasks as assigned by the ICSO Reserve program.


Job description

 Isanti County is now accpeting applications for the Volunteer Sheriff Reserve Officer Program.General Description

Position: Volunteer Sheriff Reserve Officer
Department:  Isanti County Sheriff's Office
Location: Cambridge, MN
Job Type: Unpaid, Volunteer
Work Schedule: Varies
Union Affiliation: None
Close Date: This position will remain open until filled

While working in a volunteer position, the incumbent is in an unpaid role and is not eligible for County paid benefits.

“Reserve Officer" means an individual whose services are utilized by a law enforcement agency to provide supplementary assistance at special events, traffic or crowd control, and administrative or clerical assistance, and shall include reserve deputies, special deputies, mounted or unmounted patrols, and all other employees or volunteers performing reserve officer functions.  A Reserve Officer's duties do not include enforcement of the general criminal laws of the state and the officer does not have full powers of arrest or authorization to carry a firearm on duty.

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be a United States citizen.
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a good driving record.
  • Must have no felony convictions.
  • Must have a history of good personal conduct.
  • Must not have been removed from, or be in bad standing with, any other reserve unit.
  • Must successfully pass a criminal history background investigation.
  • False claims or statements on the application, or misleading or intentionally omitted information during the background investigation, will result in automatic disqualification.
  • Must successfully pass an oral interview.
  • Must be of sound physical and mental health.
  • Must be able to commit a minimum of ten (10) hours per month.
  • Must be able to patrol once or twice per month, with a preference for availability during nights and weekends.
  • Must be able to attend monthly meetings.

Trainings/Meetings
Held on a monthly basis to discuss operation, activities, roles of the reserves etc. Two (2) meetings a year with approval allowed to be missed except for required UOF trainings.

Patrol
Must patrol or function as a reserve for ICSO a minimum of 10 hours per month including special duties that may be requested by ICSO Admin. These hours can be also be done as a ride along with licensed Deputies. All Reserves must patrol as a pair until approval to patrol alone is granted by Reserve Head, 2401,2402,2403 decision must be unanimous. Reserves may be asked to assist with Medicals, Sit on vehicles at request of Deputies (Tow), RLP for accidents, Security Checks/Park Checks, etc.  Reserves will not be allowed to go to violent crime calls without licensed deputies and approval of responding Deputy and some calls will not be allowed at for any reason.

Events
Reserves will be asked to assist at special events around the county. Reserves will be expected to make these events unless otherwise approved by Reserve head or a Patrol Sergeant/Lieutenant. 75% attendance at events will be minimum including approved absences. If you fall below the percentage, this may be grounds for termination. 

Special/Call-Out Duties
ICSO reserves will be asked to assist on other events such as stand-by for search warrants when ICSO deputies do not have the man power to cover and other needs that may arise (evidence transport, clerical duties, assist investigators with labor, etc.).

Patrol Vehicle Maintenance
Reserve patrol vehicle if authorized will be for use of all reserves once granted approval. The daily maintenance will be the responsibility of the Reserve using the vehicle (gas, tire check, light check, gas, cleaning, etc.), vehicle issues (oil change, maintenance requiring service, repair) will be advised to Reserve Head or patrol Sergeant.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMTION
A fully completed Isanti County application must be received by Human Resources.
Final appointment is contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation including a criminal history search. Costs of the background will be paid for by Isanti County.