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Police Officer Trainee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

911 Dispatcher

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$35.79 - $44.87/hr

Trainees will receive daily/weekly feedback on progress and focus on areas that require improvement ... Monitors prisoners and officers in the booking area; Monitors panic buttons around Police ...

Police Officer Trainee information

See Minnesota salary details

$31.8K

$60.9K

$101.4K

How much do police officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer trainee in Minnesota is $60,869.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police officer trainee?

Police Officer Trainees are individuals who have been hired by a law enforcement agency to undergo training in police academy programs. During this period, they learn the fundamental skills, laws, procedures, and ethics required to perform the duties of a police officer. Trainees are not fully sworn officers yet; they must successfully complete the academy and field training before becoming full-fledged police officers. The role is designed to prepare candidates for the physical, mental, and legal challenges of police work.

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

To thrive as a Police Officer Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, legal knowledge, and a clean background check. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and completing police academy training are typically required. Strong communication, sound judgment, and emotional resilience help trainees effectively interact with the public and handle high-stress situations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensuring safety, upholding the law, and building public trust in the community.

What are some common challenges faced during the police officer trainee program and how can they be overcome?

Police officer trainees often face challenges such as adapting to a strict training regimen, mastering legal procedures, and developing effective communication skills under pressure. The physical and academic demands can be intense, requiring strong time management and resilience. Building camaraderie with fellow trainees and seeking guidance from experienced officers can help ease the transition. Staying organized, maintaining a positive mindset, and proactively asking for feedback are effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and succeeding in the program.

What is the difference between Police Officer Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Officer TraineePolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some agencies require college courseworkHigh school diploma or GED; police academy certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseActive duty, patrol, enforcement, and community engagement
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning laws, procedures, and skills; assisting officersEnforcing laws, patrolling, responding to incidents

The main difference between a Police Officer Trainee and a Police Officer is that trainees are in a learning phase, undergoing training and supervision, while officers are fully qualified and perform active law enforcement duties. Trainees focus on gaining skills and knowledge, whereas officers carry out the responsibilities independently.

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Police Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Police Officer Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Officer Trainee job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,869 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

911 Dispatcher

City of Edina

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$35.79 - $44.87/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Receives and responds to all incoming telephone calls, determining the nature and urgency of calls and providing appropriate information and assistance.

  • Dispatches emergency and non-emergency units such as patrol officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency vehicles in response to calls.

  • Monitors multiple radio channels, communicates with units and other agencies, and maintains records of activity and call details.


Job description

Position Description       Anticipated Hiring Timeline Application Review: Weekly basis until the position closes Video Interviews: Week of September 8th Final Interview: September 24th Anticipated Start Date: November Lateral Applicants: Individuals with experience in public safety dispatching, specifically those with responsibilities in law enforcement or fire service dispatch, will be considered. Candidates with relevant 911 Dispatcher experience may qualify for a higher starting pay, depending on their experience and qualifications. Special Testing for this recruitment: For those candidates moving on in the process there will be the potential for two different screening processes.

Everyone will be notified as soon as possible by email if they will be participating in these tests. 1) CritiCall Testing: CritCall is computerized dispatch testing program that evaluates your ability in different dispatch related areas such as; decision making, multi-tasking, data entry, spelling, sentence clarity, listening skills, etc. Testing applicants will be completed online.

2) Select Advantage: This is an online multiple-choice test. Training Period Information: We complete the majority of training internally and on-the-job. The average training period is approximately 4-6 months in duration.

Over the course of the training, you will rotate between different trainers in blocks of time between day shift and night shift (Typically 1 month blocks of time); Trainees will receive daily/weekly feedback on progress and focus on areas that require improvement. Essential Functions Receives and appropriately responds to all incoming telephone calls by providing excellent customer service. Answers both emergency and non-emergency incoming telephone calls; Determines nature and urgency of calls and collects required information; Evaluates information received and prioritizes calls; Dispatches patrol officers, firefighters, paramedics, ambulances, ACO/CSO, and other emergency vehicles in response to calls; Provides pre-arrival instructions for callers; Tracks the location and status of all emergency and non-emergency units, including those out of service; Arranges for assistance from contract and non-contract providers such as towing, spill clean-up, medical examiner, reserves, etc.; Operates hearing-impaired emergency communication equipment where needed

Monitors multiple radio channels. Responds to requests for information from police and fire units through multiple public, private and government databases; Patches radio frequencies; Maintains awareness of availability of mutual aid radio channels and suggests most appropriate channel; Notifies other agencies to respond to police/fire/medical emergency calls as appropriate and coordinate their response by providing information and directions via phone or radio; Monitors the National Weather Service channel and passes vital weather information as appropriate; Listens to mutual aid frequencies and surrounding agencies and advises Edina and Richfield officers of in-progress crimes near the borders that affect those cities. Creates and maintains electronic or manual records and logs of activity as required.

Inputs vital information into the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system for every call; Updates CAD location records to reflect vital information on residences or businesses; Monitors and makes other police or fire personnel aware of trends in location, type, or times of incidents that may indicate a link or show an ongoing problem; Verifies that electronic and paper information files carry the same information; Monitors and purges Department/Division files/records in a secure fashion and in accordance with applicable legal regulations and local retention schedule. Uses various computer systems to monitor calls, access information and enter information as required. Performs duties related to building and prisoner security.

Monitors entrances and exits to the Police Department and notifies officers in case of illegal entry into secure areas; Monitors prisoners and officers in the booking area; Monitors panic buttons around Police Department and City offices and sends appropriate response; Monitors vital building systems and notifies maintenance personnel of disruptions in service or alarms indicating system failure; Controls opening and closing of restricted areas during severe weather warnings and monitors movement of personnel into safe zones. Tracks police personnel in order to identify their availability and to protect them in the event that they are out of contact and need backup to check on their safety. Keeps track of personnel on duty during each shift; Keeps updated emergency contact lists for active personnel and provides numbers as needed; Maintains dispatch schedule; Maintains contact information for volunteer resources.

Arranges for equipment maintenance. Creates a call for service for equipment alarms or breakages; If directed, attempts minor repairs of equipment or contacts an appropriate repair contractor; Notifies police/fire/medical personnel who are affected by the repair; Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies, and orders replacements when necessary Assists with routine equipment maintenance and keeps associated records. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: The job requires a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related customer service experience and/or two years of higher education. The ability to work shift work of days, afternoons, and overnights, weekends, holidays and on short notice. Desired Qualifications: Prior experience as a 911 Police/Fire Dispatcher or prior experience in a fast paced working environment where it was necessary to make accurate and quick decisions and the ability to work independently without immediate supervision is desired.

Physical Requirements: Lifting or carrying limited to 25 pounds, intermittently. This position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, medical exams and drug testing. Supplemental Information Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required for Successful Job Performance: Knowledge of and ability to learn law enforcement terminology, procedures and equipment; Knowledge of and ability to use standard office equipment, radios and computers and ability to learn applications/systems specific to the Department; Knowledge of and ability to learn the geographical layout, political and community service jurisdictions, and road systems of the City; Ability to think clearly and act quickly and correctly in emergency situations; Ability to exercise a high degree of good judgment and independence while evaluating emergency and non-emergency situations and the ability to make split-second decisions; Ability to multi-task, gather and disseminate information clearly, accurately and rapidly in urgent situations; Ability to calm irate or hysterical persons; Ability to enter data accurately into a variety of databases; Ability to maintain confidentiality; Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds; The ability to work shift work of days, afternoons, and overnights, weekends, holidays and on short notice.