Patrol Officer - Lateral Hire

The Golden Valley Police Department is a rapidly growing police department that serves a very supportive community of nearly 25,000 residents. We are seeking to add community-focused leaders in the public safety industry to join our department, starting with a two-week academy and a five-phase field training program. Recruitment and Retention Incentive of $20000 The City of Golden Valley is offering a $20000 recruitment and retention incentive for new police officers. Eligible for licensed Patrol Officers hired on or after May 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 3 separate lump sum payments: $5000 upon successful completion of FTO $10000 upon successful completion of probationary period $5000 upon successful completion of 18 months of employment In addition, lateral officers with three or more years of relevant experience may start at a higher step on the City's pay scale. Benefits PTO + Holiday accrual rate (9.54 hours per pay period) Front loaded PTO (40 up to 80 hours DOQ) FTOs earn 4.5 hours of pay or comp time each training shift Cafeteria benefits package which includes a monthly benefits contribution of $1951 Education Incentive ($100 – $250 per month DOQ) Multilingual pay ($150 per month) Fully paid uniforms and equipment Consistent, set, 12-hour shift schedules On-site indoor gun range for sworn staff to use on or off-duty Tuition reimbursement Paid parental leave Unlimited confidential counseling funded by city Updated fully equipped on-site fitness center 90-minute workout on duty time per 12-hour shift (dependent on daily staffing level) Access to a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach Expected Hours of Work The City Police Department operates 24/7 year-round. Scheduled hours of staff will reflect those needs, and will include nights, weekends, and holidays. Responsibilities Build and maintain positive and community relationships, answering questions from the public and referring community members to resources as needed. Participate in community outreach and education initiatives. Patrol assigned areas by patrol car, bicycle, or on foot to enforce laws and city ordinances, detect and prevent crime, respond to complaints, and assist with restoration of public disturbance. Apprehend and arrest law violators and prepare detailed reports of crimes and incidents. Respond to accident scenes, fires, and rescue operations, administering first aid (as needed), directing traffic flow, investigating accident scenes, and preparing reports. Conduct directed patrol. Perform routine inspections and general maintenance of patrol cars, equipment, and equipment records. Assist other agencies, including neighboring communities, the county, and the state highway patrol as needed. Participate in civil or criminal court, including assisting with the preparation of legal documents. Recommend strategies, standards, and procedures consistent with organizational and department priorities. Other Duties This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Supervisory Responsibility This position does not have employee supervisory responsibilities. Eligibility United States citizen. Successfully passed FTO and a current patrol officer. Currently licensed, or eligible to be licensed as a peace officer by the Minnesota POST Board. Current Minnesota valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one. Previous community service or customer service experience. Ability to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Fluency in a second language. Experience in a public safety role. Previous experience building and maintaining relationships. Previous experience in community engagement or volunteer activities or events. Current Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification. Knowledge in the operations of police vehicles, radios, radar, computers, and related equipment. Trained in safe operation, handling, and discharge of firearms. Trained in driving a motor vehicle, sometimes under adverse conditions, and at high speeds, or in pursuit of fleeing vehicles. Competencies Communication Customer focus Teamwork Positive attitude Hard work Equity & inclusion Decision-making Ethical Organized Problem solving Physical Demands Work is conducted indoors and outdoors, subject to both inside and outside conditions. Employees are subject to distracting noises, including radio, firearms, alarms, and citizen activity. Responsibilities involve supervision of police activities in detention, crime prevention and criminal investigation, and assuming command in critical situations, which can lead to exposure of contagious diseases and hazardous situations that can lead to serious injury or death. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Regularly read and interpret documents and other written material. Regularly communicate and exchange information with others in person, over the telephone, radio, and using written communication methods. Frequently remain in a stationary position and regularly move within the building to attend meetings, and access files and office machinery. Frequently traverse around the City, on foot, in a motor vehicle, or other City transportation mechanism. Regularly operate computers and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer, and telephone, as well as equipment/tools consistently found in law enforcement, including radar, radios, emergency medical gear, firearms, handcuffs, and tasers. Occasionally move or transport items weighing up to 100 pounds. EEO Statement The City of Golden Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr