Police Officer

Salary : $92,768.00 - $123,718.40 Annually
Location : Apple Valley, MN
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-00051
Department: Police
Division: Police Patrol
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


SUMMARY OF POSITION


Responsible for providing quality police service to the community by promoting meaningful police/citizen interaction and community partnerships with emphasis on public education, problem solving, and actively responding to community concerns. Required to analyze facts and evidence to determine the proper course of action that should be followed while conducting investigations into violations of ordinances and law. Is required to exercise independent judgment consistent with department policies and procedures in meeting emergency situations. Reports to and receives direction from a superior ranking officer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Handles arrest situations and procedures, including but not limited to: determining violation and planning method of arrest; apprehending or arresting suspects; issuing citations; searching and booking suspects; transporting arrested persons; and providing appropriate warnings to suspects.
2. Monitors and controls hazardous roadway conditions, including but not limited to: directing vehicle and pedestrian traffic; detouring traffic; setting up roadblocks; investigating hazardous parking; reporting hazardous road conditions; and performing immediate action to remedy hazardous conditions such as downed wires, traffic problems, etc.
3. Enforces compliance with driving laws, including but not limited to: patrolling areas by vehicle and other means to observe parking and traffic violations; using proper stop procedures; explaining violations to offenders; assessing driver's ability to operate vehicle; inspecting vehicles for compliance with safety requirements; and issuing citations.
4. Conducts initial and follow-up investigations, including but not limited to: interviewing witnesses, suspects, victims, specialists, etc.; gathering information; interrogating suspects; taking statements; conducting searches, and pursuing and following possible leads or other information sources. Processes crime scenes, including: lifting prints; gathering physical evidence; and photographing scene.
5. Controls scene of motor vehicle crashes and establishes proper priority at scene, including but not limited to: establishing key events; administering emergency aid; calling for supplementary aid; informing persons of reporting procedures; preparing field sketches and scale diagrams; and directing traffic.
6. Responds to requests for service and takes appropriate action, including, but not limited to: enforcing court orders; searching area for suspects; discussing incident with involved parties; advising victims of rights; and/or removing or restraining suspect.
7. Operates vehicles properly under emergency, tactical conditions, heavy traffic, and poor weather conditions, including, but not limited to: using appropriate quiet-response techniques; engaging in pursuit driving; and driving under low light conditions.
8. Responds and assists in emergency situations, including but not limited to: rescuing persons, properties, and premises; evacuating, securing and coordinating emergency scenes; providing emergency medical attention; and assisting other emergency units in the performance of their duties. Establishes proper priorities at scene.
9. Performs routine non-emergency duties; including but not limited to: patrolling assigned areas; performing building checks; monitoring crime areas; patrolling parks, residential and commercial areas; observing and monitoring suspicious activity; aiding motorists; and making contact with community members.
10. Interacts with victims, witnesses, survivors, and outside agencies, including but not limited to: briefing civilian specialists; notifying family of victims; and referring victims to appropriate agencies.
11. Confiscates and/or disposes of materials, evidence, vehicles or properties, including proper seizure, handling, packaging, and control.
12. Completes required reports and related documents, including but not limited to: completing initial and required follow-up investigative reports; preparing motor vehicle crash investigation reports; and preparing for court.
13. Performs activities including problem solving and making the public aware of special areas of concern such as, delinquency, drug abuse, crime prevention, child abuse, and traffic safety through education, public speaking, and presentations.
14. Monitors and reports on vehicle condition and appearance. Requests necessary repairs. Restocks vehicle with supplies when appropriate. Drives with due regard for safety and wear/damage to vehicle. Uses equipment responsibly.
15. Performs other duties consistent with the tasks of the position as assigned by the City.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate's degree.
• Licensed or eligible to be licensed by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board.
• Valid and unrestricted Minnesota driver's license and excellent driving record.
• No conviction of a crime that is a bar to licensure in Minnesota. This generally includes, but may not be limited to: requirement to register as a predatory offender; felony conviction; conviction for an offense in another jurisdiction which would have been a felony in Minnesota; conviction under any state or federal narcotics or controlled substance law; and conviction for Fifth Degree Assault, Domestic Assault, Mistreatment of Residents or Patients, Criminal Abuse, Criminal Neglect, Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult, Failure to Report, Prostitution, Presenting False Claims, Medical Assistance Fraud, Theft, or Disorderly Conduct. See Minimum Selection Standards, MN Rules 6700.0700, Subp.1, E. or F.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to project a positive image to the public.
• Ability to make sound decisions using judgment and discretion in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work with various cultural and socio-economic communities, and establish and maintain strong working relationships with City staff and other agencies.
• Psychological capabilities to function in a law enforcement capacity.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience in law enforcement or other sworn or non-sworn relevant work experience.
• Fluently bi-lingual.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed primarily in a car patrolling roads or other sites.
• Physical abilities to function in a law enforcement capacity, including but not limited to: frequent bending, crouching, gripping, running, jumping, stretching, falling, pulling, pushing, striking, grappling, physically controlling people; sitting for extended periods of time; frequently entering and exiting a vehicle; frequently lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, occasionally up to 75 pounds; ability to qualify and use several types of firearms; use of computer, ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Frequently exposed to challenging elements of society and may face the risk of physical harm or death in the line of duty. The Apple Valley Police Department is a 24-hour, seven-days-per-week, community service organization and this position will involve shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Regular, full-time City of Apple Valley Police Officers represented by the LELS bargaining unit are eligible for a benefits package.

Annual Leave . Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, or personal leave. Accrues each pay period. 120 hours per year for first 5 years of employment.

Holidays . Bank of 104 hours of paid holiday leave per year.

Insurance . Employer-paid employee health, dental, and life insurance. Dependent coverage available.

Disability . Income replacement insurance for short and long term disability, if unable to work due to illness or injury. Subject to waiting periods and medical confirmation of disability.

Public Employees Retirement Association ( PERA ) Pension Plan - Police and Fire . State mandated pension plan. Employee and Employer contributions. Members are 50% vested in the plan after 5 years; vesting increases by 10% per year until fully vested after 10 years. Members in this plan do not contribute to Social Security.

Deferred Compensation Plan (457). Income set aside on a tax-deferred basis for the purpose of retirement income. Investments are participant-directed. Participation is optional and the City does not contribute to the plan.

Flexible Spending Arrangements . Tax-free reimbursement accounts for health care and daycare expenses.

EAP . Free Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services.

Wellness & Fitness . Free on-site fitness room featuring cardio and weight machines, free weights and kettle bells, open mat space and more. Shower and locker rooms also on site. Wellness programs and fitness classes offered.

Payroll Automatic Deposit . Payroll checks are automatically deposited into your designated banking account(s) each biweekly payday.


Uniforms . Required initial uniform provided. Annual cash allowance for replacement.

This summary highlights certain benefits available through the City of Apple Valley. If there are any differences between benefits as described in this summary and the legal plan documents or contracts, the plan documents or contracts shall govern. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied.