Police Officer

Full-time Patrol Officer (Open to New and Lateral Officers)

The City of Chaska is accepting applications for the position of full-time patrol officer. As a city on the edge of the metro, Chaska is in Carver County and is home to nearly 30,000 residents. The Chaska Police Department recently moved into the new, state of the art Public Safety Facility which opened in early 2026.

Applicants must currently be MN POST licensed or eligible for licensure by March 1, 2027

Salary and Benefits

• Starting wage between $43.17-$53.10 hourly ($89,793-$110448 annually), depending upon qualifying experience. The current patrol contract includes a $1,805 annual uniform allowance check with all initial equipment provided.
• Lateral candidates may be eligible for 40-hours paid personal leave upon starting employment, higher rate of paid personal leave accrual, and higher base wage. Eligible lateral candidates may be credited with the 4 year longevity step after completion of the probationary period. Exact starting wages and benefit accrual for eligible lateral candidates will be determined based on prior experience.
• Longevity incentives available after 4, 8, 12, and 16 years of employment with the city. Current top patrol base pay is $58.94 hourly ($122,595 annually).
• Signing bonus of $5,000 ($2,000 paid after successful completion of field training and $3,000 after completion of the 12-month probationary period).
• Certain CPD assignments are eligible for additional specialty pay and instructor pay.
• Night shift differential pay of $1.00 per hour.
• Patrol Officers receive a bank of 156 holiday hours and 104 “time owed” hours annually, which can be taken as time off or pay.
• Post-retirement healthcare savings plan with city contribution.
• CPD embraces officer wellness, which includes an ability for officers to work out one-hour per shift while on-duty.

Employment Process

• Candidates meeting eligibility requirements will be invited to participate in a pre-employment process starting with a video interview and those mowing forward will be invited to a panel interview at the CPD.
• Candidates given a conditional job offer would be required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, psychological exam, drug screening, and a medical/fitness examination.

1. Enforces laws and City codes and provides for public safety through observation, investigation, reporting and corrective action.
2. Responds to service calls, patrols, and investigates suspicious activities, interviews suspects and witnesses, collects and preserves evidence, makes arrests, attends related court hearings, and completes required reporting.
3. Interacts with residents and other police departments, the general public and preserves the peace through conflict intervention, negotiation, crowd control, and community policing principles.
4. Provides public services such as emergency medical assistance, coordination at fire scenes, traffic and crowd control, missing persons, found property, and assists stranded motorists.
5. Conducts field training for all new officers, when assigned.
6. Provides information to the public and fosters relationships with businesses, neighborhoods, and citizens.
7. Knows and follows CPD policies and procedures.
8. Performs all other related duties and expected or assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Valid Minnesota driver's license or ability to obtain by hire date
• Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice or a related field
• Current licensure by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards (POST) or ability to obtain by March 1, 2027

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of community policing
• Knowledge of basic first responder first aid/life saving techniques to include CPR certified
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective investigation and interrogation
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations, communicate effectively in a respectful and responsive manner that de-escalates conflict
• Knowledge of state statutes and codes, federal guidelines and protocols, and local ordinances related to law enforcement
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Critical thinking skills and the ability to make reasoned judgments under conditions of uncertainty
• Ability to accurately assess the potential consequences of alternative courses of action and select the most appropriate and acceptable
• Ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations and act decisively to protect persons and property from harm
• Experienced in the use of computers, standard office software, firearms, and police equipment
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain responsive community relations
• Meet departmental use of force standards

EQUIPMENT USED

• Computer
• Vehicle
• Telephone
• Radio
• Body armor and tactical vest
• Firearm
• Duty belt and equipment
• Medical equipment
• First responder equipment
• Evidence collection, cameras, fingerprinting equipment

MENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Mental Effort

• Attention to detail
• Organize, plan, and supervise
• Critical thinking
• Read, interpret, and communicate statutes, regulations, and ordinances
• Understand and communicate effectively with staff and public

Physical Requirements

• Operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment
• Listen and respond to telephone and radio calls
• Operate a motor vehicle
• Stand, sit, walk, push, pull, climb, run

Working Conditions

• Work with citizens of all ages
• Exposure to heat, cold, and all weather conditions
• Risk of injury
• Driving