Police Cadet

Salary : $69,742.40 Annually
Location : Special Operations Center (SOC), 4119 DuPont Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00004
Department: Police
Division: Police
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: CAF


Position Description


As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The Minneapolis Police Department is looking for Police Cadet candidates - people who have a strong sense of commitment for public service, outstanding character, sound judgment, excellent work ethic, effective oral and written communication skills, interpersonal tact, empathy, and compassion.

Our Police Cadet program is designed to educate and train future Police Officers. Police Cadets will attend and successfully complete a program in law enforcement at a department authorized institution for the purpose of meeting the academic and technical skills requirements of the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board.

Work Location-
This position currently works on-site only.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.


INFORMATION SESSION
Want to learn more about the Police Cadet position? The Minneapolis Police Department is hosting an information session which you are highly encouraged to attend. Attendance is optional for all applicants or potential applicants. Registration is NOT required.

Date: TBD
Location: 4119 DuPont Ave North, Minneapolis

We will highlight and discuss some of these topics:

• Application process and educational requirements
• Background Investigation information
• Department Interviews expectations
• Medical, psychological, physical and drug & alcohol testing Cadet Academy
• Minnesota P.O.S.T. minimum selection standards for peace officer licensure

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend and complete a law enforcement program at a department authorized institution to meet the academic objectives required to take the Minnesota P.O.S.T. licensing examination
• When hired, Cadets will be promoted to Police Officer upon successful completion of the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board academic and skill requirements when a recruit academy class is scheduled.
• Cadet must commit to two years of employment with the Minneapolis Police Department following their promotion to Police Officer or payback, on a pro-rated basis, the costs of the tuition paid by the department for the academic training and/or the skills course. (Dismissed cadets will be forgiven any costs outstanding at date of termination).
• Failure to successfully complete Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board licensing exam at the end of the training program may result in termination.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Exposure to hazardous conditions and life-threatening situations
Required Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's or Associate's Degree from an accredited College or University completed by the Cadet Academy start date.


MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
N/A


Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Driver's License


Minnesota Peace Officer Standards Training Board Minimum Selection Standards:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Must not have a felony conviction
• Must successfully pass the MPD background investigation
• Click on the link below for the minimum selection standards established by the Minnesota P.O.S.T.:

Background Check The City has determined that a thorough Minneapolis Police Department criminal background check is necessary for positions with this job title. Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position. Drug And Alcohol Testing All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

MEDICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS
Candidates must be deemed medically and psychologically fit and successfully pass a drug and alcohol screening prior to hire. Pre-Employment Medical exams, including work simulation tests, and Psychological Exams are tentatively scheduled to begin after successfully passing backgrounds.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Police work is physically and mentally demanding. During the training academy, candidates will participate in and be assessed on MPD Police Officer fitness goals.
This position requires standing, walking, sitting, talking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Requires close distance color, peripheral vision with ability to adjust focus.


SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates unable to complete any portion of this process will not be eligible to move forward in the hiring process.

UNION REPRESENTATION
This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) General Unit


ELIGIBLE LIST
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire six (6) months after date of certification.


INTERVIEW SELECTION The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultures, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Must have the physical ability to run and chase suspects, wrestles and subdues suspects, jump and crawl over and under objects and lift and drag heavy objects.
• Proficiency in any of the following second languages is desired but not required:
  • Spanish
  • Somali
  • Hmong
  • Laotian
  • Amharic
  • Oromo
  • Vietnamese
  • American Sign Language (ASL)

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.
As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.
The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Benefits Summary
Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the


Insurance
Health insurance
Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.

Dental insurance
The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.

Life insurance
The city provides basic life insurance of one times your annual salary up to $50,000. You can elect to purchase optional life insurance.


Paid time off
Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and


Paid parental leave
City employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.

Retirement
City employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

• Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
• Deferred compensation : Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).

Transportation
Eligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:

• Metropass: The program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
• Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.

Learning and development
To engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine's, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.

Other perks
Employees can also take advantage of flexible spending accounts, the , health club discounts and more.
01


How did you find out about this position? (Select all that apply)

• Recruiter
• City of Minneapolis website
• City of Minneapolis employee
• City of Minneapolis Career Opportunities Bulletin
• Friend, family, or community
• League of Minnesota Cities website
• Diversityjobs.com website
• Governmentjobs.com website
• Indeed.com website
• Minnesotajobs.com website
• Minnesota Council of Nonprofits website
• Other Website
• LinkedIn
• Twitter / X
• Facebook
• Other social media site
• Newspaper
• Other media
• College or University
• Community organization
• Job Fair
• Professional association
• Site Visit
• None of the above

02


Please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., website name, City of Minneapolis employee name, job fair, professional association).
03


Will you be at least 18 years of age by hire ?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you or will you have a valid driver's license by hire (MN POST Rqmt.)

• Yes
• No

05


Do you or will you have an Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university by hire date?

• Yes
• No

06


What is your highest level of education by hire date?

• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• High School Diploma/GED
• Not Applicable

07


Are you able to fluently speak, write, and understand any of the following languages? (Check all that apply)

• Spanish
• Somali
• Hmong
• Laotian
• Amharic
• Oromo
• Vietnamese
• American Sign Language (ASL)
• None of the above

08


Do you have experience volunteering with the Minneapolis Police Activities League (PAL)?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you have experience volunteering with an organization within the City of Minneapolis?

• Yes
• No

10


Do you have experience volunteering with an organization outside of the City of Minneapolis?

• Yes
• No

11


Have you ever been a Minneapolis Police Reserve or Explorer?

• Yes
• No

12


The Cadet program requires individuals to obtain their MN POST (Board Certification). Upon successful completion of the program, Cadets are expected to promote to Police Officer and make a two-year commitment as an MPD Officer. Do you understand and are you able to commit to this expectation?

• Yes
• No

13


Applicants who have already taken and passed the Board of POST Licensing Exam or other state equivalent are NOT eligible for the Cadet position. Have you ever taken and passed the POST Licensing Exam or other state equivalent?

• Yes
• No

14


Are any of the following statements true? (MPD Standard) • You are listed as a defendant or suspect in any pending or active criminal case• You have an outstanding warrant• You are considered to be a fugitive from justice

• Yes
• No

15


Are you listed as a "Respondent" of a current Restraining or Harassment Order of Protection? (MPD Standard)

• Yes
• No

16


Have you ever been convicted as an adult of: a) Assault in the 5th degree, and/or b) Domestic assault? (MN POST Rqmt.)

• Yes
• No

17


Have you ever been convicted as an adult of: a) A felony in this state or in any other state or federal jurisdiction, or b) An offense in any other state or federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in Minnesota? (MN POST Rqmt.)

• Yes
• No

18


Have you ever been convicted as an adult of any of these offenses: a) Mistreatment of residents/patients, b) Abuse, neglect, financial exploitation of, failure to report maltreatment of, or disorderly conduct in regards to a vulnerable adult? (MN POST Rqmt.)

• Yes
• No

19


List all of your criminal offenses in the last 10 years including if you were listed as a suspect and never charged. If so, list why, when, and the outcome (also are you on probation unsupervised/supervised?).
20


I understand that giving false information at any time throughout this examination including but not limited to the information I supply in this application will result in disqualification from this examination.

• Yes

Required Question