Lateral Police Officer

Salary : $89,388.00 Annually
Location : Duluth, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: L25090
Department: Police
Division: Patrol
Opening Date: 11/17/2025
Closing Date: 11/17/2026 12:00 AM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Police
Probation Period: 12 months
Eligible List Duration: 3 months


Job Posting Information

Salary Range
2026 starting annual base salary: $89,388
2026 starting annual salary including add-ons: $96,539

In addition to the base salary, officers will receive additional guaranteed contractual add-ons for 2026, including:

• 24-Hour Duty Pay : 3% of base pay
• Preparation Pay : 2% of base pay
• First Responder Pay : 3% of base pay

These add-ons, provided as part of the collective bargaining agreement, are designed to reflect the unique demands of the role and are guaranteed for all officers, enhancing their overall compensation package.

SUMMARY/PURPOSE
To ensure preservation of peace and public safety through the enforcement of local, state, and Federal laws, and by providing support and assistance during emergency or crisis situations.

* Essential functions, or requirements necessary on the first day of employment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
FUNCTIONAL AREAS:
1. Patrol designated district to ensure preservation of peace and public safety.
* A. Inspect persons, places, and property exposed to crime.

* B. Identify, report, and/or correct hazards to public safety.

* C. Provide services for public convenience.

* D. Monitor and enforce compliance with laws.

* E. Direct traffic.

F. Administer specialized tests to determine illegal drug or alcohol consumption.

* G. Establish and maintain professional relationships with the general public.

* H. Maintain a positive, visible law enforcement presence in the community.
2. Identify, apprehend, and assist in the prosecution of suspected violators of the law.
* A. Respond to and document reports of crime.

* B. Stop, detain, identify, and search persons suspected of criminal activity.

* C. Plan, conduct, coordinate, and document investigations of possible criminal activity.

* D. Interview, question, and/or interrogate victims/complainants, witnesses, informants, and suspects of possible criminal activity.

* E. Transcribe notes and recordings into formal written reports.

* F. Collect and preserve evidence.

* G. Coordinate case preparation with assigned prosecutors, law enforcement, and other personnel.

* H. Execute search and/or arrest warrants, using only the appropriate level of physical force necessary.

* I. Testify in court.

* J. Refer victims/complainants to appropriate service agencies.

* K. Gather intelligence and other information relating to possible criminal activity.

* L. Conduct surveillance operations.
3. Respond to non-emergency, emergency, and crisis situations.
* A. Establish control during unusual incidents or civil disorders.

* B. Assist in calming neighborhood and family disputes.

* C. Administer first aid to the injured.
4. Perform other related duties as required.
A. Instruct entry-level personnel as Field Training Officer.

B. Participate in Special Operations Units as assigned.

C. Acquire and maintain specialized knowledge or skill areas.

D. Instruct others during training sessions, classes, and group meetings.

E. Analyze, organize, and present intelligence and other information relating to suspected criminal activity.

F. Reconstruct incidents using mathematical, computer, and other techniques.

Job Requirements
Education & Experience Requirements (standards are determined by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board):
1.* Applicants must meet one of the following requirements and have a minimum of three (3) additional years of experience as a licensed police officer working in a law enforcement capacity:

A. Possess a valid license for Peace Officer in the State of Minnesota; or

B. Have the status of "eligible to be licensed" as defined by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board; or

C. Have completed basic requirements in another state and be considered eligible by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board; or

D. Be considered an exception to all of the above options and eligible by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board.
Driver's License Requirement:

1.* Possess a valid Minnesota Class "D" Driver's License or privilege.

Selection Process Information

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.
Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.

Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education & Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to .
VETERANS PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selections

To apply for Veterans Preference, the applicant must attach the required documents when submitting their application.

• Scan and combine all documents into one file before uploading it to the Attachments section of the application.
• Submitting this information is optional, but preference points cannot be awarded without it.
• Points are only awarded if the applicant passes all exams and submits all required documents to Human Resources.

OPEN SELECTIONS

Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Spouse of Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must currently be married to the veteran;
• The veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position but be unable to use the preference because of a service-connected disability. The applicant must explain this in their response to the related question in the Agency Questions section of the application.

Spouse of Deceased Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• Death certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must not have remarried;
• The veteran must have died during active duty or as a result of an injury received during active duty.

PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS

Points are only awarded to Disabled Veteran's score one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Please refer to for additional information about Veterans' Preference.
Eligible City of Duluth employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
• Training and Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.
01


Do you have three years of experience as a licensed police officer working in a law enforcement capacity?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess a valid Minnesota Driver's License or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you posses a valid license for Peace Officer in the State of Minnesota; or have a status of "eligible to be licensed" as defined by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board? Please explain your status and attach documentation to support.
04


Please explain your law enforcement employment and all positions or assignments held. Please explain if you have been a Firearms Instructor, Field Training Officer, or related position.
Required Question