Pathways to Policing

The Pathways to Policing Program is designed to attract non-traditional candidates to the field of law enforcement, thereby eliminating barriers for those who aspire to join this career. Specifically, preference will be given to candidates with cultural competency skills and experience living or working with culturally diverse populations in order to better align departments with the communities they serve.

Individuals seeking a new career path and a way to make a difference in their communities are encouraged to apply. Participants will earn pay and benefits while attending a full-time professional peace officer education program in Brooklyn Park, MN. Applicants must have a two- or four-year regionally accredited college degree in any field of study, but no prior law enforcement training or experience is required. They must also be U.S. citizens with a valid drivers license and no felony convictions.

The program specifically targets those who can fluently speak and proficiently read and write a second language in addition to English and/or who have experience living or working with culturally diverse populations. Upon completion of the education program (approximately 22 weeks), trainees must obtain POST licensure before transitioning to a full-time sworn police officer position with one of the participating agencies.

How the Program Works
Successful applicants will be hired as police trainees by a participating police agency. This is a full-time position with a starting wage of $25.00 per hour, with competitive benefits. As police trainees, individuals will attend 40 hours a week of college coursework and training at Hennepin Technical College Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Educational Center in Brooklyn Park, MN, for approximately 22 weeks and then take the licensing exam for police officers. All course fees and equipment are provided and paid for.
Upon graduation and successful completion of the licensing exam, trainees will be promoted to probationary sworn police officers and begin their careers in law enforcement just like any other new officer.

Essential Job Functions
Attend and actively participate in the identified education and skills program.
Complete all coursework associated with the program.
Maintain appropriate physical conditioning to ensure successful completion of the skills training component.
Upon completion of the training program, successfully attain POST licensure eligibility.
Agree to provide an employment commitment of at least two years as a law enforcement officer. Conditional employment offers will be extended to police trainees for the period of time required to complete the aforementioned accelerated training/skills program.
Successful completion of the program will result in a change in employment status to probationary police officer.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary: $25 per hour, $52,000 annually

+ Minimum Qualifications
Must have a 2-year or 4-year degree from a regionally accredited institution in any field by August 1, 2024.
No previous police experience is required.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess a valid drivers license or ability to obtain.
Must have no felony convictions.
Must NOT have completed an MN Skills program or taken the MN POST or reciprocity exam.
+ Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to fluently speak and proficiently read and write a second language, in addition to English.
Possession of translator certification.
Experience living or working with culturally diverse populations.
We seek individuals who will assist us in serving our very diverse communities. Priority will be given to candidates who have cultural competency skills and knowledge, as well as community engagement experience that can be applied to police work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Ability to Relocate:

• Minneapolis, MN: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person