Position Summary

Due to the unique nature of this position, it is limited in term and covered by a special, signed agreement. Police cadets are individuals the Police Department has conditionally committed to employ as peace officers as soon as they become qualified for such a position and the Department has an opening. If the cadet becomes unsuitable for promotion to police officer, the cadet will not be retained.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively pursue and successfully complete the required educational program and necessary testing required to be licensed as a Minnesota peace officer.
• Not engage in any conduct that would bar the Cadet from becoming licensed as a Minnesota peace officer or cause the Cadet to be disqualified under our background investigation standards.
• Enforce applicable ordinances and statutes pertaining to animals, animal control, parking, and selected health and nuisance ordinances.
• Perform detention duties, including booking, searching, controlling, and releasing prisoners.
• Provide traffic control or perimeter security as assigned.
• Safely operate assigned Police Department vehicles and assist in the servicing and maintenance of the department automotive fleet and selected equipment.
• Assist in the recovery and inventorying of lost, abandoned and/or confiscated property.
• Participate in learning activities.
• Prepare and submit accurate and thorough reports and other paperwork required by various job activities, and other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent by June 30, 2024.
• Must be:
  • A United States (US) citizen or
  • Lawfully residing in the US with approval to work in the US
• To be promoted to police officer, candidate must be able to obtain lawful permanent residency (LPR) status, have completed the military naturalization process, or have a pending citizenship application on file with the federal government.
• Must successfully enroll in an approved law enforcement degree or certificate program, the Professional Peace Officer Education Program (PPOEP), offered by a local college or university. If you have already completed the PPOEP or already eligible to be licensed as a peace officer in Minnesota, you are over-qualified for this position.
• Must immediately start full time college attendance upon hire and maintain a 2.00 GPA ("C" average) or better. The college scholarship will only pay for college expenses incurred after the date of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with valid Minnesota driving privileges by date of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be physically, medically, emotionally, and psychologically fit for full duty as determined by the City's occupational physician and police psychologist. Cadets must be able to safely perform all the tasks and responsibilities of the position and be fit and suitable for promotion to police officer.
  • Finalists receiving a conditional job offer must pass a medical and psychological exam, as well as a drug test.
  • Vision in each eye must be fully correctable to 20/20.
• No bars to licensure as a Minnesota peace officer. See the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Board for details or call 651-643-3060.
• Must not be disqualified after a comprehensive and thorough background investigation.
• Must possess the desire to become a police officer and work as a police officer in Brooklyn Park.
• Possess one or more of the following exceptional diversity assets:
  • Fluency in English and another language spoken in Brooklyn Park, or
  • An advanced level of knowledge and understanding about a diverse group that resides or spends time in Brooklyn Park, or
  • Significant connections to a diverse group in Brooklyn Park or the group's service providers that would be helpful to the Police Department in communicating, resolving conflicts, or building bridges with the group.
• Must be willing to work flexible or set schedules; shifts of up to 12 hours or longer; and nights, holidays, weekdays, and weekends.
• Must be able to work 20 to 29 hours per week.
• Must be willing to enter a career in which you may be called upon to use deadly force and your actions may result in the death of others.
• Must be willing to enter a career subject to personal dangers that can include infectious diseases, hazardous materials, physical assaults, inclement weather, persons intent on killing you, accidents, gunfire, and others.
• Must be willing to enter a career in which there is little room for error, subject to the highest level of accountability, including being videotaped while working and subject to severe civil, criminal, licensing, and administrative penalties for errors or misconduct.
• The Police Department wants to provide the best possible police service to our very diverse community through the recruitment of persons with exceptional diversity skills, knowledge, and connections.
  • The Department is particularly seeking persons fluent in languages most frequently represented in the Department's use of translator services, such as Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese or Laotian. Official translator certification is especially desired.
  • An advanced level of understanding and knowledge regarding the cultural challenges that face Brooklyn Park's "new Americans" (immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons).
  • An existing commitment to pursue a career in law enforcement or policing, evidenced by educational preparation, paraprofessional jobs or volunteer positions in law enforcement agencies, prior employment as a peace officer or criminal justice professional in another country, or other previous police career preparation.
  • Demonstrated ability to positively enhance understanding between diverse groups of people.

Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants will be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further 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 and Psychological Examinations
After a conditional job offer, candidates will be required to pass a medical and psychological exam prior to employment. Applicants who do not consent to undergo any part of the medical or psychological exam 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.

Additional Information

Anticipated Hiring Wage: $25.30 - $32.51 per hour, depending on qualifications. Uniforms and equipment provided. College scholarship provided for the educational program to prepare the Cadet for promotion to a licensed peace officer position.

Anticipated Schedule: Part- time, non-exempt, non-union position with a flexible schedule of 20-29 hours per week to include evening, weekday, weekend and holiday hours.

Part Time - Limited Benefits: Sick and vacation are earned at a pro-rated rate. PERA Life, Flex Spending, and Deferred Comp eligible. IMPORTANT NOTE: This position is not eligible for insurance benefits.

We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability and need assistance with the application process, please contact Janis Lajon at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at Janis.lajon@brooklynpark.org.