Apprentice Police Officer

The City of Brooklyn Center is accepting applications for people who are currently in the workforce but have a desire to become a police officer. The apprentice police officer is a full-time, grant-funded** position designed to provide the education and training necessary to transition into a successful career as a police officer.

Salary and benefits, plus all tuition costs, are paid by the City of Brooklyn Center. Those hired will be required to agree to employment with the Brooklyn Center Police Department for three years.  

Responsibilities include full-time attendance at Hennepin Technical College for an estimated 24-week, cohort-style training. The apprentice police officer must maintain a “C” grade or better.  Upon successful graduation, the candidate will be sworn in as a licensed police officer with the City of Brooklyn Center and begin in-house and formal field training.

The primary Objective of the Apprentice Police Officer:
Attend paid training for 24 weeks and complete graduation requirements.
Cadets will be sworn in as a licensed peace officer.
Go through the same rigorous pre-employment testing required of our officers.
Attend the necessary training to be licensed police officers.
Following the academic and skills training, field training begins.

**The apprentice police officer position is funded by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety through the Intensive Comprehensive Police Officer Education and Training program.

The primary responsibility for the person in this position is to take advantage of the education being provided to them so they are prepared for a successful career in law enforcement.

Duties, include, but aren’t limited to:

• Attending classes, which will be primarily during the day, but may include some evenings. As a condition of employment, candidate must maintain a “C” or better grade.
• Attend meetings, trainings or other commitments as assigned by command staff that lead toward a successful graduation and passing the Peace Officer Standards and Training License.  
• Provide updates on academic progress by means as determined by command staff.
• Other duties as prescribed by a supervisor which may include a range of activities aligned with the mission of the Brooklyn Center Police Department.            

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Superior verbal communication skills sufficient to understand direction, relay information and provide direction, sometimes under pressure and in challenging environments. 
• Passionate about customer service. Committed to establishing a safe, productive, collaborative culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion. Fair and equitable when working with people. 
• Superior written communication skills sufficient to understand written instruction, provide written directions, recall events and accurately depict events in chronological order.  
• Above average physical abilities as determined by an extensive physical examination prior to hire.  
• Works evenings, weekends and holidays, in both internal office and external conditions including all kinds of weather.  
• Above average mental acuity as determined by an extensive psychological examination prior to hire. Uses keen observation skills and other tactics to accurately assess a situation, anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives. 
• Able to act in a decisive, equitable manner, using sound judgment. When necessary, makes fair and effective decisions in an emergency environment. Is resourceful and able to improvise as necessary and successfully adapt in a timely fashion.
• Integrity and character beyond reproach, as determined by an extensive background investigation prior to hire.  Actively listens and asks effective questions to gain a shared understanding of someone’s needs and situation. 
• Adept at de-escalating tense situations and peacefully resolving conflict. Can successfully adapt to a wide variety of cultures. 
• Must be able to effectively represent the organization to the community by building trust and strong relationships.
• Builds strong relationships with a wide variety of people. Committed to establishing a safe, productive, collaborative culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Ability to serve proudly, choose happiness and be professional in everything you do.
• Additional duties as assigned and requested.  

• Possess a valid driver’s license (Minnesota within 60 days of employment).
• Eligible to carry a firearm in the State of Minnesota.
• Must meet the minimum standards to be licensed as a police officer in the State of Minnesota.
• Two or four-year college degree in a field of study other than law enforcement.

Dates to remember:
Posting closes for applications May 31, 2025
Interviews will take place the week of June 9, 2025 
Backgrounds begin week of June 9, 2025
Conditional job offers week of July 28, 2025
Medical and psychological evaluations week of July 28. 2025
Official notification of job offers the week of August 11, 2025
Start date:  August 27, 2025
Dates subject to change

Benefits:
Department funded uniforms, training and tuition in return for a 3-year commitment following graduation. Brooklyn Center PD offers a top pay at over $52.00 per hour plus incentives. Officers work 12-hour shifts and can work out on duty in our on-site gym.  

We offer several assignments outside of patrol to include:

• FTO
• SWAT
• MobileFieldForce Detective
• StreetCrimes
• In-houseTrainers

Salary : $30 - $52