Patrol Officer - Lateral Hire

Salary: $45.90 - $55.57 Hourly
Location : City of Golden Valley Public Safety Building, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-37
Department: Police
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

Summary of Position

The Golden Valley Police Department is a rapidly growing police department that serves a very supportive community of nearly 25,000 residents. We are seeking to add community-focused leaders in the public safety industry to join our department, starting with a two-week academy and a five-phase field training program.

GVPD team members have many opportunities for career development, including SWAT, FTO, WMD, DRE, crisis negotiators, drone pilots, detectives, bike patrol, defensive tactics instructors, firearms instructors, and nearly unmatched training opportunities around the region.

Sign-On Bonus of $20,000

• Eligible for licensed Patrol Officers hired on or after May 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
• 3 separate lump sum payments
  
  • $5000 upon successful completion of FTO
  • $10,000 upon successful completion of probationary period
  • $5,000 upon successful completion of 18 months of employment

Starting salaries based upon meeting education incentive and multilingual pay:Step 3: 2 years of Patrol Experience = Up to $100,272
Steps 3 - 4: 3-4 years of Patrol Experience = Up to $104,952 - $109,860
Steps 5 - 7: 5+ years of Patrol Experience = Up to $114,977 - $120,385

Benefits

• PTO + Holiday accrual rate (9.54 hours per pay period)
• Front-loaded PTO (40 up to 80 hours DOQ)
• FTOs earn 4.5 hours of pay or comp time each training shift
• Cafeteria benefits package which includes a monthly benefits contribution of $1,951
• Education Incentive ($100 - $250/month DOQ)
• Multilingual pay ($150 per month)
• Fully paid uniforms and equipment
• Consistent, set, 12-hour shift schedules
• On-site indoor gun range for sworn staff to use on or off-duty
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Unlimited confidential counseling funded by city
• Updated fully equipped on-site fitness center
• 90-minutes of workout on duty time per 12-hour shift (dependent on daily staffing level)
• Access to a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach

Expected Hours of Work
The City Police department operates 24/7 year-round. Scheduled hours of staff will reflect those needs, and will include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these essential functions:

1. Build and maintain positive and community relationships, answering questions from the public and referring community members to resources as needed.
2. Participate in community outreach and education initiatives.
3. Patrol assigned areas by patrol car, bicycle, or on foot to enforce laws and City ordinances, detect and prevent crime, respond to complaints, and assist with restoration of public disturbance.
4. Apprehend and arrest law violators and prepare detailed reports of crimes and incidents.
5. Respond to accident scenes, fires, and rescue operations, administering first aid (as needed), directing traffic flow, investigating accident scenes, and preparing reports.
6. Conducting directed patrol.
7. Perform routine inspections and general maintenance of patrol cars, equipment, and equipment records.
8. Assist other agencies, including neighboring communities, the County, and the State Highway Patrol as needed.
9. Participate in Civil or Criminal court, including assisting with the preparation of legal documents.
10. Recommend strategies, standards, and procedures consistent with organizational and department priorities.

Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position does not have employee supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum and Desired Qualifications

• United States Citizen.
• Successfully passed FTO and a current patrol officer.
• Currently licensed, or eligible to be licensed as a peace officer by the Minnesota POST Board.
• Current Minnesota valid driver's license or ability to obtain one.
• Previous community service or customer service experience.
• Ability to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in law enforcement, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency in a second language
• Experience in a public safety role.
• Previous experience building and maintaining relationships.
• Previous experience in community engagement or volunteer activities or events.
• Current Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification.
• Knowledge in the operations of police vehicles, radios, radar, computers, and related equipment.
• Trained in safe operation, handling, and discharge of firearms
• Trained in driving a motor vehicle, sometimes under adverse conditions, and at high speeds, or in pursuit of fleeing vehicles.

Competencies

• Communication
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Positive Attitude
• Hard Work
• Equity & Inclusion
• Decision-Making
• Ethical
• Organized
• Problem Solving

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is conducted indoors and outdoors, subject to both inside and outside conditions. Employees are subject to distracting noises, including radio, firearms, alarms, and citizen activity. Responsibilities involve supervision of police activities in detention, crime prevention and criminal investigation, and assuming command in critical situations, which can lead to exposure of contagious diseases and to hazardous situations that can lead to serious injury or death.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Regularly read and interpret documents and other written material.
• Regularly communicate and exchange information with others in person, over the telephone, radio, and using written communication methods.
• Frequently remain in a stationary position and regularly move within the building to attend meetings, and access files and office machinery.
• Frequently traverse around the City, on foot, in a motor vehicle, or other City transportation mechanism.
• Regularly operate computers and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer, and telephone, as well as equipment/tools consistently found in law enforcement, including radar, radios, emergency medical gear, firearms, handcuffs, and tasers.
• Occasionally move or transport items weighing up to 100 pounds.

EEO Statement
The City of Golden Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
City contribution toward insurance benefits and 100% holiday pay and paid leave accruals.
01

Are you a US Citizen?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you currently licensed, or eligible to be licensed as a peace officer by the Minnesota POST Board?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you passed a Field Training Officer (FTO) program and currently work as a patrol officer with an agency?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have two or more years of service as a patrol officer?

• Yes
• No

05

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please describe your experience as a patrol officer. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the department in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
06

Do you have a valid Minnesota Driver's License or will have a valid Minnesota Driver's license within 90 days of hire and clean driving record?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have community service or customer service experience?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you able to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please describe your experience in community service or customer service. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/A.Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
10

Do you have or currently enrolled in a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement or applicable field?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have proficiency in a second language outside of English?

• Yes
• No

12

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, with what language(s) are you fluent? If you do not have proficiency in a second language, list N/A
13

Please describe any additional work-related experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, or other public safety-related areas? Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
14

Please describe your experience in community engagement or volunteer activities. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
15

Please describe your experience in building and maintaining relationships. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
16

Do you have a valid Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification?

• Yes
• No

17

Do you have experience in the operations of police vehicles, radios, radar, computers, and related equipment?

• Yes
• No

18

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please explain the training you received. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
19

Do you have training in the safe operation, handling, and discharge of firearms with accuracy.

• Yes
• No

20

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please explain the training you received. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
21

Are you trained in driving a motor vehicle, sometimes under adverse conditions, and at high speeds, or in pursuit of fleeing vehicles.

• Yes
• No

22

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please explain the training you received. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
23

Please describe any additional experience you may have in the public sector. This may include social work, education/teaching, emergency room/nursing/healthcare. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
24

Before submitting, please confirm you have uploaded a resume to your application. Applications submitted without a resume will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.

• Yes
• No

25

Please describe any experience you may have in a leadership or supervision role. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
26

The next question is voluntary and is used to determine your eligibility for additional point credits under the Minnesota Veteran's Preference Statute 197.455.Appropriate documents MUST BE provided, either by attaching them to this application or submitting them to the City Human Resources Office within seven (7) calendar days after the deadline date for this position in order to receive Veteran's Preference points.Please select the answer that best applies to your Veteran's status.

• I am not a Veteran.
• I am a non-disabled Veteran. If selecting this answer, you must provide your form DD214 (member copy 4).
• I am a disabled Veteran. If selecting this answer, you must provide your form DD214 (member copy 4) and FL802 form (or an equivalent letter from a service retirement board).
• I am the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is unable to use the preference due to the service-related disability. If selecting this answer, you must provide your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD214 (member copy 4) and FL802 forms (or equivalent letter from a service retirement board).
• I am the spouse of a Veteran who was disabled at the time of death and died as a result of an active duty injury. If selecting this answer, you must provide your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD214 (member copy 4) and FL802 forms (or equivalent letter from a service retirement board) and spouse's death certificate.
• I am the spouse of a deceased Veteran. If selecting this answer, you must provide your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD214 (member copy 4) and spouse's death certificate.
• I prefer not to answer.

Required Question

Salary: $45.90 - $55.57 Hourly
Location : City of Golden Valley Public Safety Building, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-37
Department: Police
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

Summary of Position

The Golden Valley Police Department is a rapidly growing police department that serves a very supportive community of nearly 25,000 residents. We are seeking to add community-focused leaders in the public safety industry to join our department, starting with a two-week academy and a five-phase field training program.

GVPD team members have many opportunities for career development, including SWAT, FTO, WMD, DRE, crisis negotiators, drone pilots, detectives, bike patrol, defensive tactics instructors, firearms instructors, and nearly unmatched training opportunities around the region.

Sign-On Bonus of $20,000

• Eligible for licensed Patrol Officers hired on or after May 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
• 3 separate lump sum payments
  
  • $5000 upon successful completion of FTO
  • $10,000 upon successful completion of probationary period
  • $5,000 upon successful completion of 18 months of employment

Starting salaries based upon meeting education incentive and multilingual pay:Step 3: 2 years of Patrol Experience = Up to $100,272
Steps 3 - 4: 3-4 years of Patrol Experience = Up to $104,952 - $109,860
Steps 5 - 7: 5+ years of Patrol Experience = Up to $114,977 - $120,385

Benefits

• PTO + Holiday accrual rate (9.54 hours per pay period)
• Front-loaded PTO (40 up to 80 hours DOQ)
• FTOs earn 4.5 hours of pay or comp time each training shift
• Cafeteria benefits package which includes a monthly benefits contribution of $1,951
• Education Incentive ($100 - $250/month DOQ)
• Multilingual pay ($150 per month)
• Fully paid uniforms and equipment
• Consistent, set, 12-hour shift schedules
• On-site indoor gun range for sworn staff to use on or off-duty
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Unlimited confidential counseling funded by city
• Updated fully equipped on-site fitness center
• 90-minutes of workout on duty time per 12-hour shift (dependent on daily staffing level)
• Access to a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach

Expected Hours of Work
The City Police department operates 24/7 year-round. Scheduled hours of staff will reflect those needs, and will include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these essential functions:

1. Build and maintain positive and community relationships, answering questions from the public and referring community members to resources as needed.
2. Participate in community outreach and education initiatives.
3. Patrol assigned areas by patrol car, bicycle, or on foot to enforce laws and City ordinances, detect and prevent crime, respond to complaints, and assist with restoration of public disturbance.
4. Apprehend and arrest law violators and prepare detailed reports of crimes and incidents.
5. Respond to accident scenes, fires, and rescue operations, administering first aid (as needed), directing traffic flow, investigating accident scenes, and preparing reports.
6. Conducting directed patrol.
7. Perform routine inspections and general maintenance of patrol cars, equipment, and equipment records.
8. Assist other agencies, including neighboring communities, the County, and the State Highway Patrol as needed.
9. Participate in Civil or Criminal court, including assisting with the preparation of legal documents.
10. Recommend strategies, standards, and procedures consistent with organizational and department priorities.

Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position does not have employee supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum and Desired Qualifications

• United States Citizen.
• Successfully passed FTO and a current patrol officer.
• Currently licensed, or eligible to be licensed as a peace officer by the Minnesota POST Board.
• Current Minnesota valid driver's license or ability to obtain one.
• Previous community service or customer service experience.
• Ability to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in law enforcement, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency in a second language
• Experience in a public safety role.
• Previous experience building and maintaining relationships.
• Previous experience in community engagement or volunteer activities or events.
• Current Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification.
• Knowledge in the operations of police vehicles, radios, radar, computers, and related equipment.
• Trained in safe operation, handling, and discharge of firearms
• Trained in driving a motor vehicle, sometimes under adverse conditions, and at high speeds, or in pursuit of fleeing vehicles.

Competencies

• Communication
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Positive Attitude
• Hard Work
• Equity & Inclusion
• Decision-Making
• Ethical
• Organized
• Problem Solving

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is conducted indoors and outdoors, subject to both inside and outside conditions. Employees are subject to distracting noises, including radio, firearms, alarms, and citizen activity. Responsibilities involve supervision of police activities in detention, crime prevention and criminal investigation, and assuming command in critical situations, which can lead to exposure of contagious diseases and to hazardous situations that can lead to serious injury or death.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Regularly read and interpret documents and other written material.
• Regularly communicate and exchange information with others in person, over the telephone, radio, and using written communication methods.
• Frequently remain in a stationary position and regularly move within the building to attend meetings, and access files and office machinery.
• Frequently traverse around the City, on foot, in a motor vehicle, or other City transportation mechanism.
• Regularly operate computers and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer, and telephone, as well as equipment/tools consistently found in law enforcement, including radar, radios, emergency medical gear, firearms, handcuffs, and tasers.
• Occasionally move or transport items weighing up to 100 pounds.

EEO Statement
The City of Golden Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
City contribution toward insurance benefits and 100% holiday pay and paid leave accruals.
01

Are you a US Citizen?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you currently licensed, or eligible to be licensed as a peace officer by the Minnesota POST Board?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you passed a Field Training Officer (FTO) program and currently work as a patrol officer with an agency?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have two or more years of service as a patrol officer?

• Yes
• No

05

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please describe your experience as a patrol officer. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the department in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
06

Do you have a valid Minnesota Driver's License or will have a valid Minnesota Driver's license within 90 days of hire and clean driving record?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have community service or customer service experience?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you able to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please describe your experience in community service or customer service. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/A.Responses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
10

Do you have or currently enrolled in a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement or applicable field?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have proficiency in a second language outside of English?

• Yes
• No

12

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, with what language(s) are you fluent? If you do not have proficiency in a second language, list N/A
13

Please describe any additional work-related experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, or other public safety-related areas? Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
14

Please describe your experience in community engagement or volunteer activities. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
15

Please describe your experience in building and maintaining relationships. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
16

Do you have a valid Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification?

• Yes
• No

17

Do you have experience in the operations of police vehicles, radios, radar, computers, and related equipment?

• Yes
• No

18

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please explain the training you received. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
19

Do you have training in the safe operation, handling, and discharge of firearms with accuracy.

• Yes
• No

20

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please explain the training you received. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
21

Are you trained in driving a motor vehicle, sometimes under adverse conditions, and at high speeds, or in pursuit of fleeing vehicles.

• Yes
• No

22

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please explain the training you received. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
23

Please describe any additional experience you may have in the public sector. This may include social work, education/teaching, emergency room/nursing/healthcare. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
24

Before submitting, please confirm you have uploaded a resume to your application. Applications submitted without a resume will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.

• Yes
• No

25

Please describe any experience you may have in a leadership or supervision role. Include the role, responsibilities, number of years, and the setting in which you worked. If you do not have experience, list N/AResponses that indicate 'see resume', 'see attached', and or 'see application' will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
26

The next question is voluntary and is used to determine your eligibility for additional point credits under the Minnesota Veteran's Preference Statute 197.455.Appropriate documents MUST BE provided, either by attaching them to this application or submitting them to the City Human Resources Office within seven (7) calendar days after the deadline date for this position in order to receive Veteran's Preference points.Please select the answer that best applies to your Veteran's status.

• I am not a Veteran.
• I am a non-disabled Veteran. If selecting this answer, you must provide your form DD214 (member copy 4).
• I am a disabled Veteran. If selecting this answer, you must provide your form DD214 (member copy 4) and FL802 form (or an equivalent letter from a service retirement board).
• I am the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is unable to use the preference due to the service-related disability. If selecting this answer, you must provide your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD214 (member copy 4) and FL802 forms (or equivalent letter from a service retirement board).
• I am the spouse of a Veteran who was disabled at the time of death and died as a result of an active duty injury. If selecting this answer, you must provide your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD214 (member copy 4) and FL802 forms (or equivalent letter from a service retirement board) and spouse's death certificate.
• I am the spouse of a deceased Veteran. If selecting this answer, you must provide your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD214 (member copy 4) and spouse's death certificate.
• I prefer not to answer.

Required Question

• 

• Government Careers

Show more