Police Cadet (Part-time) - Police Department

Police Cadet (Part-time) - Police Department

Salary

$28.67 - $36.84 Hourly

Location

Brooklyn Park Police Department - North Station, 5400 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN

Job Type

Regular Part-Time Limited Benefits (20-29.99 Hrs)

Job Number

2026-00102-CB

Department

Police

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Central

Posting Type

Open to the public

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Brooklyn Park, a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis, is the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. 54 percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.

The objective of the Police Cadet Program is to successfully prepare qualified candidates for future police officer positions. The Department assists the cadet by providing a school scholarship for the required educational program and by a part time, uniformed, paraprofessional position to orient the cadet to the Departments mission, policies, procedures, equipment, and methods of providing law enforcement services.

In return, the cadet shares his/her exceptional diversity skills to assist the Department with communicating, resolving conflicts, and better serving a diverse group in the community. Cadets will perform an assortment of paraprofessional tasks similar to community service officers, and other uniformed, non-sworn positions, along with job shadowing, patrol ride alongs, police training, and other police career preparation activity. Cadets do not have police powers until promoted to a police officer position.

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

• Respond to 911 calls for animal control, parking, stalled vehicles, vehicle accidents, lockouts, littering, road conditions, signal issues, traffic control, property, shoplifting/theft projects, and bike thefts.
• Follow up or investigate open cases of any issues related to cadet duties.
• Write reports for calls responded to.
• Daily duties such as mail, running squads to shops and back, public fingerprinting, park patrol, fuel trailer cameras, supply runs, and food pick-up for detention center.
• Participate in community engagement events with the public.
• Perform special detail requests for the police department.
• Respond and assist officers on calls by impounding vehicles, traffic control, providing transportation, language translation, and inventorying property.
• Assist with evidence and property inventory.
• Perform park patrol and closing city parks.
• Build skills and establish the foundation of becoming a police officer by maintaining a full-time school status, attend mentorship ride-alongs, and pass benchmark exams.
• Sit at City Hall front counter and provide customer service.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent by September 1, 2026.

• 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, or you are currently enrolled in a Skills or Certificate program, 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 drivers license with valid Minnesota driving privileges by date of hire.

• Must attend First Responder Training within two years of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be physically, medically, emotionally, and psychologically fit for full duty as determined by the Citys 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 groups 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 28 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 Departments 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 Parks "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.

• Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction

• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement

Desired Qualifications

• College level coursework
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao, or Vietnamese language(s).
• Experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.

• Core business hours are set by departments based on operational needs.
• Possible exposure to hazardous equipment, hazardous contaminants, hot or very cold temperatures
• Regular exposure to hazardous situations and conditions.
• Required to drive a vehicle, walk, speak intelligibly, hear, stand, frequently sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, firmly grasp, reach with hands and arms, push, pull, twist, lift, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and perform repetitive motions.
• Requires the regular lifting/moving 25-50 pounds, occasionally one hundred pounds, may be required to life/drag a victim.
• Must have specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be physically capable of completing a physical ability test on an ongoing basis.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check are necessary for this job title. Applicants are 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 & Alcohol Testing/Medical Examination and Psychological Examination

All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test/medical examination and psychological exam 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, medical and psychological 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.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 80,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Approximately 64 percent of our residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.

Our Vision, Values and Goals

Additional Information

Department/Division

Police/Patrol

Anticipated Hiring Wage: $28.67 per hour is the anticipated starting wage, depending on qualifications. Full hourly pay range is $28.67 - $36.84 per hour. 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 schedule tailored to school schedules, working 20-28 hours per week to include evening, weekday, weekend and holiday hours. Cadets are scheduled four days on, four days off, seven hours per day.

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.

Important Dates: Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to a phone screening the week of August 24. Candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process after the phone screening will be invited to in-person interviews September 1-4. Final candidates will be invited to Chiefs interviews September 11 and 14.

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-related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at HumanResources@brooklynpark.org.

Regular, full-time City of Brooklyn Park employees (40 or more hours per week) are eligible for a benefits package including:

Vacation

• New employees generally earn 10 days of vacation per year
• Vacation accruals increase with longevity up to a maximum of 20 days per year

Sick Leave

• Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation

Holidays

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 1 floating holiday to be used any day in the year with supervisor approval

Health Insurance:

• Employees may choose a health plan with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan
• The City contributes a portion to the cost of health insurance
• Available to City of Brooklyn Park employees working 30 or more hours per week

Dental Insurance

• Employees may choose between two dental plans with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan

Life Insurance

• The City provides term life insurance with an option for employees to purchase additional and dependent term life insurance at group rates

Disability Insurance

• Short-term disability insurance available at group rates
• Long-term disability insurance available at group rates

Retirement

• Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) pension plan (employer/employee contributions)
• Optional 457 pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) deferred compensation plans for tax-deferred retirement savings

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Reimbursement account for health care and daycare expenses using pre-tax contributions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services

Fitness

• Free on-site fitness facilities; Wellness program and fitness classes offered

Direct Deposit (mandatory)

• Payroll checks are automatically deposited into designated account(s) on payday

Regular, part-time benefited City of Brooklyn Park employees (20-29 hours per week) are not eligible for Health Insurance, but are eligible for the following benefits:

• Sick and Vacation at a pro-rated rate
• Decreasing Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Deferred Compensation, if enrolled.

Seasonal/Temporary employees

• Temporary, Seasonal, and non-benefited part-time employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked by an employee, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year.

Benefits may differ based on union contracts for employees represented by a collective bargaining unit. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied.

01

Do you currently possess a high school diploma or the equivalent or will you by September 1, 2026?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you a U.S. citizen or lawfully residing in the U.S. with approval to work in the U.S.?

• Yes
• No

03

Will you possess a valid drivers license with valid Minnesota driving privileges (not suspended, revoked, limited or canceled) by date of hire?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you able to work 20-28 hours per week that may include a set schedule, with shifts up to 12 hours or longer, nights, weekends, weekdays, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor crime?

• Yes
• No

06

Have you ever been convicted of theft?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have any bars to licensure as a Minnesota Peace Officer (Have you ever been convicted of any of the crimes listed in Minnesota Administrative Rule 6700.0700)?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you ever been convicted of any crime other than a traffic violation?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered yes to being convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation, what was the offense? Enter NA if not applicable to you.

10

Please indicate your current education status

• No post-high school education
• Currently enrolled in an associates degree program (2-year program)
• Currently enrolled in a bachelors degree program (4-5-year program)
• Currently not enrolled in a law enforcement skills licensing program but I am eligible (2-year degree or higher completed)
• Currently enrolled in a law enforcement skills program or will be POST eligible within six months, or have completed law enforcement education. (POST eligible means that you have completed an associates degree or higher AND completed a peace licensure program by taking the POST exam).

11

If you are not currently enrolled in a postsecondary Law Enforcement or related program, will you be able to immediately start attending classes on a full-time basis if hired as a Cadet?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you currently a licensed police officer in Minnesota (or eligible to be a licensed police officer in Minnesota)? This position is not for licensed officers.

• Yes
• No

13

Have you ever applied for employment with the City of Brooklyn Park?

• Yes
• No

14

If you answered yes to have you ever applied for employment with the City of Brooklyn Park, please list the position(s) and approximate month and year.

15

Have you ever had a background check completed by the City of Brooklyn Park or any other government agency?

• Yes
• No

16

If you answered yes to having a background check completed by the City of Brooklyn Park or another government agency, when was it completed and what was the outcome? Enter NA if not applicable.

17

What is your connection to the City of Brooklyn Park?

• Current Brooklyn Park Resident
• Active Member of Community Group in Brooklyn Park
• Currently enrolled in school in Brooklyn Park
• BrookLynk alumni
• None apply
• Other

18

If you listed other, please explain your connection to Brooklyn Park.

19

Do you have experience as a Brooklyn Park Police Explorer, Brooklyn Park Police Reserve Officer or Brooklyn Park Police Intern (Paid or Unpaid)?

• Yes
• No

20

How many years of volunteer work experience (police reserves, Explorers, unpaid intern, community, civic, cultural organizations, etc.) do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

21

Please describe your volunteer work experience(s). Include agency/organization/employer name, dates and the name and phone number of someone who can verify your experience.

22

Are you able to fluently speak, write, and understand any of the following languages? (Check all that apply)

• Spanish
• Hmong
• Russian
• Somali
• Vietnamese
• Laotian
• None of the above

23

Which veterans preference points, if any, are you claiming?

• Not claiming veterans preference
• Veterans preference
• Disabled veterans preference
• Spouse of a deceased veteran
• Spouse of a disabled veteran

24

Do you understand this is a part-time position that will work no more than 20-28 hours per week and is NOT eligible for health insurance benefits?

• Yes
• No

25

If you were referred by a Brooklyn Park Police employee, please list their name.

Required Question

Employer City of Brooklyn Park

Address 5200 85th Avenue N

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55443

Phone 763-493-8016

Website http://www.brooklynpark.org