Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) Hiring Frequently Asked Questions
Minimum requirements for police applicants
Police Recruit:
- You must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen.
- You must have or be eligible to obtain a Minnesota driver's license.
- No felony convictions.
- Pass a complete background check.
Job announcements will list all minimum requirements.
Where to get an application
- You apply online when the job is open.
What disqualifies an applicant
- Any felony convictions as a juvenile or an adult.
- Some misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor convictions.
- Please see Minnesota POST License Requirements and rejection criteria.
I had a background check done with another agency; does Minneapolis Police Department still do a background check?
- Yes. The MPD Backgrounds Unit will conduct a thorough background investigation on every applicant.
- Background checks from other agencies may be obtained and used in our background process.
Am I paid more money if I have a four-year degree?
- No, but having a 4-year degree or a Masters degree may help when seeking a promotion or specialized assignment within the department.
What shifts do officers work?
- Officers work mainly 10 hour shifts while on patrol assignment.
How are police officer work schedules and assignments determined?
- Assignments to precincts are determined at the end of an officer's training and are based on department staffing needs. An officer's shift assignment, within a patrol precinct, is determined and based upon the officer's seniority rank.
- An officer's days off request is made at the beginning of each 28-day scheduling period. The officer chooses his or her own days off to be reviewed by a supervisor. As long as all days off requests coincide with shift staffing requirements, an officer's original days off request is approved.
Does the police department pay for all uniforms and equipment?
- MPD Officers are entitled to reimbursement for the purchase price of uniforms and equipment as determined by contract negotiations.
How long does the hiring process take?
- The hiring process can take up to 6 to 12 months.
Is the hiring process be shorter for applicants with previous law enforcement or military experience?
- Generally no, previous experience may help an applicant be more competitive in the process, but it will not shorten the process.
Does Minneapolis have a residency requirement?
- The Minneapolis Police Department does not require officers to live within the city limits.
What area does the Minneapolis Police Department patrol?
- The Minneapolis city limits are approximately 58 square miles. Learn more about police precincts.
When can I can take a sergeant's exam?
- Police officers must have a minimum of 5 years of continuous service, as a permanent employee.
- The 5 years of continuous service may include time served as a Minneapolis Police Cadet immediately prior to being classified as a police officer.
- Police officers must have at least 18 months assigned to uniformed patrol for after recruit school (which can include the Field Training Officers Program.)
Last updated Feb 25, 2020
