Police Officer

Overview

Ever thought of changing careers and becoming a police officer? Now is the time to act!

The Hopkins Police Department is accepting applications and resumes (required) for the position of police officer recruit. Applicants must currently have a two- or four-year degree from a regionally accredited college or university in any area of study. All tuition, books, uniforms and equipment will be paid for.

Selected candidates will attend school full time starting April 27, 2026, at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park. At the completion of the law enforcement curriculum, candidates will be eligible to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training licensing exam. Upon successful completion of the licensing exam, candidates will be promoted to the position of sworn police officer with the City of Hopkins.

The 2026 entry level police officer pay rate is $43.35/hour per contract.

Candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Recruit Pay Rate: $43.35/hour

• Vacation - 152 hours 1st year
• Holiday time off - 104 hours 1st year
• Parental, caregiver, and bereavement leave
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance packages
• State of the art equipment
• Commitment to professional development

• Canine unit
• Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) Program
• General investigations
• Drug Task Force officer
• SWAT Team
• Bicycle patrol
• Field Training Officer
• Use of Force Instructor
• Peer support team member

Questions and Ride Along: contact Lieutenant Kevin Frederick at  or

This position is responsible for conducting law enforcement activities to ensure public safety. Responsibilities may include: responding to requests for assistance from the public; preventing traffic accidents and deterring violators; investigating accidents and criminal incidents; preparing incident reports; ensuring the security and order of the court; receiving, processing, recording, storing, maintaining and releasing evidence; protecting crime scenes; and coordinating with other departments.

The duties and responsibilities of this job are performed with latitude for independent judgement in accordance with Department and City policies, Federal, State and Local regulations and are based on detailed knowledge of department operations. Work is subject to periodic review by the supervisor, who provides input on approval of recommendations and discusses assignments, priorities and work.

Essential Duties

This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

• Responds to requests for assistance from the public, including emergency and high-risk calls for service; work may involve mediating conflicts; assisting parents with their children; performing first aid; and enforcing laws related to the protection of life and property; may route calls or refer the public to appropriate department/personnel/resources/agencies
• Investigates accidents and criminal incidents; duties may involve patrolling sites on foot, or by motorcycle or cars; protecting crime scenes; interviewing suspects, victims, and other relevant parties; arresting individuals; writing and executing search warrants; receiving, processing, recording, storing, maintaining, and/or releasing evidence; and testifying in court
• Provides traffic control and direction to prevent traffic accidents and deter violators; work may involve checking speed with radar, making traffic stops, providing written or verbal warnings, issuing citations, or arresting law violators
• Prepares and/or maintains incident and other reports, records, files, and other documentation; and maintains, updates, and/or enters/retrieves information into/from databases, and other online systems, to record and communicate department case activity, and other operations
• Oversees part-time staff, contract employees, volunteers, reserve officers, and interns to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; coordinating and conducting staff training
• Conducts and/or coordinates…