Making a decision on where to work for a law enforcement agency can be difficult.
There are many factors that go into this important decision, such as the size of the city, diversity, cost of living, and quality of life.
We have done the hard work for you, and have created a list of what we feel are the top ten sheriff’s offices in Minnesota to work for.
We’ve based our decision on an array of factor-like diversity, cost of living index, public school rankings within city limits (if applicable), crime rate per capita and career advancement opportunities.
We hope this article has been helpful. Take a look at the list below of what we feel are the top ten places to work for law enforcement in Minnesota.
What are Police Jobs Like in Minesota?
Working as a law enforcement officer in Minnesota can be both challenging and rewarding.
Police officers have the important task of protecting the public, upholding the law, and maintaining order.
Minnesota is a great state to work as a police officer due to its diverse population, high quality of life, and low cost of living.
There are many opportunities for career growth, and the state is home to many law enforcement agencies including sheriff’s offices, police departments, and federal government agencies.
Police officers in Minnesota earn an average annual salary between $59,000 and $80,000+ per year.
Salary range differs from agency to agency and experience, ranking, and other factors. To get an accurate estimate of what you would earn as a police officer in Minnesota, visit the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top 10 Best Police Departments in Minnesota
Below are our top seven picks for the best police departments in Minnesota.
These agencies have been selected based on a variety of factors, such as their low crime rates, high employee satisfaction ratings, and expansive career opportunities.
Take a look at the list below and find the department that is right for you:
1. Duluth Police Department
The Duluth Police Department has been ranked as one of the best police departments in the country.
This agency has a long and distinguished history, dating back to 1857.
The Duluth Police Department is known for its community-oriented policing philosophy and its commitment to providing quality service to the citizens of Duluth.
Officers with this department earn an average annual salary of $57,000.
Duluth Police Department has a low crime rate and offers many opportunities for career advancement.
Units within the department include patrol, investigations, special operations, and administration.
With a population of over 86,000 people and a median household income of $55,000 dollars, Duluth is an ideal place to work as a police officer.
2. Eden Prairie Police Department
The Eden Prairie Police Department is a well-respected law enforcement agency that has been serving the citizens of Eden Prairie since 1967.
This department is located in Hennepin County, Minnesota is a suburban city that has been consistently ranked among the best places to live in America.
The Eden Prairie Police Department enjoys many benefits like: low cost of living; high quality of life with numerous parks and trails nearby; lots to do off duty such as golfing and dining out at various restaurants while enjoying the Minnesota summer weather.
Eden Prairie is located just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul; as well as nearby Mall of America, which provides a huge selection of shopping venues for police officers to spend their off time.
The Eden Prairie Police Department is a great place to work for police officers who want to live in a wonderful community with plenty of opportunities for career growth and development.
3. Brooklyn Park Police Department
Brooklyn Park is a city situated in Hennepin County, Minnesota; and was founded back in 1853.
With a population of over 80,000 people, the Brooklyn Park Police Department is one of the larger law enforcement agencies in Minnesota.
This department has many benefits to offer its officers like a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for career growth and development, a diverse community to work in, and a low cost of living.
The Brooklyn Park Police Department is also located just minutes away from downtown Minneapolis; providing easy access to all the cultural and entertainment attractions that the city has to offer.
Brooklyn Park is an excellent place to live and work for police officers looking to advance their careers and make a difference in both the lives of locals as well as those who visit this great city.
The Brooklyn Park Police Department is one of the most respected law enforcement agencies throughout Minnesota; making it an ideal place for police job seekers to work.
4. Bloomington Police Department
The Bloomington Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that has been proudly serving the citizens of Bloomington, Minnesota since 1886.
This department is located in Hennepin County and employs over 200 sworn officers and civilian support staff.
The Bloomington Police Department offers its officers an excellent benefits package, competitive salary, a modern fleet of police vehicles, and great career advancement opportunities.
The Bloomington Police Department is located in the beautiful Minneapolis-St Paul metropolitan area where officers can enjoy all that this region has to offer like shopping at the Mall of America; sightseeing at nearby lakes such as Lake Minnetonka or White Bear Lake; and dining out at some of the best restaurants in the Midwest.
The Bloomington Police Department is a great place to work for police officers who want to live and work in an amazing city that provides plenty of opportunities for career growth and development.
5. Lakeville Police Department
Lakeville is a city located in Dakota County, Minnesota; and was founded back in 1858.
The Lakeville Police Department has been proudly serving the citizens of Lakeville since 1966 when it first opened its doors.
This department currently employs over 100 sworn officers and non-sworn support staff members to help keep this city safe.
With a population of over 60,000 people, the Lakeville Police Department is one of the larger law enforcement agencies in Minnesota.
This department offers its officers an excellent benefits package; competitive salary; and a great working environment.
The Lakeville Police Department is definitely one law enforcement agency that job seekers should consider applying to!
6. Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for law enforcement services within the unincorporated areas of Ramsey County, Minnesota.
This agency employs over 400 sworn and civilian employees to help keep the citizens of Ramsey County safe.
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office offers its officers a great benefits package; competitive salary; and a great working environment.
This agency is also very diverse, with employees from all different backgrounds and cultures.
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office is definitely one law enforcement agency that job seekers should consider applying to!
7. St. Paul Police Department
The St. Paul Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency in Minnesota’s capital city, which has a population of over 300,000 people.
This department currently employs around 900 sworn police officers and support staff members to help keep this community safe from crime and other harmful activities.
Since 1854 when it was first formed, the St. Paul Police Department has been one of the most respected law enforcement agencies in Minnesota.
This department offers its officers a great benefits package; competitive salary; and a great pension plan.
The St. Paul Police Department is also very active in the community, sponsoring many events and programs like the Police Athletic League (PAL).
Officers with the St. Paul Police Department also have the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths, such as detective, K-9 unit, drug unit, or SWAT team member.
This department is a great place for police job seekers who want to work in a city that has diversity and plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
8. Plymouth Police Department
The Plymouth Police Department is a small, but highly respected law enforcement agency located just outside of Minneapolis.
This department employs around 85 sworn officers and support staff to serve the city’s population of over 70,000 people.
Since its inception in 1874, the Plymouth Police Department has been committed to providing quality law enforcement services to its community.
This department offers its officers a great benefits package, including a competitive salary, vacation leave, and health insurance.
This agency is also committed to the professional development of its officers by providing them with opportunities for advancement through in-service training courses and career paths within the department.
9. Rochester Police Department
The Rochester Police Department is a medium-sized law enforcement agency that employs over 200 sworn officers and staff to serve the city of Rochester, Minnesota.
This department has a rich history dating back to 1871 and is dedicated to providing quality law enforcement services to its community.
Officers employed by the Rochester PD can expect competitive salaries, excellent benefits packages, and a great retirement plan.
The Rochester Police Department is located in Olmsted County and offers many opportunities for career advancement within the department.
10. Chisago County Sheriff’s Office
The Chisago County Sherriff’s Office is the largest law enforcement agency in the county.
This agency employs over 300 sworn officers and staff to serve the county’s population of just under 50,000 people.
Since its establishment in 1968, this department has had a consistent record of providing quality law enforcement services to the community.
Units within the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office include patrol, investigations, corrections, and support services.
The department offers its employees a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
Employees of the Chisago County Sherriff’s Office can also expect good working conditions and a great team atmosphere.
FAQ About Police Jobs in MN
Below are some frequently asked questions that police job seekers may have about working in Minnesota.
What are the major cities in Minnesota?
The major cities in Minnesota include Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, and Duluth.
What is the population of Minnesota?
The population of Minnesota is over five million people.
What are the highest-paying police departments in MN?
The highest-paying police departments in Minnesota are the St. Paul Police Department, Minneapolis Police Department, and the Rochester Police Department.
What is the cost of living in Minnesota?
The cost of living in Minnesota is relatively low compared to other states.
How diverse is the population of Minnesota?
Minnesota has a very diverse population, with people from all over the world living in its cities.
What are the major industries in Minnesota?
The major industries in Minnesota include agriculture, manufacturing, and health care.
How many law enforcement agencies are there in Minnesota?
There are over 140 sheriff’s offices and municipal police departments throughout the state of Minnesota.
How many officers do each agency employ?
The size of each law enforcement agency in Minnesota varies, but most agencies employ between 25 and 100 officers.
What is the minimum age requirement to become a police officer in MN?
The minimum age requirement to become a police officer in Minnesota is 21 years old.
What is the process to become a police officer in MN?
The process of becoming a police officer in Minnesota varies from agency to agency, but most departments require that you complete an application, take a written test, complete a physical fitness test, and go through a background investigation.
Where can I find the application to become a police officer in MN?
You can access each individual law enforcement agency’s employment page and download their job applications there.
How long does it take for me to get hired as a police officer after I apply?
The length of time that it takes for you to get hired as a police officer in Minnesota varies from agency to agency.
Some agencies may hire their new officers within 6 months, while others could take up to 1-2 years.
