Police Officer

Join an Award-Winning Force
The Columbia Heights Police Department (CHPD) is recognized for its dedication to community policing andinnovative crime prevention. Were seeking motivated community-oriented individuals to join our team and help us continue to build strong relationships and maintain the safety and well-being of our residents.

Who Were Looking For
The Columbia Heights Police Department welcomes lateral officers andnew recruits who are ready to make a difference.
Preference will be given to experienced officers and new law enforcement graduates butapplicants with a college degree who are looking to transition into a law enforcement career are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay:$45.06$52.40 (2026 rates)
• Lateral pay and vacation accrual based on prior experience
• Longevity pay:$168/month after 2 years (increases at 4 8 10 and 12 years)
• Bilingual pay:$150/month
• Instructor pay and specialty assignment compensation (up to $250/month)
• 104 hours of holiday pay per year
• Vacation accrual: 120 hours in the first year
• Excellent PERA retirement plan and optional 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Comprehensive medical and dental benefits
• Officer-in-Charge and FTO shift pay
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness-focused benefits including on-duty gym access

• Drone Team
• Mobile Field Force
• Drug Task Force (DTF)
• Investigations
• School Resource Officer (SRO)
• Community Policing Officer (COP)
• SWAT Team
• Use-of-Force / Firearms Instructor
• Street Crimes Unit
• Violent Offender Task Force
• Traffic Unit

• Strong community support and engagement
• Cutting-edge technology and equipment
• Leadership training and advancement opportunities
• Commitment to officer wellness and innovation

1. Understand and apply the Community Oriented policing philosophy of the Columbia Heights Police Department in the performance of police duties.
2. Patrols the City on foot or in a vehicle to preserve law and order prevent and discover commission of crime apprehend criminals and offenders and to enforce vehicle and traffic laws directs traffic and enforces parking ordinances.
3. Provides a variety of information pertaining to the City and surrounding areas; gives directions and advises the public as to regulations ordinances where to obtain requested information and locations of buildings businesses and residents; answers other questions.
4. Maintains a peaceful climate throughout the City; responds to domestic complaints; prevents loitering responds to nuisance calls pertaining to stray animals excessive noise trespassing and others; attempts to prevent potential troublesome situations.
5. Conducts detailed and thorough investigations of criminal offenses including burglaries robberies vandalisms assaults and other crimes and checks a variety of sources for stolen property; apprehends and arrests violators; makes a thorough search of crime scene for evidence or clues gathered and protects evidence; searches for and apprehends violators; takes pictures; serves papers; conducts interviews.
6. Answers fire accident and other calls; mediates domestic disputes; delivers official city communications; assists victims and their families and friends; monitors residences of out-of-town citizens; prepares case complaint and shift reports; conducts preliminary investigations.
7. Provide credible testimony and/or evidence at trials hearings and before grand juries as required.
8. Maintain strong code of ethics of the highest standard of conduct while on and off duty.
9. May perform lead work duties as required.
10. Performs special assignments such as those relating to school patrol or bicycle safety programs.
11. Performs other work as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be licensed or eligible to be licensed as a full time police officer in the State of Minnesota at the time of hire.
• Two or more years of work experience of a high public contact nature.
• Valid drivers license with satisfactory driving record or the ability to acquire a valid Minnesota drivers license within 30 days of employment.

• Bachelors degree in law enforcement criminal justice or related field.
• Two or more years work experience performing police work or police support duties.

• Knowledge of the basic objectives of law enforcement and community relations.
• Knowledge of the general statutes ordinances and regulations pertaining to police work.
• Working knowledge of the problems and techniques employed in developing effective community and public relations.
• Working knowledge of firearms and first-aid procedures.
• Ability to cope with a variety of crisis and non-crisis situations firmly courteously tactfully and with respect for the rights of citizens.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to provide credible testimony and/or evidence at trials hearings and before grand juries as required.
• Ability to learn and apply modern police procedures and techniques principles of investigation and interrogation and applicable laws and ordinances.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action under a variety of circumstances dealing with the entire spectrum of human behavior.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to write and speak effectively.
• Ability to learn and effectively operate all equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Physical strength and agility good general intelligence and emotional stability sufficient to meet police duty requirements.

Ready to serve a community that supports you
Apply today at contact for more information.

--AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER-- M/F/V/H

The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services.