Police Officer

  The City of West St. Paul Police Department is currently accepting applications for a full-time Police Officer position. We are seeking dedicated, service-oriented professionals who are committed to public safety, community engagement, and professional excellence. 

West St Paul is a friendly, evolving, walkable and well-connected community that values strong partnerships with residents and businesses. Our Police Department prides itself on community policing, proactive problem solving, and providing officers with the support and resources needed to succeed. 

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: placement based on experience, consistent with the labor agreement.
• Lateral applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, with salary placement and benefits commensurate with experience.
• $500 monthly residency stipend for officers residing within the City of West St. Paul.
• Additional compensation available for numerous specialty assignments.
• Numerous voluntary overtime opportunities and special details available throughout the year.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, and paid leave.

Wellness & Support:

• Robust wellness program with access to well-equipped on-site fitness facilities.
• Opportunities to work out while on duty, consistent with operational needs.
• Strong and visible support from City Leadership, City Council, and the community-providing officers with the trust, resources, and backing needed to perform their duties effectively and professionally. 

Our Hiring Process:

• Apply On-line at www.wspmn.gov 
• Panel Interviews
• Background check
• Command Staff Interview
• Conditional Offer
• Pass medical, drug, psychological screening and physical agility test.   

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. To learn more about being a police officer in West St. Paul, click on the link: https://wspmn.gov/JoinWSPPD

• Enforces state and federal laws, Minnesota traffic code, and city ordinances.
• Patrols assigned areas, directs traffic, conducts preliminary investigations and identifies and preserves evidence.
• Prepares general police and crash reports, CAD comments, forms, intelligence, and other departmental communications in accordance with the Department and industry standards.
• Testifies in court as required. 
• Makes arrests and transports prisoners while complying with department booking procedures.
• Patrols to safeguard the health, welfare, and property of others.
• Handles citizen complaints.
• Inspects and maintains departmental issued and shared equipment.
• Participates and supports departmental programs.
• Develops relationships with residents to enhance community problem solving and programs. 
• Advises businesses and residents of safety precautions, crime prevention tactics and provides information on state laws and City ordinances. 
• Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as are apparent or assigned.

• Associate degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a directly related degree.
• Licensed or eligible to be licensed as a peace officer by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (POST) by December 31, 2026.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License with no suspensions or revocations within the past three years. 
• Must pass a comprehensive background check, medical exam, drug screening, psychological evaluation, and physical agility test. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a sworn law enforcement role.
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Bi-lingual; Spanish preferred.
• Experience as a Military Police Officer, Corrections Officer, Community Service Officer, or Reserve Officer.

• Knowledge and follow law enforcement procedures, techniques and legal standards.
• Knowledge of city and department policies, practices and procedures.
• Working knowledge of the functions and jurisdictions of the county, state and federal law enforcement agencies, along with social welfare advocacy groups for referral purposes.
• Maintain a good driving record.  
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle, sometimes under emergency and adverse road conditions and at high speeds while maintaining due care to public safety.  
• Gather evidence in accordance with legally defined rules and procedures and to respond quickly and effectively to crisis and emergency situations.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions, directives and maintain confidentiality.
• Prepare clear, thorough, and unbiased reports that include applicable elements of the crime.
• Communicate with a diverse range of individuals.
• Provide truthful and accurate accounts both orally and written and to testify in court, at administrative hearings or other capacities as a police officer.
• Obtain/retain a First Responder Certificate. 
• Use firearms and other department issued equipment in a safe and skilled manner.
• Display a positive, service-oriented work ethic.
• Knowledge of assigned neighborhood and exhibit problem-solving and effective communication skills.
• Use large motor skills to lift, push, pull, drag or carry up to 150 pounds or heavier with assistance and to use fine motor skills to operate equipment and computers.
• Ability to run, jump, climb, stand, sit, bend, squat, kneel, twist, work outside, and work around fumes, hazardous substances, infectious diseases and irritants on occasion. 
• Work assigned shifts, be on time and prepared for the shift.
• Work independently, professionally and as a member of a team.

For any questions, please call the Human Resource Department at (651) 552-4121.



Veteran's preference points are awarded to qualified veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans to add to their examination results. Questions will be asked on our employment application to determine your status as a veteran under the Veteran's Preference Statute, Minnesota Statute, 43A.11. If you are requesting a veteran's preference, you must provide the supporting documents for your claim status. To be eligible for a veteran's preference for the posting you are applying to, you will need to select the status you are claiming. Statuses are noted below.
1. Veteran (10 Points)
Citizen of the United States or a resident alien who has been separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States after having served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or because of disability incurred while serving on active duty, or who has met the minimum active duty requirement as defined by Code of Federal Regulations, Title 38, section 3.12a, or who has active military service certified under section 401, Public Law 95-202. The active military service must be certified by the United States secretary of defense as active military service and a discharge under honorable conditions must be issued by the secretary. A veteran cannot be receiving or eligible to receive a monthly veteran's pension based exclusively on the length of military service.
2. Disabled Veteran (15 points)
A person who has a compensable service-connected disability, as adjudicated by the United States Veterans Administration, or by the retirement board of one of the several branches of the armed forces. The disability must exist at the time the preference is claimed.
3. Spouse (15 Points)
A surviving spouse of a deceased veteran and the spouse of a disabled veteran who because of the disability is unable to qualify.

Required Documentation
Please attach the required documentation to your employment application. If your documentation is not attached to your application, you must email it, mail it, or drop it off at our human resources department no later than 7 calendar days after the application deadline for the position.
Veteran
Please attach a DD214 or other documentation verifying detailed service and discharge information.
Disabled Veteran
DD214 or other documentation verifying detailed service and discharge information and an official document verifying compensable service-connected disability.
Spouse of Disabled or Deceased Veteran
Marriage Certificate, DD214 or other equivalent documents, FL-802 or equivalent document noting compensable service-connected disability if disabled, death certificate if a veteran is deceased, verification of marriage at the time of the veteran's death, and confirmation that the spouse has not remarried.

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of West St. Paul. Please contact our office at 651-552-4121 or the State Veteran's Affairs Office at 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) if you have questions regarding the veteran's preference.