Pathways to Policing Program
If you love to help people and want to make a difference, this is your chance to begin a career in law enforcement!
This multi-agency effort aims to provide a non-traditional pathway to a career in law enforcement.
What Agencies are Participating
The list of participating agencies has not been finalized. However, in the past, participating agencies included:
- Bloomington
- St. Louis Park
- Eagan
- Maplewood
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (Metropolitan Airports Commission)
- Inver Grove Heights
- University of Minnesota
About the Program
The Pathways to Policing Program is designed to bring non-traditional candidates into the field of law enforcement, thereby removing barriers for those who wish to enter the career. Specifically, candidates with cultural competency skills and tools and those with experience living or working with culturally diverse populations will be given preference in order to more closely align departments with the communities they serve.
Individuals looking for a new career path and a way to make a difference in their communities are encouraged to apply.
Earn pay and benefits while attending a full-time professional peace officer education program in Brooklyn Park, MN. Must have a two or four-year regionally-accredited college degree in any field of study, but no prior law enforcement training or experience is required. Must be a U.S. citizen with a valid driver's license and no felony convictions. The program specifically seeks those with the ability to fluently speak and proficiently read and write a second language, in addition to English, and/or who have experience living or working with culturally diverse populations. Upon completion of the education program (approximately 22 weeks), trainees must attain POST licensure before transitioning to a full time Police Officer position with one of the participating agencies.
Learn More at an Informational Session
We will be offering informational sessions about the Pathways to Policing Program with details about how it works and what to expect. Additionally, law enforcement personnel will provide information on the various duties a police officer performs, the assignments that are available, such as working with the SWAT, Traffic Enforcement, Patrol and Investigations units as well as promotional opportunities that are available throughout an officer's career.
Informational Session One will be held on:
July 18 from 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.
City of Bloomington Police Department
Haeg Conference Room, Second Floor
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431
Minimum Qualifications
- No previous police experience is required.
- Must have a 2 or 4-year degree from a regionally accredited institution in any discipline as of September 1, 2019.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must possess a valid driver's license, or ability to obtain.
- Must have no felony convictions.
- Must NOT have already completed a MN Skills program or taken the MN POST or reciprocity exam.
Desirable Qualifications
- Ability to fluently speak and proficiently read and write a non-English language (in addition to English).
- Possession of Translator certification.
- Experience living or working with culturally diverse populations.
- We seek individuals who will assist us in serving our very diverse communities. Priority will be given to candidates who have diversity skills and knowledge, and community engagement experience that can be applied to police work.