Lateral Police Officer

Salary Range

2026 starting annual base salary: $89,388

2026 starting annual salary including add-ons: $96,539

In addition to the base salary, officers will receive additional guaranteed contractual add-ons for 2026, including:

• 24-Hour Duty Pay: 3% of base pay
• Preparation Pay: 2% of base pay
• First Responder Pay: 3% of base pay

These add-ons, provided as part of the collective bargaining agreement, are designed to reflect the unique demands of the role and are guaranteed for all officers, enhancing their overall compensation package.

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

To ensure preservation of peace and public safety through the enforcement of local, state, and Federal laws, and by providing support and assistance during emergency or crisis situations.

• Essential functions, or requirements necessary on the first day of employment.

FUNCTIONAL AREAS:

1. Patrol designated district to ensure preservation of peace and public safety.

2. A. Inspect persons, places, and property exposed to crime.

3. B. Identify, report, and/or correct hazards to public safety.
4. C. Provide services for public convenience.
5. D. Monitor and enforce compliance with laws.
6. E. Direct traffic.

F. Administer specialized tests to determine illegal drug or alcohol consumption.

• G. Establish and maintain professional relationships with the general public.

• H. Maintain a positive, visible law enforcement presence in the community.

• Identify, apprehend, and assist in the prosecution of suspected violators of the law.

• A. Respond to and document reports of crime.

• B. Stop, detain, identify, and search persons suspected of criminal activity.
• C. Plan, conduct, coordinate, and document investigations of possible criminal activity.
• D. Interview, question, and/or interrogate victims/complainants, witnesses, informants, and suspects of possible criminal activity.
• E. Transcribe notes and recordings into formal written reports.
• F. Collect and preserve evidence.
• G. Coordinate case preparation with assigned prosecutors, law enforcement, and other personnel.
• H. Execute search and/or arrest warrants, using only the appropriate level of physical force necessary.
• I. Testify in court.
• J. Refer victims/complainants to appropriate service agencies.
• K. Gather intelligence and other information relating to possible criminal activity.

• L. Conduct surveillance operations.

• Respond to non-emergency, emergency, and crisis situations.

• A. Establish control during unusual incidents or civil disorders.

• B. Assist in calming neighborhood and family disputes.

• C. Administer first aid to the injured.

• Perform other related duties as required.

A. Instruct entry-level personnel as Field Training Officer.

B. Participate in Special Operations Units as assigned.

C. Acquire and maintain specialized knowledge or skill areas.

D. Instruct others during training sessions, classes, and group meetings.

E. Analyze, organize, and present intelligence and other information relating to suspected criminal activity.

F. Reconstruct incidents using mathematical, computer, and other techniques.

Education & Experience Requirements (standards are determined by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board):

1.* Applicants must meet one of the following requirements and have a minimum of three (3) additional years of experience as a licensed police officer working in a law enforcement capacity:

A. Possess a valid license for Peace Officer in the State of Minnesota; or

B. Have the status of "eligible to be licensed" as defined by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board; or

C. Have completed basic requirements in another state and be considered eligible by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board; or

D. Be considered an exception to all of the above options and eligible by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board.

Driver's License Requirement:

1.* Possess a valid Minnesota Class "D" Driver's License or privilege.

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.

Non-Discrimination

The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)

For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at , as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through

Work Eligibility

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.

Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)

Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education/Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selections

OPEN SELECTIONS

If claiming veteran's preference, please attach to your application (via file upload) a copy of all documents required for the option that applies to you:

Veteran

1.) "Member Copy 4" DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge.

Disabled Veteran

1.) "Member Copy 4" DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;

2.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board's written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater, dated within 12 months.

Spouse of Disabled Veteran

1.) Copy of Marriage Certificate;

2.) "Member Copy 4" DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;

3.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board's written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater, dated within 12 months. (Eligible only if the veteran is unable to qualify for the specific position being applied for as a result of the service-connected disability.)

Spouse of Deceased Veteran

1.) Copy of Marriage Certificate;

2.) Death Certificate or other proof of death;

3.) "Member Copy 4" DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge. If Disabled Veteran, also include

4.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board's written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater, dated within 12 months. (Eligible only if applicant has not remarried and the veteran died during active duty or as a result of an injury received from active duty.)

Preference points will be added to Veteran, Spouse of Disabled or Deceased Veteran, or Disabled Veteran's score only if the applicant successfully completes all phases of the exam process and Human Resources has received all supporting documentation.

PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS

If claiming veteran's preference, please attach to your application (via file upload) a copy of the documents listed below:

Disabled Veteran

1.) "Member Copy 4" DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;

2.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board's written decision of a compensation rating of 50% or greater, dated within 12 months.

Preference points will be awarded to Disabled Veteran's score one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment, and only if the applicant successfully completes all phases of the exam process and Human Resources has received all supporting documentation.

Please refer to Minnesota Statute for additional information about Veteran's Preference.

Eligible City of Duluth employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
• Training and Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.