Compensation and Benefits

2025

• Annual entry level officer earning, 1st year - $93,254.72

• Base annual earning at year 4 – $125,659.04

• Top patrol base earning at year 15 - $128,233.68
  (Pay range is dependent on prior experience and qualifications).

• Additional Earnings: Contracted overtime opportunities are available for additional earning potential. Extended shifts have the option of pay or compensatory time off at 1.5x the officer's hourly rate.

Shifts

Standard patrol shifts are 12 hours in length with one hour of paid break time included. After the first year, officers are able to choose their preferred shift based on availability and seniority. 

Contract

Local Union Membership which negotiates wages, benefits, working conditions and job security with steward representatives from your department peers.

See our most recently negotiated officer contract here: Police Officer Labor Agreement (PDF)

Benefits

• Officers receive employer-paid medical, dental and life insurance.

• Officers can accrue a maximum amount of 250 hours of vacation per year (depending on previous experience and qualifications) and the City of Minnetonka provides 96 holiday hours per year. The LELS Union Patrol Contract dictates how holiday hours are paid to each specific police officer. 

• Officers have access to our wellness program and allowed time on duty for fitness.

• Officers participate in ongoing training and development, averaging more than 100 hours of annual specialized training per officer each year.

Retirement

As a new officer, you'll be automatically enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA), Police and Fire Plan. This plan helps you save for retirement through mandatory contributions from both you and your employer. Over time, these contributions grow, providing you with a pension when you retire, based on your years of service and salary. After five years on the job, officers are fully vested in the retirement plan. An officer who works for 30 years can expect to receive 90% of their salary as a pension for life starting at age 55. PERA also offers disability benefits if you're injured on the job, as well as survivor benefits for your family. It's a secure way to plan for your future while you serve your community.

The Minnetonka Police Department is committed to supporting the health and wellness of its officers. The department offers a comprehensive wellness program that includes onsite fitness facilities, mentorship opportunities, professional mental health resources, chaplains and a variety of wellness activities, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

How Minnetonka Prioritizes Officer Wellness and Safety

Physical Wellness:
Officers have access to onsite fitness equipment and are encouraged to exercise before, during or after their shifts. When new equipment is added, officer feedback is welcomed and valued.

Psychological Wellness:
Mental health is a top priority. All officers participate in an annual confidential check-in with a licensed counselor and may continue sessions as needed throughout the year.

Spiritual Wellness:
Chaplains representing a variety of faiths are available during office hours or by appointment, and can help connect staff with local religious resources.

The Minnetonka Police Department consists of 62 sworn officers in a number of varied assignments. The Minnetonka Police Department offers a variety of specialized positions available early in an officer's career, including: 

• Patrol
• Case Investigations
• Retail Investigations
• Narcotics Investigations
• Traffic Unit
• K9 Unit
• SWAT Team
• Bike Patrol
• Emergency Response Team
• Crisis Negotiation Unit
• Mobile Field Force
• Firearms/Use of Force Instructors
• School Resource Officers
• Community Engagement Unit

Training & Continuing Education

To maintain and renew a license, the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requires officers to complete 48 hours of continuing education within the three-year licensing period.

In addition to the state-mandated training requirements, Minnetonka police officers participate in more than 100 hours of training each year in crisis intervention and response, de-escalation, defensive tactics, firearms, leadership and management, and more. In addition to the department’s quarterly use of force training, Minnetonka is one of the few agencies that regularly allows officers to attend out-of-state trainings, as long as the course reflects the mission and values of the agency.  

Facilities

The City of Minnetonka is committed to investing in modern, high-quality facilities that support officer growth, safety and success. The city recently completed a significant renovation of the Minnetonka Police Department building, resulting in an updated, functional and highly adaptable space designed to meet the evolving needs of public safety.

The renovated facility includes an expanded gym with upgraded equipment to support officer wellness, as well as a dedicated mat room equipped with VR-based training technology that enhances decision-making, defensive tactics and scenario-based readiness. The department also added a Real-Time Operations Center to support Minnetonka’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program, giving officers immediate access to live video, intelligence and situational awareness tools that strengthen safety and response capabilities.

Minnetonka officers also benefit from access to regional training partnerships and facilities, allowing for continued professional development, advanced scenario training and the integration of modern policing practices. These investments ensure officers have the most relevant skills, resources and spaces to perform at their best and serve the community effectively.

• Minnetonka spans 28 square miles and is home to 53,000+ residents, known for its strong community involvement, natural amenities and exceptional quality of life.

• The department is made up of a dedicated team of sworn officers, professional support staff, two crime analysts, and an embedded social worker.

• The Minnetonka community consistently demonstrates strong support for public safety, strengthening relationships between officers and residents.

• Officers receive a robust annual training commitment, with opportunities to pursue more than 100 hours of specialized training each year.

• Minnetonka’s Public Safety model is forward-thinking and innovative, integrating police, fire and emergency management to serve the community efficiently.

• The department is a leader in officer wellness, modern training practices and the use of advanced technology and equipment, including VR training tools and a Real-Time Operations Center supporting the DFR program.

• A rotational approach to policing provides officers with the chance to explore different assignments and develop new skills early in their careers.

• The department offers a variety of specialized positions, often available sooner than in larger agencies.

• A family-friendly patrol schedule supports work-life balance.

• Officers also have access to opportunities for supplemental income through department-approved overtime, events and specialized assignments.