Police Cadet

Position Summary

Explore the world of aviation policing and jumpstart your career at MSP! The Airport Police Department's cadet program provides an opportunity for aspiring law enforcement officers to receive financial assistance to obtain the required education while getting on-the-job experience working at MSP Airport. Cadets will attend an approved Professional Peace Officers Education (PPOE) program and work a flexible, part-time schedule as uniformed, non-sworn airport employees. Police Cadets will complete a two-year program or the final two years of a four-year program with the intention of being hired as a police officer when the cadet becomes qualified, the department has an opening, and the cadet meets all selection criteria at that time. This program is designed for students to complete all educational requirements at an agreed upon college or university within two years and is covered by a special, signed agreement.

• Up to $20,000 financial assistance towards the required post-secondary degree through tuition reimbursement.
  • This includes completion of a two-year post-secondary degree. If already enrolled in an approved PPOE two-year degree program with some completed coursework, this program would provide financial assistance toward the remainder of your current program.
  • If already enrolled in an approved PPOE four-year degree program and have completed at least half of the required coursework, this program would provide financial assistance for the last two years of the degree program.

• Hourly wage starting at $30.279
• Prorated vacation and sick leave banks
• Coordinated Public Employees Retirement Association pension plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available
• Wellness program, including paid incentives, and well-being time

• Participate in learning activities
• Assist Police Officers, support staff, and Investigators with any additional operational duties.
• Participate in departmental initiatives that foster positive interaction between the police and members of the community.
• Attend department assigned training.
• Direct the traffic flow in front of the terminal buildings, concourses, and other areas at the MSP Airport.
• Respond to public requests for service.
• Identify and report criminal activities.
• Enforce parking regulations to include issuing Hennepin County Citations when appropriate.
• Assist in traffic control at accidents and special events.
• Support the Airport Security Plan as required.
• Pick up and deliver correspondence for the department including evidence delivery to MN BCA
• Assist Police Department staff with a variety of tasks and projects.
• Perform other duties that do not require a sworn police officer which may include:
  • Assist Police Officers in conducting vehicle impounds/inventory searches on related calls for service.
  • Releasing impounded vehicles and secured property to rightful owners.
  • Assist Police Officers on maintaining perimeter security of crime scenes or critical incidents.
  • Assist Police Officers in conducting alcohol and tobacco compliance checks of local businesses.
  • Respond to animal complaints in nonconfrontational situations.
  • Assist Police Officers in conducting criminal bookings for in-custody arrests (Fingerprinting/Photographs).
  • Writing thorough well-documented reports in the department records management system.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Cadets must be willing and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions. A significant portion of this job includes walking and standing inside and outside the airport terminals with some driving or riding in a vehicle. Work environment near vehicles includes fumes, odors, and potential for loud noises. May be exposed to other chemicals in the airport environment. Cadets provide customer service to the public and must interact professionally and appropriately as department representatives. This may involve calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue. Cadets will be expected to work a minimum of 20 hours a week while attending school and 40 hours a week during the summer with flexibility around school schedules. May include weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holiday hours.

Candidates who are offered conditional employment will be required to pass an extensive background investigation including criminal history, pre-employment physical and medical agility test, and psychological examination. This is a safety-sensitive position which will require a pre-employment drug screen.

Position Requirements

COMPETENCIES
Individual Contributor (IC) Competencies

• Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Action Oriented – Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ensures Accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage - Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Self-Development - Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
• Situational Adaptability - Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

• High school graduate or GED equivalent by the time of hire.
• Must be able to be accepted and enrolled in a two-year MNPOST-certified Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) program by fall of 2026 OR be currently enrolled in a two-year MN POST-certified PPOE program OR be currently enrolled in and have successfully completed at least half of a four-year MN POST-certified PPOE program by the start of fall semester 2026.
• Ability to attend college full-time at an agreed-upon date and maintain a 2.0 GPA or better. Full-time attendance is equivalent to at least 12 semester credit hours, or 18 quarter credit hours per term.
• Possess or eligible to obtain a valid, state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to work outdoors (walking, standing, directing traffic, etc.) in all weather conditions for a prolonged period.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Clear and articulate written and oral communication skills.
• Currently certified or able to become certified in Standard Multimedia First Aid or equivalent level certification within a given and reasonable time frame once employed (will train upon hire).
• Prior to appointment, candidates will be required to pass a background investigation, psychological assessment, drug test, medical examination, agility testing, and be able to obtain a MAC badge.
• Cadets must be able to safely perform all the tasks and responsibilities of the position and be fit and suitable for promotion to police officer.
• Must possess the desire to become a police officer and work as a police officer for the Airport Police Department.

• Previous community volunteer experience.
• One year or more experience in customer service with direct contact in dealing with the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a second language.
• Experience in team activities.

Physical Requirements: This section provides an overview of physical demands but is not all-inclusive. Frequent walking and standing; frequent speaking or hearing in person and on the radio; may include running, sitting, bending, squatting, kneeling, grasping, reaching, lifting and carrying, ascending and descending stairs and ladders, and/or dragging and pulling heavy items. Standard vision requirements. Operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities. Occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force with a potential for exertion of over 100 pounds of force.

Other Information

All employees of the MAC must receive an Airport Identification Badge. More information on this process can be found on the Badging Office site including what forms of identification must be provided as well as a list of disqualifying crimes.