​Job Postings

Officer employment opportunities for the MSP Airport Police Department (APD) are posted on the Minnesota POST Board website and the Metropolitan Airports Commission's (MAC) website when openings are available. All police officer applicants must meet Minnesota POST Board requirements by date of hire.

Community Service Officer positions and other civilian positions within the department are posted on the MAC's website when they are active.

Sign up to receive updates when law enforcement or public safety positions are posted to this site by clicking here.

Learn more about working for the APD by viewing the video below. You can also click here to download a flyer for printing and sharing.

Officer Assignments

From uniformed patrol to specialized training, the APD has a variety of officer assignments to accommodate the unique public safety needs of an international airport. The types of officer assignments available through the Airport Police Department are listed below. 

Honor Guard
Honor Guard
K9 officer
Canine Teams
 

 

  • Bike Patrol Program
  • Criminal & Narcotics Investigations
  • Explosive Detection & Narcotic Canine Teams
  • Crisis Intervention Team
  • Emergency Response Team
  • Tactical Negotiations
  • Honor Guard
  • Firearms/Use of Force Team
  • Security and Counter Terrorism Investigations
  • DEA & Joint Terrorism Taskforce
  • SWAT team

Marked squads are used to patrol the airport’s 3,400 acres, including the airfield and roadway system, as well as surrounding freeways. In the terminal buildings, officers patrol on foot, with Segway vehicles or specially-equipped bikes.

In addition to enforcing state laws and Metropolitan Airports Commission ordinances, airport police officers ensure compliance with federal security regulations, investigate suspicious and criminal activity, provide dignitary protection and work with airport tenants on safety and security issues, including preventing and deterring crime.

Requirements

Airport Police officers must meet these minimum requirements:*

  • No felony convictions as defined by Minnesota State Statutes
  • Must be licensed or eligible for licensure as a peace officer by the state of Minnesota
  • Medically, physically and psychologically fit to perform required job duties
  • A valid, state-issued driver's license
  • Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively with the public
  • Demonstrated strong verbal and written skills
  • Ability to complete an intensive, multi-month classroom and field training program

*Subject to change

Extensive Training

The Airport Police Department provides its officers with extensive training opportunities to ensure they’re equipped to work in MSP’s dynamic airport environment. Certain divisions also received specialized training to meet the unique demands of their job duties. Training topics include:

  • Use of force
  • Active shooter
  • Riot control
  • Criminal and traffic law updates
  • Hazardous materials response
  • First aid
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • Tire deflation devices for vehicle pursuits
  • Crisis intervention
  • Terrorism and counter-terrorism
  • Vehicle Pursuit
  • Incident command and mutli-agency response
  • Interviewing and interrogation

Benefits

In addition to a salary and benefits package, police officers with a bachelor's degree receive a 5 percent educational incentive added to their base salaries. Salaries are commensurate with experience. All new officers also receive a duty weapon, a uniform, body armor reimbursement and an annual uniform allowance. Officers also have the opportunity to exercise while on duty in the department's gym.

Interested in a career in law enforcement?

Visit the Discover Policing career website, sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which outlines expectations and processes of the law enforcement field. To learn how to become a police officer in Minnesota, visit this website.
 

Preparing for a career in law enforcement

It is never too early or too late to prepare for a career in law enforcement.

Remember, you will need to submit to a comprehensive background check. As it isn’t uncommon for more than 400 applicants to apply to an open police officer position, it is imperative to show integrity.

  • Alcohol and drug abuse: Using illegal drugs could hurt your chances of becoming a police officer. If you are planning a career in law enforcement, consider the consequences of drug and alcohol use. While drug and alcohol use is not an automatic disqualification, it can be considered at the discretion of the chief of police in hiring decisions.
  • Juvenile crimes: The activities you participate in as a juvenile could affect your employment opportunities. Juvenile criminal records will be evaluated on a case-by-case manner. To be the best police officer candidate, it is important you not participate in criminal activities, or stop participating if you already are and become a law-abiding, productive citizen of your community.
  • Employment history: How you conduct yourself at other jobs and places of employment is considered as part of the application process. Act with integrity at your job and work well with your co-workers and management. While you may not enjoy working with everyone, committing to acting professionally in all circumstances at work can help earn you the respect of your co-workers and supervisors. Remember, police officers communicate with people from all walks of life and must always maintain a professional demeanor. You can develop these essential, communication skills at every job.
  • Credit history: A check of your credit history is conducted as a part of your background investigation. Be responsible with your finances. Pay your bills on time and do not amass a large amount of debt in relation to your income. It can be seen as being irresponsible and affect your credit score. If you have a low credit score, take steps to illustrate you are responsible enough to rectify the situation. It is wise to check your credit history with the three major credit agencies to ensure the information is correct. (You can contact a credible non-profit, consumer credit counseling service to help you manage your debt.)
  • Education: Though you only need a two-year degree to become POST certified in the state of Minnesota, getting a four-year degree can boost your chances of being hired. 
  • Physical fitness: Prepare for the physical demands of the career by keeping yourself physically fit. You must pass a physical exam to move forward in the hiring process.
  • Know the job: Learn what it's really like to be a police officer. (Movies aren't real life!) Understanding the realities of police work will help you make the right decision. 
  • Know the department: Though all law enforcement agencies perform similar duties, each agency is unique. Learn more about the federal, state, county or local law enforcement agency you are interested in to be certain it is the right fit for you.