Coon Rapids Police Department launches officer recruitment drive for 2025 and 2026, highlighting pay, wellness, and community policing

The Coon Rapids Police Department has opened a major recruitment push for the 2025 and 2026 hiring cycle, seeking to fill at least two immediate full time police officer vacancies while building a deeper pool of qualified candidates for future needs.

According to the City of Coon Rapids’ official hiring announcement, the position is listed as open continuous, allowing the department to review applications on an ongoing basis as staffing needs arise. Applicants must be licensed or eligible for licensure by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board by March 1, 2026.

Competitive pay and structured incentives

Coon Rapids is positioning itself aggressively within Minnesota’s competitive law enforcement labor market. The city lists a 2025 hourly pay range of $38.97 to $51.89, which equates to an annual salary of approximately $81,057 to $107,931, depending on experience and placement.

The department also emphasizes flexibility for experienced officers seeking lateral transfers. Officers coming from other agencies may be placed at higher pay steps that recognize prior years of service, rather than starting at an entry level rate.

Additional financial incentives outlined by the city include specialty assignment pay equal to four percent above base salary for officers serving in units such as K 9 or SWAT, along with structured longevity increases. Officers receive a five percent increase after eight years of service, a seven point five percent increase after twelve years, and a ten percent increase after sixteen years.

Emphasis on wellness and retention

Department leadership describes the Coon Rapids Police Department as family oriented, with a growing emphasis on officer wellness and long term retention. Officers receive two dedicated wellness days each year in addition to standard vacation and sick leave. The department also provides on site workout facilities to support physical fitness.

Mental health support is a stated priority. The department has incorporated mental health professionals into its operations to support both officers and community members, reflecting broader shifts in policing practices aimed at reducing burnout and improving outcomes during crisis response.

Community focused policing model

Coon Rapids police leaders continue to frame recruitment around a community first policing philosophy. The department highlights several engagement programs designed to build trust and transparency across a diverse population.

Among them is the BRIDGE Committee, short for Building Relationships, Inspiring Dialogue, and Generating Empathy, which brings together police staff and community members to strengthen relationships and address concerns collaboratively.

The department also operates a Community Police Academy, a redesigned seven week program formerly known as the Citizens Academy. Scheduled to begin in January 2026, the program offers residents hands-on exposure to police work through ridealongs and instruction on topics such as de-escalation and use of force policies.

In addition, the department maintains a Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving unit that focuses on long term neighborhood issues, alongside regular youth outreach efforts that include Safety Camp, Home Alone Safety classes, and the annual Shop with a Cop holiday program.

Department size and operations

The Coon Rapids Police Department is a full service, twenty four hour agency. It employs approximately sixty five sworn officers, supported by seven civilian staff members and five Community Service Officers. The department responds to more than fifty thousand calls for service each year.

Beyond patrol assignments, officers have opportunities to move into specialized roles including investigations, K-9, SWAT, regional narcotics task forces, and an unmanned aerial systems drone unit.

Application requirements and next steps

To be considered in this hiring cycle, applicants must meet Minnesota POST education and licensing standards or be eligible to meet them by March 1, 2026. The city’s selection process includes a supplemental questionnaire, oral interviews, physical agility testing, and a comprehensive background investigation, as well as medical, psychological, and drug screening.

Applications are accepted through the City of Coon Rapids career portal at governmentjobs.com. City officials encourage interested candidates to apply early, noting that the open continuous status allows qualified applicants to be considered as positions become available.

For a department that emphasizes pay competitiveness, officer wellness, and deep community engagement, Coon Rapids leaders say the current recruitment effort represents an investment not only in public safety staffing, but in the long term relationship between the police department and the residents it serves.

MinneapoliMedia