Interested in Joining Our Department?
Our department consists of 16 sworn Officers with a Patrol Unit, Traffic car,
Community Response Unit and continues to grow alongside our expanding city. 
The team includes 1 Chief, 1 Lieutenant, 2 Sergeants, 10 Patrol Officers, and 2 Detectives.
We offer a range of career enrichment opportunities such as Field Training Officer,
Firearms Instructor,Use of Force Instructor, Taser Instructor, Drug Recognition Evaluator,
Crisis Negotiator, and Community Response Unit.
New hires complete a three-week academy focused on basic patrol operations with an
emphasis on scenario-based training.
More on the Dayton Academy
Recruitment Info
Our department is committed to Officer wellness through a comprehensive program that provides
access to a therapist, an on-duty workout program at our new gym, and in the near future, support from our department therapy dog.
access to a therapist, an on-duty workout program at our new gym, and in the near future, support from our department therapy dog.
- 2025 Pay Range: $40.87 – $56.14 per hour, plus an additional 3% for night shift.
- 2026 Pay Range: $42.50 – $60.65 per hour, plus an additional 3% for night shift. (This includes longevity pay up to 13% after 16 years)
- Bilingual Pay Bonus: 4% for select languages.
- Vacation Accrual: Starting at 96 hours annually, increasing up to 200 hours.
- Holidays: 13 paid holidays plus 104 hours of holiday vacation annually.
- 6% Detective Pay
- Lateral Officers could receive up to top patrol with longevity (depending on years of experience) and front-loaded vacation and sick time.
- Insurance Allowance: Current amount is $1,870 per month to use toward medical, dental, and vision coverage, with unused funds eligible for rollover into an HSA or 457(b) retirement plan.
To apply, please complete the short application form below, under Interested in appying, and include your contact information. Our team will reach out to guide you through the next steps in the hiring process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patrol Officers work 12-hour shifts on a two-week rotating schedule. A typical rotation includes 5 days on, 5 days off, followed by 2 days on and 2 days off. Shift assignments are selected by seniority at the end of each year and typically remain fixed for the following calendar year.
Shift bidding takes place annually in the fall and is based on Officer seniority. Officers select their shifts in order of seniority for the following year.
Yes, lateral officers attend a modified version of the academy that is shorter and tailored to their experience, focusing on Dayton PD-specific training and procedures.
Yes, you may apply as long as you are POST-licensed or eligible for licensure by the start date. If you’re currently enrolled in a law enforcement program, we encourage you to schedule a ride-along to learn more about our department and community.
Dayton spans approximately 25 square miles and has a population of over 12,000. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Minnesota, with several hundred new homes built each year.