Minnesota Sheriff’s Association is a combination of the 87 sheriffs in the state of Minnesota and their staffs. These agencies are a depiction of the diversity of regions, including the agricultural regions as well as the metropolitan areas.

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The mission of the MSA is to advance legislations for the betterment of the people of Minnesota by studying, preparing and presenting changes to the existing local laws. This association oversees the general functions of the offices of sheriffs in various counties.

If you want to become a sheriff in Minnesota, you would be interested in the following guide:

Requirements to Become a Sheriff in Minnesota

The criteria for eligibility to become a sheriff in Minnesota would vary from county to county, since the position of a sheriff is a county-based one. You are advised to check with the county you want to contest the elections in for a detailed look into the requirements. However, generally speaking, the following requirements are applicable:

  • Candidates ought to be US citizens
  • Candidates should not be less than 18 years old
  • Candidates should have a high school diploma or a GED
  • Candidates should be in a good physical and mental state
  • Candidates should have a residency status in the county where they are running for sheriff

Steps for Becoming a Sheriff in Minnesota

If you meet the above requirements, you can continue on to the actual process of becoming a sheriff in Minnesota.

Step 1: Enroll in a Police Academy

This would involve learning the basics of law enforcement, including the use of weapons, management of crime scenes and arresting procedures.

Step 2: Work as a Police Officer

You will need a few years of experience working as a police officer. The exact number of years varies from county to county.

Step 3: Get Some Law Enforcement Experience

Even though this is not a requirement by every county, it is still recommended that you work for a few years as a police officer and understand the inner workings of the department.

Step 4: Meet All the Requirements to Run for the Office of Sheriff in Your County

This would typically involve tests and exams like a written exam, background checks, medical evaluation etc.

Step 5: Plan and Start Your Electoral Campaign

After you have submitted the relevant paperwork for application to your county, you can start planning your campaign. Kick things off by giving interviews, newspaper ads and distributing fliers around the town.

Step 6: Get Elected and Assume Office

If your election campaign is a success, you will get elected and will be asked to assume office. The term for the office of sheriff is typically four years long.

How Much Does a Sheriff Make in Minnesota?

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives made an annual mean income of $91,840 in Minnesota. Sheriff’s earn hefty salaries since they are the effective heads of their relevant departments.