About the Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer in the county. The Sheriff is an elected official serving a 4 year term. The Sheriff's Office provides policing services to 30 townships and 6 incorporated cities covering 1,053 square miles.

Divisions

The Sheriff's Office consists of 6 Divisions:

• Administration
• Emergency Management
• Investigations
• Jail
• Patrol
• Support Services

Personnel

The Sheriff's Office staff consists of 34 full-time deputies, 31 full-time correction staff, 5 full-time office associates and 2 part-time jail office associates.

Sheriff Duties & Responsibilities

The Sheriff must have a peace officer license issued by the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county.

Duties

The duties and powers of the Office of Sheriff authorized by Minnesota state law are found in Chapter 387 of the Minnesota Statutes. The Sheriff is an officer of the court with a duty to deliver and carry out orders of county court, transport prisoners, and serve writs, processes, and other judicial documents. The Sheriff provides courthouse and court security.

Additional duties are: develop, plan, and implement department goals and objectives; administer polices and procedures; coordinate daily activities with the chief deputy; review and evaluate methods and procedures; participate in the development of the budget; monitor and approve expenditures; and present reports to county officials and the county board.

Responsibilities

The Sheriff's responsibility includes: protecting life and property and preserving peace through programs designed to enforce laws, prevent crimes, and provide an efficient level of response to both emergency and non-emergency requests for law enforcement services; providing a secure and safe correctional facility; promoting coordinated and diverse programs, activities and services with other law enforcement agencies; and developing an effective, motivated workforce through education, training, and career opportunities.

The goal of the department is to evolve and improve in the continuing task of operation and service.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Clay County Sheriff's Office to enforce the laws of the United States, the State of Minnesota and all local ordinances. Further, it is our mission to enforce the law with impartiality and courtesy and to respect the constitutional rights of all people. Further, it is our mission to provide services to the citizens of Clay County that will enhance their quality of life.