Patrol Deputy

Selection Process:

Applications will be accepted until 4/30/26

First round interviews will be held via technology on: 5/7/26

For those selected, second round interviews will be held in person on: 5/14/26

Must be POST licensed or eligible by September 1st, 2026.

Shift differential of $1.00/hour for any hours worked from 6pm - 6am.
OT rate paid for call back time, court time and for any hours worked on a holiday.
Employees certified as field training officer, use of force, taser or firearms also receive a shift premium while in trainer capacity.

Job Summary:

The Patrol Deputy Sheriff is a licensed peace officer responsible for a broad range of public safety duties including but not limited to proactive patrol, emergency response to calls, criminal investigations, crash scene management, death investigation, civil process service, community engagement, and emergency scene leadership. Working mostly independently, Deputies are expected to enforce the law fairly, build trust through community policing and professionally investigate all types of incidents—from routine calls to major crimes—while maintaining the highest standards of evidence collection and handling, compliance with statutes and rules of evidence and criminal procedure, documentation, and interpersonal conduct.  Not only is the position of Patrol Deputy Sheriff inherently high-risk, but Deputy Sheriffs are required and expected to make split-second, occasionally life or death, decisions while under substantial amounts of stress.  Those decisions regularly expose the Deputy Sheriff to risk of significant civil and potentially criminal penalties and sanctions.

General Law Enforcement Duties:

• Enforce state, and local laws and ordinances.
• Maintain professionalism at all times.
• Work independently, without direct supervision.
• Respond to and investigate complaints of criminal activity, disturbances, and other emergencies.
  Interview victims and witnesses, documenting statements clearly and accurately.
• Interrogate suspects in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
• Collect, secure, and preserve physical and digital evidence, ensuring and documenting proper chain of custody.
• Prepare and execute legal documents such as search warrants, subpoenas, and court order proposals.
• Arrest suspects and transport prisoners using safe and legal practices.
• Complete timely, detailed reports and maintain organized case files.
• Provide clear, effective testimony in criminal and civil court proceedings.

Patrol Division Duties:

• Patrol assigned areas to deter crime and respond promptly to calls for service.
• Conduct traffic enforcement and investigate vehicle crashes.
• Assume scene command and control during major incidents or until relieved by a supervisor.
• Respond to and manage medical emergencies, alarms, domestic disturbances, and public hazards.
• Maintain a visible presence and build relationships through regular interaction with the public.

Community Engagement & Community Policing:

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with community members, other public safety entities, schools, businesses and faith communities.
• Participate in outreach efforts, safety presentations, and crime prevention initiatives.
• Promote open communication with the public and collaborate on solving recurring issues.
• Demonstrate fairness, respect, and cultural sensitivity in all community interactions.

Civil Process Service:

• Serve subpoenas, summonses, protection orders, eviction notices, and other civil legal documents.
• Execute writs and court orders involving property seizure, restitution, or repossession.
• Accurately document all service attempts and ensure timely returns to the courts.

Death Scene Investigation:

• Act as the Medical Examiner’s death scene investigator, respond to scenes involving unattended, suspicious, or unexpected deaths.
• Secure the scene and coordinate with medical examiner and other investigative staff.
• Accurately determine whether criminal activity has occurred
• Collect and document evidence, observe scene conditions, and interview involved parties.
• Notify next of kin when appropriate and provide family support with compassion and professionalism.

Special Investigative & Compliance Duties:

• Investigate missing persons cases, including endangered children and vulnerable adults.
• Conduct background investigations for employment, permits, or legal processes.
• Perform predatory offender registration checks and ensure statutory compliance.
• Assist in joint or multi-jurisdictional investigations as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of Law Enforcement Policies & Procedures:

• Considerable understanding of the Sheriff's Office policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as state and federal statutes.
• Strong familiarity with current police methods and techniques, including emergency response protocols and law enforcement best practices.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact effectively with co-workers, law enforcement agencies, and the public.
• Ability to communicate through various mediums.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate written reports, and to comprehend written and oral communication effectively.

Leadership & Supervision:

• Ability to deal tactfully yet firmly with offenders, suspects, witnesses, and other individuals in various law enforcement contexts.

• Assume leadership of developing critical incidents to include directing law enforcement or other assisting entities with assignments unless or until relieved by a supervisor
• Maintain control during critical incidents or investigations while present at a crime scene

Crisis Management & Decision-Making:

• Ability to react decisively and appropriately in high-stress situations, making critical decisions quickly and with sound judgment.
• Capability to subdue a suspect during the arrest process and defend self or others, if necessary, during physical encounters.
• Ability to function clearly and maintain composure under extended stress, ensuring effective law enforcement responses.

Physical & Technical Proficiency:

• Ability to qualify with approved weapons as required by the Sheriff's Office policy.
• Skilled in managing, storing, and retrieving sensitive information using computerized records systems.
• General knowledge of jail operations, dispatch procedures, and civil process protocols.

Relationship Building & Public Interaction:

• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the District Court, law enforcement and other public safety agencies, businesses, organizations, faith communities, and the public, whether in person, over the phone, or through written correspondence.

Work Habits & Reliability:

• Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance and manage responsibilities effectively within scheduled work hours.

Skills:

• Strong leadership, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong understanding of criminal law, law enforcement techniques, and community policing principles.
• Ability to manage complex situations with professionalism and calmness, especially during emergencies or high-stress situations.
• High ethical standards and commitment to integrity, justice, and community service.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of law enforcement operations and recommending improvements.
• Conducting research.
• Preparing and analyzing reports and information.
• Conducting negotiations and mediations.
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes.
• Reviewing and analyzing records and logs.
• Exercising sound judgment in normal and emergency situations.
• Utilizing a variety of law enforcement weapons and equipment competently, logically and safely.
• Applying applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations in a fair and impartial manner.
• Compilation and analysis of facts and evidence to make valid civil and criminal recommendations.
• Providing customer service.
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills to sufficiently and accurately exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Exercise rational judgement.
• Provide credible and truthful testimony.
• Deal with situations and people effectively and professionally in stressful situations.
• Work independently of direct supervision.
• Perform assigned duties and tasks in an effective, efficient, and safe manner.

Education and Experience:

• Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Peace Officer by the Minnesota POST Board.
• Associate degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field (Bachelor’s preferred).
• 2 years of experience as a sworn police officer/powers of arrest (preferred)
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license.
• Documented completion of credentialed Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC).
• Successful completion of background check, psychological exam, physical fitness test, and firearms qualification.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to provide professional, reliable and credible testimony in court, as deemed by the judge and/or prosecutor.
• Must be able to lawfully and competently possess a firearm.
• Complete all required continuing education and maintain Peace Officer licensure by the Minnesota POST Board

Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands:
  • The Sheriff's Office operates in a dynamic and physically demanding environment. Must be able to respond to emergency situations and physical confrontations, including those involving deadly weapons, that may require quick thinking, agility, and strength. May need to occasionally lift or drag up to 200 pounds or more.
  • The role may involve long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as the need to be occasionally on-call for emergencies or crises.
  • Although the Patrol Deputy works an assigned shift, must be flexible and willing to extend hours of work to handle critical incidents, investigations, and community outreach efforts.
  • Must have the ability to work in various environmental conditions, such as extreme weather (heat, cold, rain, snow), and must be able to travel throughout the county, which may include driving in extremely hazardous conditions.
• Mental and Emotional Demands:
  • Will be exposed to stressful, high-pressure situations, particularly during emergencies, major criminal investigations, or public safety crises.
  • The role demands emotional resilience and the ability to manage potentially traumatic events, such as death scenes, accidents, violence, and criminal investigations, while making clear-headed decisions under duress.
  • Must be capable of maintaining composure in the face of difficult or confrontational situations, both with the public and within the agency, and always demonstrate sound judgment.

Work Environment:

• Exposure to hazardous situations, such as responding to criminal activity, active shooter situations, natural disasters, or emergency public safety situations.
• May be exposed to loud noises, hazardous materials, and potential violent confrontations while on duty.
• While a portion of duties may be performed indoors (such as administrative tasks), must be prepared for extensive outdoor work in various conditions, including conducting investigations or responding to emergencies.
• May be required to work in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, fire departments, and emergency responders in high-stakes situations.

Travel Requirements:

• Will be required to travel within the county and occasionally outside the county for training, meetings, or law enforcement activities.
• The role may also involve travel for special operations, including mutual aid agreements with neighboring counties or jurisdictions, as well as coordination with state and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Travel may involve the use of department vehicles or personal vehicles and may require overnight stays when participating in regional or national law enforcement for conferences or training events.

Equipment and Technology Use:

• Will be required to use a variety of law enforcement tools and technologies, including firearms and other weapons, squad cars, communication devices (radios, mobile phones, computers), and specialized equipment (drones, body-worn cameras, mobile command units, etc.).
• Knowledge of and proficiency with modern law enforcement technology, including data management systems, crime databases, and GPS systems, is crucial to ensure effective operational performance.
• Must ensure that all equipment is used safely and appropriately, in accordance with department policies and applicable laws.

Safety Considerations:

• Must be proactive in ensuring the safety and well-being of themselves and co-workers.
• Regularly assess potential safety risks associated with operations and deploy appropriate measures to mitigate these risks.
• Personal safety measures, including the use of protective gear (e.g., bullet-resistant vests), are expected during field operations and emergency response activities.

Renville County Benefits Information:

https://www.renvillecountymn.gov/employment/benefits/