Minnesota Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to POST Board certification, badge traditions, and law enforcement credentials in Minnesota
Minnesota law enforcement badges are governed by POST Board. All sworn officers must complete 720 hours of training. Minnesota has 87 counties with elected sheriffs using star badges, while municipal police use shield badges. Minneapolis Police is the largest department. Minnesota has rigorous POST requirements and a strong emphasis on community policing.
- 87 county sheriff offices
- POST Board certification required
- Minimum training: 720 hours
- Population rank: 22nd
- All sheriffs use star badges; police use shields
Minnesota Law Enforcement Overview
Minnesota’s law enforcement structure includes 87 county sheriff offices and numerous municipal police departments. County sheriffs serve as primary law enforcement in rural areas, while municipal departments cover cities and towns. Minneapolis Police is the largest department in the state.
Certification Requirements
POST Board establishes certification requirements for all law enforcement officers in Minnesota. Basic training requires 720 hours including criminal code, patrol procedures, firearms qualification, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, and crisis intervention.
Minnesota Badge Traditions
All 87 Minnesota county sheriffs use star-shaped badges, typically 5-point or 6-point designs with county name displayed. Gold finish for sheriff; silver for deputies. Municipal police departments use shield-shaped badges following the national police tradition.
Major Minnesota Law Enforcement Agencies
Minnesota’s major agencies include the state police/highway patrol, Minneapolis Police, and county sheriff offices. Each maintains distinct badge designs reflecting their jurisdiction and traditions.
- Hard enamelโwithstands climate conditions
- Quality plating (20+ mils)โprevents wear and tarnishing
- Star badges for sheriffs; shield badges for police
Frequently Asked Questions
โ How long does Minnesota certification take?
Minnesota requires 720 hours of basic training at a certified academy, typically 13-18 weeks depending on the program, plus field training with the hiring agency.
โ Do all Minnesota sheriffs use star badges?
Yes. All 87 Minnesota county sheriffs use star-shaped badges, maintaining traditional law enforcement iconography.
โ Can I transfer my certification to Minnesota?
Minnesota offers reciprocity for officers certified in other states, subject to approval. You’ll typically need to complete state-specific legal training.
- Minnesota has 87 county sheriff offices
- POST Board certification (720 hours) required
- All sheriffs use star badges; police use shields
- Minneapolis Police is the largest department
The Bottom Line
Minnesota maintains traditional law enforcement structures with 87 county sheriffs using star badges. For more information on badge procurement, see our complete badge procurement guide.