How do I become a police officer or deputy sheriff?

The Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board requires all newly-licensed Minnesota police officers to either have:

  • At least a two-year college degree
  • Experience as a police officer in another state or the armed forces


All peace officer candidates must then pass a state licensing exam and attend a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education every three years. Candidates with certain criminal convictions are barred from becoming peace officers in Minnesota. For more information on becoming a Minnesota peace officer, visit the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board website.

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1. How do I become a police officer or deputy sheriff?