The Steele County Sheriff’s Office is always willing to offer assistance to neighboring agencies when they are in need, knowing that the same efforts would be offered to our agency should a major emergency situation come our way. We provide “contract hours” to the cities of Ellendale and Medford. This would consist of a certain number of hours our deputies spend patrolling in these communities. We are then reimbursed for those hours by the two cities. Although the City of Blooming Prairie has their own Police Department, our deputies assist them whenever necessary also. The Sheriff's Office is also mandated to provide security at the Steele County Courthouse, even though most personnel there are considered state employees.
We are a member of the South Central Drug Investigation Unit and a regional SWAT initiative. We currently are providing personnel to both groups along with financial support. We also partner with the MN Dept. of Public Safety, by encouraging our deputies to assist in their Toward Zero Deaths Program. This program focuses extra patrol on such subjects as seat belt use, child restraint seats, alcohol/drug impairment, hands-free and speed. The overtime hours that our employees put in are then reimbursed by the MN Dept. of Public Safety.
Another major partnership is the security we provide during the Steele County Free Fair. We set up an office on the fairgrounds that is manned from mid-morning until 1:00 a.m. every day of the event.
SPECIAL DEPUTIES
The Special Deputy unit averages 20 members. They provide security for wedding dances, fund raisers, sporting events, street dances, auctions and city celebrations. The Special Deputies assist the Sheriff’s Office in providing security at accident or crime scenes until the investigations are complete. They also assist in providing Bailiff and Jury Attendant services at the Courthouse. Their monthly meetings provide time for interaction and updating of information plus the necessary training that is required annually for the members to continue working. The position is frequently used as a training period for students going to or just graduating from Law Enforcement School. You can contact the Steele County Sheriff's Office with any questions: 507-444-3800.
MOUNTED POSSE
The Steele County Sheriff's Mounted Posse and Auxiliary was organized to assist the County Sheriff and the communities they serve by providing additional patrol and mobility in areas of limited access. They represent the Steele County Sheriff’s Office in many of Minnesota’s parades and local celebrations, provide security for various events, along with assistance for search and rescue situations. They too average 20 members. They own and care for their horses, purchase and maintain their own equipment, and provide their own transportation to all events. They have been trained in CPR, Rescue First Aid, Use of Force, and Search and Rescue techniques. The public sees us during patrol duties and at parades, but don't see the countless hours spent in training. Training and experience are important for their equine partners as well. They participate in Sensory Training Exercises where the horses are introduced to the unfamiliar obstacles and challenges that are part of the "Posse Experience". Being able to stand firm in the noise and commotion of a crowd or carefully moving one step sideways to avoid a baby stroller is vital. Their horses have to do it all. This nonprofit organization maintains a sense of civic responsibility, through trail rides and other sponsored functions which raise money to assist the Scholarship Funds and countless other charities. Even in today’s high tech, fast paced society, the Sheriff's Mounted Posse has demonstrated the uncompromised utility of the horse. You can contact the Steele County Sheriff's Office with any questions: 507-444-3800.
TRANSPORT UNIT
Currently this group is made up of retired licensed law enforcement officers. We have seven individuals that work for us in this capacity. The Transport Unit provides a safe and secure transport for inmates whether they are going to our local courthouse, another detention facility, medical appointments, etc.
SNOWMOBILE PATROL
The Sheriff’s Office has two snowmobiles that are used to patrol the Steele County snowmobile trails. Our regular licensed deputies take on this responsibility.
WATER PATROL
Our water patrol personnel patrol Beaver Lake on a regular basis. They not only check for action violations but also ensure that boats are equipped with the necessary flotation devices, licenses, etc. They also patrol the beach and park area around Beaver Lake. The Water Patrol personnel also participate in the annual Safety Camp, providing boating and water safety tips.