MN SF947

Police chiefs in Minnesota cities of the first class shall be elected by voters at the general election rather than appointed, with a four-year term beginning the first Monday in January following the election.

Candidates for police chief must be licensed peace officers in Minnesota and must post a bond of at least $25,000 approved by the city council before taking office.

The elected police chief controls the appointment of additional police officers and department personnel.

The city council determines the police department budget and police chief compensation, but the police chief may appeal to district court within 15 days if the decision is arbitrary, capricious, oppressive, or fails to account for job responsibilities and the chief's qualifications.

The law is effective August 1, 2021, with first elections required at the first general election held after January 1, 2022.