Pine County Board approves deputy sheriff trainee position after discussion on training limits and duties

The Pine County Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved a job description and authorization to recruit a deputy sheriff trainee position after discussion about recruitment, duties and limits on the program.

The measure was intended to let the Sheriff’s Office hire candidates who are completing required academy or certification work so the county can bring them into the department and evaluate them before filling a full deputy vacancy.

County Administrator Dave Menke told the board the trainee program responds to recruiting challenges and is intended to “expand the pool a little bit to draw in quality candidates.” He said the trainee position would only be filled if a licensed deputy vacancy exists and that trainees must complete certification within two years.

Board discussion noted limits and safeguards. Chief Grice of the Pine County Sheriff’s Office said trainee duties would include ride-alongs and nonfirearm responsibilities and that trainees "will not be carrying a gun until they are post certified." He added trainees will complete taser and use-of-force training and will work under supervision.

Commissioners emphasized the position is not a guaranteed pathway to a regular deputy appointment. Menke said the position is not a promise of employment as a fully commissioned deputy: "If they didn't meet the standards or if conditions change, such that the sheriff didn't think they were a good hire... it's not a guarantee of a regular deputy position." The board also discussed an internal limit of two years for certification completion and that the program is intended to be "no net gain" in the county's overall employee count unless circumstances change.

Chair Moore made the motion to approve the job description and recruitment authorization, seconded by Commissioner Holland. The roll-call vote was: Commissioner Holland — yes; Chair Moore — aye; Commissioner Nelson — yes; Commissioner Waldham — opposed. The motion passed 3–1.

Clarifying details recorded during the discussion included a stated minimum starting wage of $26.90 per hour for the trainee grade (described in the meeting as a nonunion Grade 8), a two-year completion limit for certification, and an operational plan that trainees would not be armed until post-certification and would work under supervision while performing non-deputy duties that free licensed deputies for other tasks.

The board did not adopt additional binding employment guarantees for trainees; the Sheriff's Office retains discretion to evaluate performance and staffing needs and to decide whether a trainee becomes a licensed deputy when a vacancy exists.

The board directed the county to proceed with recruitment and to monitor the program; participants noted personnel will review the program through the personnel committee after initial implementation.

Votes and formal motion details are recorded below in the article actions field.