Yellow Medicine County Sheriff's Office

The Yellow Medicine County Sheriff's Office serves as the lead law enforcement agency for this Minnesota county, headed by a sheriff chosen by voters every four years and based in Granite Falls, the county seat. Deputies police 21 townships and also patrol Clarkfield, which contracts with the county for law enforcement. County residents, including those living inside city limits, apply in person at the office for a handgun carry permit, bringing a current driver's license and a certificate from a BCA-certified instructor dated within the past year. A new permit costs $100, renewals cost $75 when filed in the 90 days before expiration or $85 within 30 days after, and permits last five years. The office has 30 days to approve or deny an application. Permits to purchase a handgun are free, valid for one year and handled by the sheriff for residents outside towns with a police department. The jail charges a $25 booking fee and $25 a day to stay, and people can add money to an inmate account online. The office also takes online burning permit requests, posts an in-custody report and active warrant list, and runs a Take It To The Box drop-off for unwanted medicines.