On his Facebook page on January 13, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen announced that he will not seek reelection this year and is retiring from law enforcement when his term expires.
Eliasen joined the Cook County department as a deputy in 1995. He was first elected sheriff in 2014 and won reelection in 2018 and 2022. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Bemidji State University in 2011 and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration from Concordia University in St. Paul in 2018. Since 2019, he has been a criminal justice professor part-time at Concordia.
In Minnesota, the Office of the Sheriff is a unique position that balances independent authority with statutory oversight. Every county in Minnesota is required to have an elected sheriff. Unlike city police chiefs, who are appointed by mayors or city councils, sheriffs are directly accountable to the voters.
Sheriffs serve a four-year term. To run for the office, a candidate must be a licensed peace officer in Minnesota (or become licensed before taking office). At this time, no candidates have announced their intention to enter the November election.
Eiliasen’s statement, in its entirety, follows:
After 31 years in law enforcement, I have made the personal and professional decision not to seek another term as Cook County Sheriff and to retire from public service.
This decision was not made lightly. Law enforcement has been more than a career for me; it has been a calling rooted in service, responsibility, and a deep respect for the communities we are sworn to protect. Over more than three decades, I have had the privilege of serving alongside outstanding professionals who embody courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing—often under difficult and demanding circumstances.
Throughout my career, and especially during my time as Sheriff, I have believed that effective law enforcement must be grounded in accountability, transparency, and respect for the dignity of every individual. I am proud of the work we have done to strengthen community trust, modernize practices, support our personnel, and uphold the highest professional standards. The progress made by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office is a direct reflection of the dedication and professionalism of the deputies, dispatchers, and civilian staff who serve this county every day.
I am grateful for the support of county leadership, our partner agencies, and the residents of Cook County. Public service is never accomplished alone, and I have been fortunate to work with individuals and organizations who share a commitment to collaboration, public safety, and responsible governance.
In addition to my role as Sheriff, I have valued the opportunity to contribute to the profession through education as an adjunct professor of criminal justice. Teaching and mentoring future public safety professionals has reinforced my confidence in the next generation of leaders and reminded me that the strength of our profession lies in continuous learning, ethical leadership, and service to others. I will continue with my role as criminal justice professor for both Concordia University – St. Paul and Colorado Technical University.
As I step into retirement, I do so with sincere gratitude and humility. I am proud of the men and women of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and confident in their ability to continue serving this community with professionalism, compassion, and resolve. I thank them for their trust, their dedication, and their commitment to one another.
It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the people of Cook County. I leave this role thankful for the opportunity, appreciative of the relationships built along the way, and confident in the future of this organization.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Eliasen
Cook County Sheriff’s Office
