Friends,

We are already into our seventh month of the year and are not slowing down one bit. 2008 has been busy and with the Republican National Convention coming to town in a few short weeks, the pace continues!

The RNC is a very large-scale event for Minnesota. This national event of international importance will be home to delegates, media, and many other visitors. The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office is part of a regional law enforcement team that is focused on the safety of these visitors. In addition to these visitors, our priority remains the safety and security of Hennepin County residents and businesses during this time.

Over the past few months I have been all over the community meeting with residents at local city council meetings, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary events, chatted in coffee shops and even celebrated in parades. The feedback I get from county residents and you, my supporters, is of the utmost importance to the work we are doing to further public safety. We also have created a community advisory board that meets quarterly. This 16-member committee includes county citizens, business owners, and former elected officials- all leaders within their own communities. Our focus is to discuss the concerns and feedback that we receive from the community and design plans for action to face the issues, both positive as well as those of concern.

Earlier this month I presented at the National Sheriffs Association conference in Indianapolis, IN. Our focus was on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) that was successfully utilized during the I-35W Bridge recovery efforts. Law enforcement officials from across the country continue to comment on our region?s ability to work together and communicate effectively during this tragedy.

The National Sheriff's Association is a great opportunity for sheriffs from across the country to weigh in on the important public safety issues that face our nation on a daily basis. These important issues include everything from funding for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces to border security and intelligence sharing.

These next few months will be full of exciting events and opportunities in our community. Thank you for your ongoing support and please always feel free to call me with your comments and feedback.

Sincerely,


Richard W. Stanek