Media Kit

BIOGRAPHY
Richard W. Stanek,
Hennepin County Sheriff

Sheriff Richard W. Stanek is the 27th Hennepin County Sheriff. Sheriff Stanek was born and raised in Northeast Minneapolis and is a lifelong resident of Hennepin County. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and earned a masters degree in public administration from Hamline University.

Sheriff Stanek is a 23 year law enforcement veteran who earned several promotions for his determination and passion for public safety, rising through the ranks of the Minneapolis Police Department. Prior to being elected as the Sheriff of Hennepin County he served the Minneapolis Police Department as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, overseeing investigations in the areas of Homicide, Robbery, Assault, Family Violence, Organized Crime, Narcotics, Gangs and Sex Crimes.

A five-term legislator in the Minnesota House of Representatives, he Chaired the House Crime Policy and Finance Committee. The Sheriff has also managed the largest law enforcement agency in the state when, in 2003, he was appointed Minnesota’s Commissioner of Public Safety and Director of Homeland Security.

Sheriff Stanek is widely considered to be one of Minnesota’s foremost experts on crime policy, law enforcement and intelligence sharing. He co-chairs the national Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council, and serves on the GLOBAL Justice Information Advisory Committee, advising the U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In addition to a career dedicated to public safety and public service, Sheriff Stanek actively volunteers his time and energy on a number of boards and community-focused organizations including: The Boys & Girls Club, RS Eden House and East Side Neighborhood Services.

The Sheriff lives in Maple Grove with his wife, Sally, and their 2 children.