Effective. Experienced. Dedicated. A leader we can trust to keep us safe.
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 veteran of law enforcement who earned several promotions for his dedication and passion for public safety, rising through the ranks within 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 considered to be one of Minnesota’s foremost experts on crime policy, law enforcement and intelligence-led policing. He co-chairs the national Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council, advising the U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For 2012 and 2013 he is serving as President of the Major County Sheriffs’ Association, and Chair of the National Sheriffs’ Association’s Homeland Security Committee.
Sheriff Stanek actively volunteers his time and energy on a number of boards and community-focused organizations dedicated to working with youth.
The Sheriff lives in Maple Grove with his wife and their 2 children.