Rich Stanek

Rich Stanek is a prominent figure in public safety and law enforcement, currently serving as the Principal Consultant and co-founder of Public Safety Strategies Group, LLC (PSSG), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With over 36 years of experience in public safety, Stanek has a diverse background that includes significant leadership roles in law enforcement and public policy.

Professional Background

• Sheriff of Hennepin County: Stanek served as the 27th Sheriff of Hennepin County from 2007 to 2019, overseeing the safety and security of approximately 1.2 million residents. He managed a staff of over 1,100 employees and volunteers and was responsible for the largest jail and sheriff's office in the Upper Midwest. During his tenure, he implemented various initiatives that led to a 38% reduction in violent crime from 2007 to 2018.13

• Legislative Experience: Before his role as sheriff, Stanek was elected to the Minnesota Legislature, where he served five terms. He held the position of Chair of the House Crime Policy and Finance Committee, contributing to significant public safety legislation.12

• Commissioner of Public Safety: He was appointed by the Governor to serve as the Commissioner of Public Safety and Director of Homeland Security for Minnesota from 2003 to 2004, further solidifying his expertise in public safety management.14

Current Role at PSSG

At PSSG, Stanek provides consulting services that encompass a wide range of areas including:

• Organizational leadership
• Agency management
• National law enforcement best practices
• Crime reduction strategies
• Public policy advocacy
• Corporate security
• Expert testimony.235

His work involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including corporate executives, attorneys, law enforcement associations, and academic professionals to enhance their public safety initiatives.35

Education

Rich Stanek holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Minnesota and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Hamline University.13

Personal Life

Stanek has been married to Sally Stanek since 1986 and they have two adult children. He is known for his passion for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hunting, and snowmobiling.45

Rich Stanek's extensive experience and commitment to public safety make him a respected leader in his field, influencing both local and national law enforcement policies.