Hennepin Co. Sheriff Honors Extraordinary Citizens

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office held a dinner and award ceremony in Golden Valley to honor citizens who took extraordinary measures to help those in need.

The recipients included a 12-year-old girl who pulled a 6-year-old out of the pool potentially saving her life. A 14-year-old performed CPR on that girl.

Sheriff Rich Stanek noted that some of the incidents had difficult outcomes and the victims did not survive. He said those that risked their own safety should still feel proud. And the families of the victims can take some comfort in knowing others tried to help their loved one in their greatest time of need.

The Commendation Award was given to Julie Todora, Andy Hutson, Jesse Thomas, Srikanth Chinnagollareddy, Swetha Maddala, Claire Ulbrich, MaryAnn Wanjiru, Augustine Livingston, Dawn Samuels, Jon Tomter, Julie Levin, Jennifer Geertsema, Philip Geertsema, David Madsen and Benjamin Martin.

The Sheriff's Aware of Merit was given to Tony Spector and John Derus.

Stanek joins board of directors for Treehouse

“For the past 25 years Treehouse has been transforming the lives of hurting teens, giving them a place to feel safe and giving them hope. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing organization.” - Sheriff Rich Stanek

Building Trusting Communities

Part of my mission as Sheriff is to continue to build trusting communities with all residents of Hennepin County.

This is a picture of a meeting between Sheriff Stanek and Hassan Jama, who is a local community leader. They met to continue their dialogue about building communities of trust. It was a good and productive meeting, and we look forward to building a strong relationship.

Fulfilling the Mission

We have worked hard to continue to fulfill our mission:

Our 2010 Accomplishments

1) Continued reduction in violent crime: Since 2006, the rate of violent crime in Hennepin County has dropped approximately 32%.

2) Reduced DNA backlog: Using federal stimulus funds, we expanded our Crime Lab to reduce the turn around times for cases submitted from law enforcement agencies countywide. The Biology Section reduced the backlog of biology cases, which includes DNA cases, by 70% and solved violent crimes and property crimes.

3) Completed the county’s first Unwanted Medicine Collection Event: More than 700 citizens dropped off medications -- which helps prevent abuse or illegal sales.

4) Reduced costs in the jail: HCSO began providing x-ray services inside of the jail. With criminal justice partners, HCSO began a program that allows inmates to appear in certain court hearings via interactive video conferencing. Both programs reduce the cost of transporting inmates.

5) Conducted mental health training nationwide via a live webcast: Deputies provided instruction about innovative techniques developed for the care and custody of mentally ill jail inmates.

6) Expanded community partnerships: We increased membership in the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Board, residents who help establish our strategic direction and we created law enforcement classes for diverse communities.

7) Provided effective criminal information sharing: The Sheriff’s CISA Unit helps law enforcement agencies countywide to prevent and solve crime. CISA added new analysis services. CISA won a customer service award from Hennepin County for its service to local police.

8) Secured approval for a new 911 Communications Facility: The current facility is 60+ years old and it must be replaced to ensure continued 911 services. Site selection & schematic design work has begun for a new facility.

9) Continued water safety education: For the second year in a row, there have been no deaths on Lake Minnetonka. The Sheriff’s Office added more safety classes for youth.

10) Launched an email/text message system: At no cost to the Sheriff’s Office, we are sending safety and crime alerts directly to citizens. (Sign up at www.nixle.com)

• 
• 
•