As your elected Sheriff, I am responsible for leading over 800 employees in the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. As a full-service law enforcement agency our work includes: 911 Dispatch, Patrol, Criminal Intelligence, Investigations, Forensic Sciences Lab, Warrants, Jail, Court Security, Community Outreach and Civil Process.
Like you, I was outraged by the murder of George Floyd. His tragic death has unified people across the nation to demand change in a criminal justice system that, historically, has disproportionately impacted black, indigenous and people of color. As a law enforcement officer, I swore an oath and have dedicated my life to ensuring all those who live, work or visit Hennepin County are safe and treated with respect. I ran for Sheriff because I heard from community members across the county about their desire for change. A resounding concern I heard was the absolute right of equal treatment from law enforcement, no matter the color of your skin or your economic status. From the day I was sworn into office, I started this important work, and made many necessary changes to ensure we fulfill this right to our communities. But we need to continue our work to reform law enforcement. I am committed to working with the community to bring about this change through listening, fostering dialogue and continually and thoroughly reviewing office policies and procedures.
Reducing Deadly Force Encounters
An important responsibility of law enforcement is to listen to the concerns of the community members we serve and then implement the necessary changes. In the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, much of that change has already begun, including:
- In 2019 and 2020, through a partnership with Hennepin County, all employees of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office attended Implicit Bias, Diversity and Racial Equity Training. HCSO also participates in the Hennepin County Disparities Reduction Task Force.
- Implementation of a body-worn camera program.
- In partnership with Hennepin County and other law enforcement agencies, we hired an embedded social worker to assist community members and our staff in crisis or those in need of mental health services.
- In my first year as Sheriff, after much feedback and discussion with our employees, I called for the creation of an employee wellness unit called TriWellness. This unit focuses on supporting our employee’s overall well-being through an on-staff licensed Mental Health Practitioner, chaplains from a wide variety of backgrounds, and other employee assistance programs. If our deputies are healthier in mind, body and spirit, they will have better and more positive interactions with the community.
Training and the Use of Force
The use of force by law enforcement is a matter of critical concern both to the community and to law enforcement professionals. We recognize and respect the value of all human life and dignity without prejudice to anyone. De-escalation is a cornerstone of our training to avoid having to use force at all. One of the ways we emphasize de-escalation is through our continued partnership with the Barbara Schneider Foundation to help train our deputies with very realistic, scenario-based training.
Unfortunately, not all encounters can come to a successful resolution with words alone. When our deputies do have to use force, they are trained that only the amount of force needed to protect themselves and the public is to be used and that once that has occurred the force used must be stopped.
Since 2015, the Sheriff’s Office has had a policy that any deputy present and observing another using force that is clearly unreasonable must intercede and stop that use of force. The observing deputy must also report this to their supervisor. All use of force is reviewed by a supervisor and an investigator from a separate unit to make sure the force used was appropriate.
Employee Accountability
To promote transparency and ensure that the integrity of the Sheriff’s Office is maintained, the Internal Affairs Unit thoroughly investigates all allegations of employee misconduct or criticism of our services. It is the responsibility of the Internal Affairs Unit to ensure that the integrity of the Sheriff’s Office is maintained. Internal Affairs provides a fair and effective avenue for citizens to voice their grievances and accepts complaints in a variety of ways (walk-in, phone, email, or from other HCSO employees). We are also in the process of implementing a new employee tracking software that will serve as an early warning detection system, allowing supervisors to intervene before behaviors becomes problematic.
Community Outreach
I saw the need for our agency to build a stronger, more trusting relationship between our licensed deputies and the communities we serve. To meet this need, I created a Community Outreach Division within the agency and promoted a Captain to oversee the division. Some of the important work being done by our new Division includes:
- Facilitating regular and continuous outreach to communities of color. Their work includes discussions on race and police-community relations with community leaders and faith-based organizations.
- Creating a program with the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center to promote and create positive interactions with at-risk youth.
- Collaborated with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to provide low-cost swimming lessons.
- To address community needs during our winter season, Operation Cold Snap was implemented in partnership with the community and local businesses, in which deputies distribute thousands of cold weather items to those who are most in need.
- Quarterly meetings with our Community Advisory Board to discuss and listen to diverse opinions and feedback from all the communities we serve about our policies, procedures, and enforcement efforts.
- Partnered with public health organizations to distribute masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Hosting citizen academies for community members to learn about the Sheriff’s Office.
- Work with the Hennepin County Sheriff Foundation to address the opioid crisis.
- Host the Sheriff’s Youth Programs which allow uniformed deputies to connect with young people by promoting bike safety as well as offering excursions on the Mississippi River for youth to learn about boating and swim safety.
Jail Wellness
Our public safety facility has some of the best jail programs in the state, which are led by volunteers, including faith leaders. We have a robust volunteer chaplain network that provides services to meet the religious and spiritual needs of our inmates. We have social workers connecting inmates to social services and an extensive medication assisted treatment program administered by Hennepin Healthcare so inmates suffering from substance use disorder don’t lose treatment during incarceration. Hennepin Healthcare professionals also provide excellent medical care to all inmates.
Hiring of Staff
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office prides ourselves in our extensive hiring process. Potential deputies go through multiple rounds of interviews prior to receiving a conditional offer for employment. This is where we identify candidates that show the necessary communication skills needed to perform effectively in law enforcement. Then we begin the background investigation and psychological examination. These are crucial because we strive to ensure that all those working for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office not only reflect the community that we serve, but more importantly, embrace the values of this Office. I am committed to hiring the right people who will conduct themselves with the highest standards of professionalism while wearing the badge.
Diversifying HCSO
In my first year, I made significant strides toward transforming our workforce to better reflect the diversity of Hennepin County. In 2019, 55% of our new hires were female and 37% were ethnically and racially diverse. In 2020 and beyond, I am committed to increasing these efforts.
Moving Forward
As we move forward together, my commitment to the residents of Hennepin County remains unchanged. We will learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others, we will listen to our community members, and we will continue to implement the necessary changes and reforms to ensure our law enforcement approach justly serves all communities of Hennepin County.
– Sheriff David Hutchinson