Raising the Bar - The Dakota County Sheriff's Office Podcast

What really happens after an arrest? Are there quotas? Do police have to read Miranda rights every time? And how are crimes actually solved? In Episode 5 of Raising the Bar , Sheriff Joe Leko and Deputy Lee Smith tackle some of the biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding law enforcement. From what television gets wrong to the realities officers face every day, this candid conversation separat...

Commander Gabriel has seen a lot in 25 years with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office. In this episode, we talk about his career, leadership, and the many responsibilities behind Detention Services, from daily operations to the people doing the work behind the scenes.

Deputy Lee Smith, an apprehension deputy with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, joins the podcast to share his journey through law enforcement, including his experience at previous agencies and how those roles shaped his approach to the job today. He offers an inside look at the work of an apprehension deputy, breaking down the realities, challenges, and split-second decisions that come with loc...

In this episode, Sheriff Joe Leko sits down with Hastings Police Chief David Wilske for a reflective conversation as he prepares to retire at the end of the month. Chief Wilske looks back on his time leading the Hastings Police Department, sharing insights from his career in law enforcement, the changes he’s seen in the community over the years, and the leadership lessons that shaped his time as c...

In our first episode, Sheriff Joe Leko joins the podcast to discuss his path into law enforcement and the experience that led him to serve as Sheriff of Dakota County. The conversation outlines the core responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office, explains how those duties differ from local police departments, and provides an update on current priorities and the work being done each day to serve our...