The Sheriff and the County Board serve the same residents but they don’t have the same job, the same authority, or always the same perspective.

In this episode of Raising the Bar, Sheriff Joe Leko sits down with Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins for a conversation about how county government really works.

They talk about the relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and County Board, how public safety needs move from an idea to a decision, and some of the things people may misunderstand about who controls what. Commissioner Atkins also reflects on how his years in local and state government have shaped the way he approaches leadership and decision-making today.

Watch or listen to the latest episode of Raising the Bar on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Drugs are changing. So is the work to combat them.

In this episode of Raising the Bar, Sheriff Joe Leko sits down with Captain Fahey of the Dakota County Drug Task Force for an inside look at one of the region's most collaborative public safety units.

Captain Fahey shares his journey through law enforcement, explains how the Drug Task Force operates, and discusses how its mission has evolved over the years. The conversation explores current drug trends, including the rise of fentanyl, common misconceptions about drug enforcement, and what parents and community members should know to better protect themselves and their families.

Whether you're curious about how the Task Force works or want to better understand today's drug landscape, this episode offers an honest, informative conversation from someone who has spent decades on the front lines.

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 separates fact from fiction and provides an inside look at modern policing.

Together, they discuss topics like police quotas, Miranda rights, investigations, and how crimes are actually solved, while also sharing stories and experiences from their own careers. It's an honest conversation about the profession, the public's perception of it, and the realities behind the badge.

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 locating and taking individuals into custody.

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 chief. The conversation also highlights the strong partnership between the Hastings Police Department and the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, and how collaboration between agencies plays a vital role in serving the community.It’s an opportunity to reflect on a career dedicated to public service and the relationships that make public safety work possible.

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 communities.

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