Rich Stanek

Lifelong Minnesotan. Public safety consultant with Public Safety Strategies Group. Former Sheriff of Hennepin County.

[Citizens Behind the Badge @CitizensBTB]

New podcast out now, and it’s one everyone needs to hear:
Policing in the Age of Viral Video - Power, Perception, and Trust

In this episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, we sit down with Rich Stanek (@stanekmn) for a candid conversation about policing in the age of viral video—and what happens when the same footage produces radically different interpretations.

- This is not a breakdown of one incident.
- It’s a discussion about power, perception, and trust.
- Why do viral videos shape public opinion so quickly?
- How do leaders respond when emotion, politics, and public pressure collide?
- And what gets lost when nuance disappears from the conversation?

Rich shares his perspective on responsibility, leadership, and the difficulty of thinking clearly in moments charged with emotion. The conversation moves deliberately, leaving space for uncertainty instead of easy answers.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube, just search for the ‘Heroes Behind the Badge Podcast’

Please Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the men and women who serve behind the badge.

[Fox & Friends First @FoxFriendsFirst]

"Horrific And Ghastly": The Minneapolis Community Is In Mourning After A Gunman Opened Fire At A Catholic Church, Killing Two Children And Injuring 17 Others, Including 14 Kids.
Former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, @stanekmn Joined Us To Discuss

[Jim Schultz @JimForMN]

A pleasure to join @PeteStauber, @TomWeilerMN, and @stanekmn to talk about our strategy to restore safety to our state and put Minnesota back on the right track.

Minnesotans want change and deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods!

[Sir Don Allen (MN) @DonAllen02]

This individual CANNOT be the Hennepin County Attorney. ⁦@RevTChristopher⁩

[Alpha News @AlphaNews]

State Rep. John Thompson just lost his primary by almost 80 points.

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

@WCCO One person shot every hour or so in Mpls.....looks to be a long Summer for Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey

[WCCO | CBS News Minnesota @WCCO]

Seven people are in the hospital – two with serious injuries – after five shootings occurred over the span of 10 hours in Minneapolis Thursday.
https://t.co/MqqRYqK2Je

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

Today we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and we keep their families in our prayers. Thank you to all who have served our country.

[CiceroMN @cicero_mn]

Never Forget, Never Forget, Never Forget! When we needed leaders they all hid. Vote Walz out or he will do it again.

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

While Tim Walz was out fishing, and everyone in Rochester was fighting about text messages, two people were killed in Minneapolis during the middle of the day...

https://t.co/6d3ri1IVVb

[Chuck Wexler @CWexlerPERF]

As I do every May 13th, I look forward to reading the names this evening of some of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you @NLEOMF for honoring and remembering all these heroes. #NationalPoliceWeek

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

To beat Tim Walz in November, we need a Republican candidate who has a proven track record of winning elections and broad community support.

WATCH: https://t.co/Q4Gbcc6HuH

[The RGA @GOPGovs]

Gas prices are hitting record highs across the country.

It’s time for the Biden Administration to follow the lead of Republican governors and unleash American energy and innovation.

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

Minnesotans are ready for a Governor who will guide our state forward, rather than backwards like Tim Walz has done.

As Governor, I'll call upon my leadership experience, and together we'll restore Minnesota back to a place that's nationally recognized for all it has to offer.

[The Minnesota Star Tribune @StarTribune]

In a year when rising crime is a top issue for many voters, Rich Stanek's 38 years in law enforcement set him apart from the crowded field of Republican candidates hoping to challenge DFL Gov. Tim Walz this fall. https://t.co/2RnwZVZxkx

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

Increasing crime continues to negatively impact our state and Tim Walz is doing nothing to address it.

As Governor, I’ll call upon my 38 years of law enforcement experience to address the lawlessness on day one.

READ MORE: https://t.co/1XLasQFTbZ

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

▶️ WATCH: Restoring Economic Growth

Under Tim Walz and the Democrats, our state continues to increase government spending while our state’s population goes down. It is time to give back the budget surplus to the hard-working Minnesota taxpayer.

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

▶️ WATCH: Protecting 2nd Amendment Rights

As Sheriff, I proudly issued tens of thousands of conceal and carry permits to the residents of Hennepin County. As Governor, I will continue to protect the 2nd Amendment rights of Minnesotans.

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

▶️ WATCH: Ensuring Election Integrity

As a former elected Sheriff, I understand the importance of ensuring our state’s elections are fair, secure, and have integrity. As Governor, I'll bring integrity back to elections in Minnesota. 🗳️🥇

[Rich Stanek @stanekmn]

▶️ WATCH: Limiting Emergency Powers

I will never abuse the emergency powers of the Governor like Tim Walz did for a year and a half. Under no circumstance, should our elected leaders be permitted to unilaterally take our freedoms away.