Public Affairs
Commanded by Major Patrick Enderlein
Community Outreach and Public Affairs Division
The primary mission of the Community Outreach and Public Affairs (COPA) division is to build relationships, trust, and empathy between HCSO and those we serve within Hennepin County. We recognize the value of collaborating with all community members to reduce crime and build public trust. Our community engagement team works with communities in and around Hennepin County to build lasting relationships and develop initiatives tailored specifically to them. Together we identify public safety concerns and create ways to improve public safety and community wellness.
The COPA division is involved in a variety of youth programs and engagement opportunities, such as our HCSO Explorer Post.
We also educate the public about safety issues and how to avoid scams. Issues include drug use, safety on and around the water, home safety, and phone scams.
Avoiding phone scams
Citizens law enforcement academy
Community programs
Opioid overdose prevention
WISE: Water and ice safety education
We encourage residents to take part in our Citizen Academy to learn more about what the Sheriff's Office does.
This division also leads recruitments efforts into fulfilling careers with HCSO. We have initiatives to recruit employees from diverse backgrounds into a variety of positions to support our high level of service to the community. This includes engaging in the community, attending job fairs, hosting information sessions for potential recruits, facilitating internship opportunities, and more. For more information on current job openings, click here.
Data and Technology Division
This division ensures HCSO complies with all relevant records requests we receive from a variety of sources including the public and/or other government entities. HCSO embraces the county’s open government philosophy as a transparent organization that is accountable to its residents.
For more information or to make a data request, please follow the link below:
Open government | Hennepin County
The division also leads development of HCSO’s general policies and procedures. We maintain a policy manual to ensure compliance with federal mandates, state statutes, and office rules. For our current policy manual, click here.
Tri-Wellness and Retention Unit
The primary mission of this unit is to retain and provide wellness support to all HCSO employees throughout their career. Our Tri-Wellness initiatives embrace opportunities, resources, and programs that help staff manage their overall well-being. This includes an on-site licensed marriage and family therapist, a peer-to-peer support team comprised of HCSO employees, several chaplains, and a fitness consultant. Additionally, the Sheriff's Military Activation and Reintegration Training (SMART) program supports our military employees and their families during a deployment as well as with returning to work after a deployment.
Communications Unit
This unit leads internal and external communication efforts to promote transparency, apprise employees of initiatives happening in all divisions, and keep the public informed on HCSO's activities. They also enhance media relations by assisting members of the media in gathering information and reporting on news events.
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