2026 Election: Dakota County Sheriff

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We talked with Bobby Lambert and Joe Leko, the candidates running for the Dakota County sheriff. Our candidate questionnaire covers priorities, public safety, transparency with Flock cameras, and more.

• More: See our full voter’s guide for information on other local races.

Race profile: Dakota County sheriff is a non-partisan position elected to a four-year term. It’s a county-wide position.

Who’s running:

• Bobby Lambert – Works as a sergeant in the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office.
• Joe Leko – Incumbent first elected in 2022, county sheriff is Leko’s full-time job.

Candidate Questions

We asked the candidates a series of six questions and asked them to respond in 250 words or less. The questions cover priorities, personal growth, public safety, transparency with Flock cameras, the role of sheriff, and immigration response.

Priorities: What are the top two to three issues for you to address in the next four years and how will you address those issues?

Bobby Lambert: Since 2023, twenty-four deputies have left the Sheriff’s Office with an average service time of just under nine years.  Among them were a former Commander, a Captain, and three Sergeants.  Our non-sworn deputies have experienced similar turnover during that time.  As your next Sheriff, I will address the ongoing issue that is handicapping our mission to provide the highest level of services to our communities.  We know that employees who feel valued and respected have higher job satisfaction, better mental health, and stronger motivation to perform at their best.  The organization experiences lower turnover, more productivity, and a stronger culture of communication and collaboration. 

As Sheriff, I will establish a dedicated, full-time Mental Health Unit of sworn and non-sworn deputies whose primary focus will be addressing mental health concerns within our communities and our detention center.  The unit will build stronger relationships with those in need of services, their support systems, our mental health partners (ie: Dakota County Crisis), and other stakeholders.  The unit’s secondary focus will be supporting our sheriff’s office employees and their families.

As Sheriff, I will establish a full-time Training Unit to ensure that our sheriff’s office employees receive the best training.  Training is too vital a duty to both manage and perform on a part-time basis.  The level of services we provide is directly tied to the level of training our employees receive throughout their careers.  As your next Sheriff, I’ll bring my passion for training, developing, and empowering others.

Joe Leko: The next four years will bring increasingly complex public safety challenges. Three priorities stand out: mental health, the drug and overdose epidemic, and rapidly changing technology.

First, we must continue improving our response to mental health. I have helped develop programs that move us beyond a traditional law enforcement response, including mental health co-response in our communities, our Jail Integrative Health Unit, services for those in our custody, and investments in our staff’s mental and physical wellness. At our SMART Center, we train first responders in de-escalation and recognizing mental health crises, with the goal of achieving the safest possible resolution.

Second, the drug and overdose epidemic requires a comprehensive approach. Enforcement remains critical, particularly against high-level dealers and Drug Trafficking Organizations, but we cannot arrest our way out of this problem. Prevention, education, treatment and rehabilitation must work alongside enforcement. As a member of the North Central HIDTA Executive Board, I understand regional and national drug trafficking trends and the partnerships necessary to combat them.

Finally, technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is advancing rapidly. It can improve efficiency but also provides criminals new opportunities to exploit and scam people. We must stay ahead through training, education, responsible policies, accountability and investigative partnerships.

As 4th Vice President of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, I also advocate for responsible legislative solutions that support public safety while protecting individual rights.

Growth: What past mistakes have you made and what did you learn from those mistakes?

Joe Leko: Early in my career as a deputy and young supervisor, there were times when I made decisions too quickly or without fully considering every perspective or the longer-term implications. I was decisive, which can be a strength in law enforcement, but I learned that not every decision requires an immediate answer.

As I gained experience and greater responsibility—first as a supervisor and eventually in executive leadership—I learned to slow down when circumstances allow, gather information, listen to different perspectives and think more strategically. When your decisions affect hundreds of employees, a significant public budget, and the safety and trust of an entire community, you need to consider not only the immediate issue but also the potential consequences.

Through continuous improvement, continued education and experience, I have also grown considerably in self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Leadership requires understanding how you communicate, recognizing how your decisions and actions affect others, and knowing that you do not always have the best answer in the room. Over the years, I have become a better listener, more thoughtful in my decision-making, and more intentional about seeking input from people with different experiences, expertise and perspectives.

I still believe strongly in being decisive and accountable. The difference is that experience has taught me when to act quickly and when to step back, gather more information, and make a thoughtful, strategic decision. That growth has made me a better leader and a better Sheriff.

Bobby Lambert: Over my thirty years in law enforcement, I’ve made plenty of mistakes.  Each time, I’ve used them as an opportunity to grow and learn.  A couple of examples are:

Assumptions – I’ve made the mistake of assuming that others have the same knowledge, information, or priorities that I do on a specific topic.  I’ve learned to take more time to explain my perspective (my why) on an issue.  In the end, we may still disagree, but everyone will understand where I’m coming from, how I came to my position, and why.   

Denial – I’m an optimistic person by nature and always approach life with a can-do attitude.  I believed that, in time, everyone would recognize and accept the truth.  Over the years, I’ve realized that some people will never accept the truth.  Bias, hate, and self-preservation are powerful concepts that we all must deal with at times.  I know some people struggle more with them than others.  As peace officers, we need to remain patient, open-minded, and consistent with our message.  

Public safety: What’s the current state of crime in Dakota County? What changes or improvements need to be made? What challenges do you see on the horizon and how will you be proactive to address them?

Bobby Lambert: I’m most concerned about the violent crime in Dakota County.  I believe that mental health, polarization of beliefs within our communities, and the ongoing attack on our social norms by those who wish to divide us are key factors driving the violence within our communities.  

As Sheriff, I’ll bolster our efforts in addressing mental health, especially among those who are prone to violence.  As an office, we will remain non-partisan and unbiased in our approach to providing a high level of service.  We will lead from the front in building relationships and bringing our communities together through continued partnerships with all stakeholders, especially those who are often left out and/or ignored.  Finally, we’ll be tough on (violent) crime with a proactive focus on known offenders by utilizing crime analysis more. 

I believe the biggest challenge for us (and all LE) is to regain public trust.  The frustrating part is that when any agency across the country violates that trust, it affects all agencies.  I’d ask that our employees, Dakota County residents, and business owners focus on our community and the issues we face.  It’s also important to remember that bias can go both ways, so we as individuals need to “police” ourselves when we engage in conversations where behavior in a particular segment of society is being projected onto every member of that group.  If we don’t learn to manage our personal biases, it becomes impossible to address the lack of trust that (can) exist in our communities. 

Joe Leko: Dakota County remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family. Crime remains relatively low, and we have made progress. One indicator is that the average daily population in our jail is about half what it was 10 years ago. But lower crime does not mean we can become complacent.

Illegal drugs and overdoses remain significant challenges. In 2025, we disrupted or dismantled four Drug Trafficking Organizations and seized significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and other dangerous drugs. Domestic and sexual violence also continue to claim victims. We need to focus earlier on victims by strengthening collaboration between law enforcement, social services and victim advocates. I want to explore a model similar to our mental health co-response efforts, providing proactive follow-up, connecting victims with resources and helping provide greater safety. Keeping our roadways safe from impaired, distracted and dangerous drivers also remains a priority.

Criminal activity increasingly crosses jurisdictional boundaries. I will continue strengthening community, local, state and federal partnerships, targeting high-level traffickers and violent offenders, investing in our employees and adapting to emerging threats.

Public safety requires more than reacting to crime—it requires anticipating what comes next and having the people, partnerships and strategies in place to address it.

Transparency: Data privacy is an increasingly important issue with concerns about Flock cameras and sharing data with the federal government. Do you support the continued use of Flock cameras in Dakota County? Why or why not?

Joe Leko: In the spring of 2025, we began a pilot program using automatic license plate readers, placing eight cameras across the 355 square miles of our rural patrol area. From the beginning, we established strict controls over access, retention and sharing of data.

The technology proved valuable, assisting deputies and investigators in making some notable arrests, solving crimes and enhancing public safety. I support the responsible use of this technology when proper controls, accountability, demonstrated value and public support are in place.

However, technology must also maintain public trust and provide sufficient value. As concerns grew regarding data privacy and the broader sharing of license plate reader information, I listened. We also evaluated the return from cameras located in our rural patrol area. Considering both public concerns and the limited return in those locations, we ended our ALPR pilot program on September 3, 2026.

Technology will continue to play an important role in public safety, but its availability alone does not justify its use. We must continually evaluate effectiveness, safeguards, costs, privacy and public trust.

I will continue evaluating technology that can make our communities and deputies safer. Before reconsidering automatic license plate readers or implementing similar technology, I will involve the public, clearly explain how it would be used, and ensure appropriate safeguards, community support and public trust are in place.

Bobby Lambert: With Flock Safety’s pending updates and improved data security and management, I would support their continued use within Dakota County.  Flock cameras can be a vital tool for law enforcement to identify and locate unlicensed drivers, stolen vehicles, stolen license plates, missing persons, vulnerable adults, abductions, wanted persons, KOPS (Keeping Our Police Safe) Alerts, Amber Alerts, and individuals who may be in crisis.  Before automatic license plate readers, law enforcement would identify these situations by manually running random license plates.  The incorporation of ALPRs (over ten years ago) has made us far more effective and efficient in identifying, locating, addressing, and/or resolving these situations.

• Flock is recommending a 7-day (previously 30-day) ALPR data retention period and introducing Evidence Mode to preserve specific data for active investigations when needed. 
• New offense filtering, required Audit Assistance, proactive lockouts, and required case codes will give agencies more control while strengthening oversight of system use.
• Flock is strengthening data security through mandatory multi-factor authentication, an independent security review by Bishop Fox, and a new Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure program.
• Customers retain ownership and control of their data, while Flock is expanding transparency and reinforcing safeguards around ALPR accuracy, access, sharing, and review.

We (as law enforcement agencies) must continue to ensure the integrity of lawfully collecting, using, maintaining, and eventually destroying personal data for all systems.  This issue will require trust from the community we serve.  I will build that trust through honesty, transparency, and dialogue.

Role: How does your experience in the department inform what you will do as sheriff?

Bobby Lambert: During my thirty years in law enforcement, I’ve been blessed to work with, train, serve under, and supervise many outstanding police officers, deputies, and troopers.  Many of those I’ve trained and supervised have gone on to be impactful supervisors and leaders at the respective departments.  All of my experiences, good and bad, have been learning moments for me.  I’ve used them as an opportunity to grow, learn, and share with others.  Leaders need to be highly competent, ethical, accountable, adaptive, effective communicators, and emotionally intelligent.  I’ve spent my career building a brand that reflects those traits.  On multiple occasions, I’ve stood up for what was right, despite the foreseen negative professional and personal consequences.  A true test of a good leader isn’t when things are smooth and easy, but how they act when a crisis hits, pressure rises, or things go wrong.  I’ll never hesitate to do the right thing, and my focus will always be on people, not process.

Joe Leko: My 29 years with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office have given me a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities of the Sheriff and the communities we serve. I began as a deputy and have served in nearly every capacity within the Office. For the past 20 years, I have served in formal leadership roles—as a sergeant, Drug Task Force Commander, captain overseeing both patrol and detention services, eight years as Chief Deputy responsible for day-to-day operations, and now nearly four years as Sheriff.

That experience matters because I understand this organization from the ground up. I have responded to calls, supervised employees, managed critical incidents, led complex investigations, overseen jail and patrol operations, managed personnel and budgets, and worked alongside local, state and federal public safety partners. That experience also includes significant responsibility for our budget, balancing fiscal responsibility with delivering the high level of service our residents expect.

Experience has also taught me that effective leadership requires listening, adapting and continually improving. As Sheriff, I have applied those lessons to strengthen staffing and employee wellness, invest in technology and training, improve transparency and community engagement, and develop innovative responses to challenges involving drugs, mental health and public safety.

I know this Office, I know Dakota County, and I understand the challenges facing law enforcement. My experience allows me to anticipate challenges, make informed and fiscally responsible decisions, and provide steady, accountable leadership while continuing to move the Sheriff’s Office forward.

Immigration: Minnesota saw significant conflict with the federal government in the past year, especially with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). What should the sheriff’s role be in those situations?

Joe Leko: State and local law enforcement do not have the authority to enforce federal civil immigration law. My responsibility as Sheriff is to enforce state law, maintain public safety, and ensure the constitutional rights of everyone in our community are protected.

That distinction became especially important during the recent increase in federal immigration enforcement activity. I have been out front publicly explaining what the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office can and cannot legally do, because misinformation and confusion can undermine public trust and create unnecessary fear.

Our jail provides a good example. We cannot hold someone solely on an immigration detainer beyond the time they are legally entitled to be released on their state charges. We will not hold someone even a minute longer without lawful authority. We do, however, communicate with federal agencies regarding the release of individuals in our custody when appropriate and consistent with the law.

My approach is straightforward: follow the law, protect individual rights, maintain public safety, and clearly communicate our role to the community. Regardless of disagreements between state and federal governments, the Sheriff’s Office must remain professional, impartial and focused on its legal responsibilities.

I have spoken extensively with local and national media about this issue during the recent ICE enforcement surge, and I encourage residents who want a deeper understanding of my position and our role to review that coverage.

Bobby Lambert: The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office does not enforce federal immigration law. We maintain partnerships with our federal partners by notifying them when someone in our custody is being released who has an ICE detainer.  DCSO will not hold a released inmate from our jail to await an ICE agent’s arrival.

The 287G contract essentially provides the federal government a force multiplier by extending certain duties to the local and state agencies.  I will not enter into this contract.  The loss of public trust is too damaging.  When victims and witnesses are discouraged from reporting crimes, we fail to do our fundamental duty.  The most effective way to provide police services is through strong relationships with our community, making trust an essential part of success.

Lightning Round

We asked candidates a series of 10 simple questions and asked them to respond briefly in 25 words or less.

1. Do you have a library card? When did you last use it?

• Bobby Lambert: No, my wife had one years ago (10 years) that she used when our children were younger.
• Joe Leko: Yes. I use it regularly.

2. Does the sheriff’s office receive sufficient funding?

• Joe Leko: Yes. Public safety is a priority, but limited resources require thoughtful prioritization while maintaining competitive compensation, quality equipment and training.
• Bobby Lambert: Yes, but improving our services will require more responsible spending.

3. Have you volunteered in your community in the past year? Where?

• Bobby Lambert: Yes, I’ve been a youth fastpitch softball and baseball coach in Mendota Heights and now Lakeville since 2012. I’m also a routine blood donor.
• Joe Leko: Yes. Supporting advocates for domestic and sexual violence victims

4. Do you think residents feel safe in Dakota County?

• Joe Leko: In general, yes. Residents feel safe, but significant public safety concerns remain, including illegal drugs, violent crime, domestic violence and roadway safety.
• Bobby Lambert: Yes, I believe most residents feel safe, but it’s our goal that everyone feels safe.

5. Have you attended county events in a non-campaign capacity in the past year? Which ones?

• Bobby Lambert: Yes, I’m a presenter at our annual DCSO Citizens’ Academy. I’m also an event organizer who supports first responders’ mental health throughout our county.
• Joe Leko: Yes. As Sheriff, I regularly attend county open houses, town halls, community meetings, fairs and other public events throughout Dakota County.

6. What’s your favorite local park?

• Joe Leko: Lebanon Hills. I love the trails and worked there as a lifeguard and County Park Ranger early in my career. Our parks are exceptional.
• Bobby Lambert: It’s difficult to pick just one, but my family and I frequent Aronson Park in Lakeville

7. What’s the top crime problem in Dakota County?

• Bobby Lambert: Fraud, because it can be very difficult to identify and hold those involved accountable.
• Joe Leko: Illegal drugs. Their impact extends far beyond addiction and overdoses, contributing to violence, theft and other crimes that affect individuals, families and communities.

8. Who is someone that inspires you?

• Joe Leko: My parents. Their character, strong work ethic, humility and commitment to family and community have influenced who I am and how I lead.
• Bobby Lambert: My mom has been my biggest influence and role model.

9. If you were grading county government overall on an academic scale for the past year, what grade would you give?

• Bobby Lambert: C, we need more competent, ethical, selfless, courageous, forward-thinking leaders.
• Joe Leko: A. Our employees provide exceptional services, but significant budget challenges require difficult decisions, careful prioritization and a continued focus on long-term financial sustainability.

10. When did you last get a ticket?

• Joe Leko: A speeding ticket 35 years ago.
• Bobby Lambert: 1994, for no proof of insurance and a driver’s license not in possession – Minneapolis PD.

More Information

• League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
• Ballotpedia: Leko

See our full local voter’s guide for information on more races and candidates.

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