Matt Steen for Carver County Sheriff

05/15/2026

We are here for another 30 minutes! Hope to see you

05/12/2026

Content Warning: The body camera footage contains graphic material that may be harmful or traumatizing to some audiences.

05/11/2026

During National Police Week, we honor our fallen heroes and thank the dedicated officers who keep our families safe every day. As your next Sheriff, I will stand with our law enforcement by giving them the resources, training, and leadership they deserve.

05/11/2026

05/06/2026

As we mark National Correctional Officers Week May 3–9, 2026, I want to send a clear message to the men and women working in our county jail: Your well-being will be a top priority. The jail division has one of the toughest, highest-stress jobs in law enforcement. Yet too often, you are treated as an afterthought—overworked, understaffed, and underappreciated. When I am elected Sheriff, my administration will bring -better support by maintaining full staffing levels for your safety and health -give our jail division the training, equipment, and professional development opportunities you rightfully deserve -ensure corrections is treated with the same respect, backing, and status as our other divisions. You do more than maintain order; you are the frontline of public safety. I don't just want to thank you this week—I want to lead you next year. Stand strong. I have your back now, and I will have your back as your next Sheriff.

05/04/2026

Happy International Firefighters’ Day! Thank you for your partnership, professionalism, and always having our backs on scene.

05/02/2026

Proud to stand with my brothers and sisters in blue. To the officers who ran toward danger and got shot, your bravery and professionalism are unmatched. Thank you to our command staff for leading with strength and clarity. And to our community for the strong show of support: it means everything.
As I run for Sheriff, moments like this reinforce why I’m fighting to support and lead the finest law enforcement professionals in our county. Stay safe out there. 💙

04/30/2026

I’m truly relieved and grateful to share that this officer has been released from Hennepin County Medical Center and is now back home recovering with his loved ones. Seeing him able to leave the hospital so quickly after being shot in the line of duty is a blessing, and it speaks to his strength and the excellent care he received.
Incidents like this remind us of the real risks our law enforcement professionals face every single day as they protect our families and communities. As someone running for Sheriff, my top priority is making sure our deputies have the training, equipment, and unwavering support they need to stay safe and return home to their families each night. At the same time, we must always uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
My thoughts are with the injured officer and his family during his recovery. I want to personally thank him for his courage and extend my deepest appreciation to all the men and women who wear the badge and put themselves in harm’s way for us. We are safer because of you.”

04/29/2026

Our hearts and prayers are with the Richfield Police Officers and their families following a shooting today.
We are grateful for the support from the public.
Continue to keep the officer who was shot and the entire department in your thoughts and prayers.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

On April 29, 2026, at 3:24 a.m., a resident of the 7500-block of Morgan Avenue called the Richfield Police Department to report a car prowler. Richfield police officers arrived and located a suspect in the area. The suspect fled from officers and a foot pursuit ensued. The suspect subsequently brandished a firearm and gunfire was exchanged. The suspect and an officer were both shot. The suspect died at the scene; the officer was transported to a local hospital for a gunshot wound to the hand.

The incident area has been blocked off for evidence processing. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation of this incident.

There is no additional information currently available.
Richfield Incident #2026-00020025

04/27/2026

Post from: Ian Cook-Blue Light Lifestyle
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18oqaT6VKi/

“What’s the cost?”

It’s the one sentence policing keeps getting wrong.

I was asked this week by a force to support a week of action by going into force and presenting.

The first question was “ what’s the cost?”
not “what’s the value to our staff or delivery?”

And that highlights a really concerning issue.

Because every time wellbeing is mentioned, it’s treated like a nice to have and an expense.

Something to review when budgets allow.
The cheapest option rather than the option that’s going to value staff the most.

And yet… policing will sign off millions on new systems - Connect anyone?
Systems that promise efficiency.
Systems that promise transformation.
Systems that if we’re honest 9 times out of 10 don’t deliver what they said they would.

But there is little accountability.
Quiet acceptance.
Move on to the next solution which then costs even more.

But when it comes to people?

Suddenly it’s:
“Can we afford it?”
“Is there a budget?”

The real cost isn’t investing in wellbeing.

The real cost is what happens when you don’t.

It’s officers feeling undervalued.
It’s burnout becoming normal.
It’s people going home mentally exhausted and emotionally drained.
It’s individuals feeling unseen… unheard… and eventually deciding - “I’m done.”

That’s the cost.

And it doesn’t just show up in exit interviews ( if they are done )
It shows up in sickness.
In disengagement.
In mistakes.
In culture.
In reputation.
In the slow, silent erosion of a workforce.

Policing has a very real retention problem.

And retention is built on how people feel.

Other sectors have already worked this out.

They don’t see wellbeing as a perk.
They see it as performance infrastructure and one that they value. Policing sees it as a nice to have an add on.

When people feel supported:
They stay longer.
They perform better.
They communicate more openly.
They take ownership.
They care again.

That’s not a cost.

That’s an investment that pays for itself again and again.

It’s quite simple and obvious in my opinion invest in your people.

Because when you do…
You don’t just improve wellbeing.

You protect performance.
You reduce long-term cost.
You rebuild culture.

And most importantly…

You keep good people in the job.

But what do I know…