Posted: 10/17/06
Sheriff candidate Ken Frank
Houston County has two sheriff candidates on the November 7 general election ballot, Doug Ely and Ken Frank.
Here is a profile of Frank.
1) Why are you running for sheriff?
I have often thought of myself as being very fortunate to have a career as a law enforcement officer. Being a good and fair officer has been the focus throughout my entire career. This is one of the reasons why while I was working as a Deputy Sheriff, I returned to college and successfully received my Bachelors Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice. In order to better serve my community, I have continued my law enforcement education and training, well above what is required by the state. I have lived in Houston County my entire life and have established deep roots and a commitment to the people of this County.
ÝI believe that the people of Houston County deserve a Sheriff that has not merely met the minimum requirements, but has continuously raised the bar, a Sheriff that is deeply ingrained within the communities of this County, a Sheriff who has been dedicated to law enforcement for 25 years.
2) What experiences qualify you for this job?
I have learned this job from the ground up. My career began as a Jailer/Dispatcher, continued as a Deputy Sheriff, a D.A.R.E. instructor, was promoted to lieutenant and appointed as Chief Deputy, my current position. I have walked in the shoes of most employees of the Houston County Sheriffís Office and know the commitment required of them. As chief deputy sheriff I am currently running the day-to-day operations of the office, overseeing divisions such as civil process, criminal investigations, patrol and the jail.
During the past 25 years, I have played an important role in nearly every major criminal investigation conducted by the Houston County Sheriffís Office, many of these cases as a lead investigator.
I know first hand what resources are needed for the various investigations. I have the contacts within the law enforcement community to provide needed resources in a timely and cost effective manner.
3) What are the biggest challenges that the department faces?
The biggest challenge will always be for a small rural department like ours to meet the increasing demands on law enforcement with limited resources. Criminal, jail, courts and civil process are a constant demand on the sheriffís office. The abuse of drugs, which is directly linked to criminal activity, will also be a constant burden on law enforcement and the people of Houston County. We need to continue close relationships with the Southeastern Minnesota Narcotic and Gang Task Force, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and law enforcement agencies from around the tri state area. I see the need for continued public input and any information received will be promptly followed up on. I also believe the county jail needs to recognize chemical dependency issues and work towards making services available that can help establish rehabilitation goals. Law enforcement also needs to become more involved in the education of our youth and adults on the dangers of substance abuse.
4) What works well in the department and what could be improved?
Over the past several years we have developed and refined an outstanding Sheriffís department. From the office support staff, to dispatcher/jailers to the deputies and investigators, all are committed professionals dedicated to serving their community.
Criminal investigations, civil process, E-911 dispatch and the jail are working very well. This is evident by our crime clearance rate, which is nearly three times the national average. Civil process generates revenues of nearly $100,000 annually. With recent updates, addressing and mapping, E-911 dispatch is better prepared than ever to handle whatever crisis may arise. The jail is handling record numbers of inmates and providing safe and secure environments and transportations for those inmates. The fact that we are operating in the oldest jail in the Midwest is a testament to the efficiency of this office.
The most important change I would implement is to improve our community policing and crime prevention efforts. In my campaign platform, I promote opening satellite offices throughout the county within the cities and townships. With the rising cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance, we need to rethink the sheriffís patrol and create staging areas throughout the county. The presence of deputies and the sheriff at these staging areas would not only deter crime, it would provide citizens with an opportunity to interact with officers of the Houston County Sheriffís Office.
I intend on establishing a police advisory council, write a monthly article on various law enforcement topics, and I would promote better utilization of the countyís website to provide timely and relevant information to the public.
5) What is your opinion on the proposed new jail and criminal justice center?
Law enforcement is one part of this picture and the commissioners are addressing this issue. I believe that the sheriffís manpower and resources could be better spent in a proactive manner rather than transporting inmates throughout the state. Regarding the proposed facility, I have worked my way up from a jailer/dispatcher and have the knowledge needed to operate whatever facility the Houston County Commissioners decide to build. Planning and the transition into such a new facility will also be crucial and it is essential that the sheriff have a solid understanding of all aspects of the jailís operations.
6. Any other comments?
Over the course of my career, I have attempted to demonstrate that I am an honest and loyal person and have accompanied this with hard work and dedication. I have always enjoyed meeting with and listening to the concerns people have about law enforcement and the safety of their community. This has been especially true while campaigning this past summer and into this fall. I want everyone to know I have appreciated his or her words, encouragement, and varying levels of support. The position of Houston County Sheriff is more than just another job. As Sheriff, my dedication and commitment to the people of Houston County and law enforcement will never be questioned. I am ready to take on the responsibilities that come with the territory of being this countyís next sheriff. Thanks again for the encouragement and support.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com