Leko and Lambert Share Their Visions for Dakota County Sheriff's Office Ahead of November Election
Published: October 16th 2026.
DAKOTA COUNTY MN - With the November general election approaching, Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko and challenger Bobby Lambert, a current sergeant with the Dakota County Sheriff's Office, are sharing their perspectives on leadership, public safety, transparency and the future of the department.
In separate interviews with Limitless Media, both candidates discussed their law enforcement backgrounds, priorities for the Sheriff's Office and some of the challenges facing the profession.
Leko, who was elected sheriff in 2022 after running unopposed, is seeking a second four-year term. Lambert is challenging the incumbent, saying he believes the Sheriff's Office would benefit from new leadership.
Both candidates bring nearly three decades of law enforcement experience to the election.
Leko began his career with the Dakota County Sheriff's Office in 1997, serving in several roles, including patrol, courts, transport, school resource duties, drug and gang investigations, and water patrol.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2006 and later served as a captain overseeing patrol, courts, transport and jail operations. Before becoming sheriff, Leko spent eight years as chief deputy, helping oversee the agency's operations, personnel and budget.
Leko took office as sheriff in January 2023.
During the interview, Leko discussed his leadership approach, work ethic, and nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement.
When asked about changes he made after first taking office, Leko said he restructured the Sheriff's Office by establishing a new administrative division, adding a commander and a sergeant to oversee department policies and training.
Lambert began his law enforcement career with the Mendota Heights Police Department in 1996. He also served 15 years on SWAT, eventually becoming team commander.
Throughout his career, Lambert has also worked as an instructor in firearms, use of force, critical incident response, active shooter situations and emergency response.
In 2012, Lambert earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice Leadership from Concordia University in St. Paul. He was promoted to sergeant with the Mendota Heights Police Department in 2015.
Lambert joined the Farmington Police Department in 2017 as a patrol officer before moving to the Dakota County Sheriff's Office in 2023.
He currently serves as a transport sergeant and leads the department's use-of-force instructor program.
During his interview with Limitless Media, Lambert said he decided to run for sheriff because he believes the department needs new and improved leadership. He emphasized the importance of supporting employees, maintaining accountability and ensuring the Sheriff's Office continues meeting the needs of Dakota County residents.
Recruitment and employee retention were among the topics discussed during the interviews.
Lambert raised concerns about deputies leaving the department in recent years, identifying employee retention as an issue he believes deserves attention.
When asked about retention/recruitment, Leko explained that law enforcement recruitment has become more challenging in today's world, with fewer individuals choosing to pursue careers in the profession than in previous years.
Leko also acknowledged that lower wages had previously contributed to recruitment challenges in the past but said the county has since addressed those salary concerns.
He also stated that both the Sheriff's Office and county jail are fully staffed.
During his reelection campaign, Leko has also highlighted that the Dakota County Sheriff's Office has remained within its budget throughout his tenure as sheriff.
Lambert expressed support for establishing a full-time mental health unit within the Sheriff's Office, identifying it as a top priority he would like to pursue if elected.
During his reelection campaign, Leko has also highlighted the Sheriff's Office's efforts to address mental health-related calls and support individuals experiencing a crisis.
According to Leko, the Sheriff's Office established a new unit called integrated health, which focuses on assisting individuals experiencing mental health crises in the jail.
Leko also discussed the SMART Center in Inver Grove Heights, which provides first responders with training and resources for responding to crisis situations, including the use of de-escalation techniques.
He added that the Sheriff's Office currently has a couple of deputies who specialize in mental health-related matters.
Both candidates also discussed the importance of maintaining their own physical and mental well-being while working in a demanding profession.
When asked whether serving as sheriff is stressful, Leko acknowledged that the position comes with stress and responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally.
Lambert, when asked how he personally manages stress, emphasized the importance of taking care of himself, including that he enjoys working out.
Transparency and communication with the public were also priorities emphasized by both candidates.
Leko discussed efforts by the Sheriff's Office to communicate with residents, including the launch of a department podcast intended to share information and provide the public with additional insight into the agency and what is happening in Dakota County.
Lambert similarly emphasized the importance of being fully transparent with the public and maintaining trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
The candidates were also asked about police radio encryption, a topic involving officer safety, public access to information and individual privacy.
Lambert expressed the support for encryption when dealing with sensitive law enforcement communications, including tactical operations and information that could affect officer or public safety.
Leko discussed the importance of protecting sensitive information and maintaining officer safety, while also emphasizing that public transparency remains one of his top priorities.
Another topic raised during the interviews was the use of Flock Safety cameras, which are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement agencies to assist with investigations.
When asked about the technology, Leko told Limitless Media that the Dakota County Sheriff's Office had ended its two-year pilot program involving Flock cameras. According to Leko, the department had operated eight cameras during the program.
Lambert expressed support for the use of Flock cameras, provided appropriate safeguards and oversight are in place, similar to those governing other law enforcement technologies.
Leko was also asked about recent reports of Somali gang activity in the Twin Cities and the challenges such activity may present for law enforcement in Dakota County and the metro.
Leko explained that gang activity today differs from what law enforcement encountered in the past with more established gangs, such as the Crips and Bloods. He described today's gangs as more mobile, presenting additional challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Leko was also asked about the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nikki Anderson.
According to Leko, the Sheriff's Office has followed and continues to pursue every lead in the case. He also said search efforts are continuing as investigators work to locate Anderson.
Throughout their interviews, both candidates emphasized the responsibilities that come with leading the Dakota County Sheriff's Office and the importance of maintaining public trust.
Lambert has focused on his desire to bring new leadership to the department, support employees and expand mental health resources.
Leko has emphasized his sound leadership, track record, strong work ethic and experience managing the Dakota County Sheriff's Office.
Although the candidates have different perspectives on the department's leadership and future priorities, both emphasized transparency, communication and the importance of serving Dakota County residents.
Voters will decide who leads the Dakota County Sheriff's Office for the next four years during the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Readers interested in learning more about the candidates can visit their respective campaign websites: https://joelekoforsheriff.com and https://bobbylambert4sheriff.com/
