Re-ELECT Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvik
Keeping Mower County Safe.
"After reflecting on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead, I believe it is important to continue providing steady leadership and experienced guidance for our office and our community. Throughout my time as Sheriff, I have worked hard to ensure every taxpayer dollar is used responsibly and thoughtfully, finding efficiencies wherever possible without compromising the safety of our residents or the dedicated staff who serve them. There is still important work ahead, and I remain committed to building on our progress, strengthening public safety, supporting our staff, and being a responsible steward of the resources entrusted to us."
The Guiding Question
"Does it make Mower County safer?"
As your Sheriff every decision I make from budget allocations to the strategies for the provision of all types of public safety services is guided by that basic question. If the answer is yes, we find the most responsible way to make it happen. If the answer is no, we don't do it.
Sheriff Steven C. Sandvik
A Career Built on Service
More than 28 years of law enforcement experience from patrol deputy to two-term Mower County Sheriff. "During my time as Sheriff, I have focused on making meaningful improvements that strengthen public safety and make the best use of our resources. From improving jail operations and modernizing our technology infrastructure to improving patrol response and operational efficiency, I am proud of the progress we have made while keeping the safety of our residents and staff at the center of every decision."
Accomplishments in Office
A record of meaningful, measurable change for Mower County.
Patrol & Personnel
6 sessions/year
per staff member
Wellness & Resiliency Program
Sheriff Sandvik utilized state provided one-time public safety funding to establish one of the most expansive wellness resiliency programs in the state of Minnesota. The program provides annual check-ins for all Mower County Sheriff's Office staff in every division. It is administered by independent, certified public safety and first-responder-specific providers all services are 100% anonymous with no connection to the county or the Sheriff's Office. Every member of the Sheriff's Office receives access to six sessions per year of ongoing assistance at no cost to the staff member, usable for themselves or their immediate family. The program also includes a Peer Support program as an additional resource for staff.
Every deputy
assigned a take-home squad
Take-Home Squad Cars
Expansion of take-home squads to every deputy sheriff increased the ability to respond to calls for service and engage in proactive enforcement during the entire shift, as well as providing reduced response times during emergency call-outs. This program has positively impacted recruitment and retention of staff, and resulted in extended squad life and reduced maintenance costs.
More patrol
deputies on proactive coverage
Restructured Duty Assignments & Schedule
Restructuring of duty assignments for patrol staff increased the number of deputies dedicated to call response and proactive patrol operations. The new schedule also provided an increased number of consecutive regular days off for each deputy reducing burnout, improving work-life balance, and enabling extended vacation time by connecting regular time-off stretches with less PTO required.
Predictable
annual technology budget
Technology Implementation & Maintenance
The Sheriff's Office reviewed all technology use and needs and secured the most fiscally responsible options ensuring warranty coverage, ongoing device upgrades, and a known annual fiscal obligation. This approach eliminated the high cost of replacing outdated, unsupported, or damaged technology with no budget warning, while keeping current with the most advanced public safety technology and equipment available.
Jail Operations
Through cost management, vendor negotiations, and operational efficiencies, the Mower County Jail has achieved one of the lowest per diem detainee housing rates in the region delivering real savings to county taxpayers without compromising safety or required standards of care.
$1,000,000+
saved annually of taxpayer dollars reducing the overall county tax levy
Improved Jail Staffing Efficiency
Reassessed how jail space was being used and reorganized housing areas to better separate and manage individuals based on their custody and supervision needs. These changes allowed the jail to operate more efficiently, reducing the number of staff required without reducing the maximum number of detainees the facility can house under Minnesota Department of Corrections standards. The staffing reduction was achieved entirely through normal attrition without laying off staff, while improving staff safety and saving over $1,000,000 annually.
$100,000+
saved per year on food service
Facility Contracts
The Sheriff's Office actively engaged all vendors to negotiate the lowest cost while maintaining the Department of Corrections required level of service lowering costs to the county by over $100,000 per year for food service alone.
Grant-funded
technology implementation
Improved Detainee Health & Reduced Liability
Pursued grant funding to implement technology that monitors detainee health in real time and alerts staff to potential serious medical concerns. Earlier notification allows staff to initiate appropriate medical protocols more quickly, helping improve health outcomes while reducing risk and potential liability to the County. Combined with updated protocols and infrastructure improvements, these efforts have created a safer, more efficient jail environment for both detainees and staff.
Expanded capacity
without additional staff
Two-Tier Lockdown Process
Implementation of a two-tier lockdown process enabled the Mower County Jail to house different classifications of detainees within the same pod without requiring additional staff fully compliant with Department of Corrections regulations. Low-cost window tint technology further expanded the ability to house multiple classifications of detainees while enhancing safety and security for staff.
New division
established under Sheriff Sandvik
Dedicated Court Security & Transport Division
Establishment of a dedicated Court Security and Transport Division increased overall security in the Justice Center and provided greater continuity of operations for the courts and other Justice Center operations. Incorporating detainee transport duties into this division minimized transport costs, expedited the transport process, and reduced the need to pull patrol deputies from their emergency response and proactive enforcement duties.
Virtual courts
installed throughout the jail
Improved Court Efficiency & Safety
Used one time federal funding at no cost to local taxpayers to install virtual court stations throughout the jail, reducing time consuming courthouse transports while improving staff efficiency and overall safety.
Emergency Management
Sheriff Sandvik has worked to strengthen Mower County's emergency preparedness and response capabilities, expanding services and coordination to better protect residents during critical incidents and large-scale emergencies.
County-wide
expanded coverage
Expanded Emergency Management Services
Sheriff Sandvik has led efforts to expand emergency management services across Mower County, improving coordination between local, regional, and state agencies. These efforts have strengthened the county's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies ensuring residents and first responders have the resources and plans in place when it matters most.
Grant-funded
minimal taxpayer cost
Enhanced School Emergency Response
Implemented detailed indoor mapping for schools throughout Mower County, giving first responders immediate access to accurate building layouts when responding to emergencies. These maps help law enforcement, fire, and EMS navigate schools quickly and coordinate a more effective response when every second matters helping better protect our students, educators, and staff. The project was completed through a Minnesota state grant, minimizing the financial impact on local taxpayers.
Experience You Can Count On
28+ years of experience serving, protecting, and leading.
Law Enforcement Experience
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
1998–2001
- Special Deputy
- Solo patrol certified
- Leadership role with the Reserve Division
Mower County Sheriff's Office
2001–Present
- Court Security Deputy
- Patrol Deputy
- Patrol Sergeant
- Sergeant Investigator — 2008
- Mower County Sheriff — Sworn in January 7, 2019–Present
State & Regional Leadership Experience
Leadership in state and regional organizations gives Sheriff Sandvik the opportunity to give Mower County a voice at the table where important public safety decisions are made. These roles build strong partnerships, help shape policies that affect our community, and provide access to shared resources, expertise, and solutions enhancing public safety while making the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team (SMVCET)
Board Chairman
Minnesota Duty Disability Legislative Work Group
Board Member
SECB Legislative Committee
Member
RAC Voice Logging Committee
Chairman
Minnesota Sheriffs' Association
- Member - LEgislative Advocate
Executive Leadership & Professional Development
Sheriff Sandvik has remained committed to continued learning and professional growth throughout his tenure. From 2019–2026, he has participated in ongoing legal, legislative, and operational training through the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association. He was also one of just 25 sheriffs nationwide selected to attend executive-level leadership programs through the National Sheriffs’ Institute at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia—bringing nationally recognized training and leadership practices back to Mower County at no cost to local taxpayers.
Jail Administration Course
April 2024
Executive Leadership Course
November 2024
Executive Communications Course
September 2025
Executive Networking Course
May 2026
Law Enforcement & Public Safety Training
Sheriff Sandvik's training record includes continuing education in a broad range of law enforcement and public safety disciplines:
Specialized Investigative Training
His professional development also includes specialized investigative training in areas such as:
Commitment to Continued Professional Development
Sheriff Sandvik's training record reflects a continuing commitment to professional development throughout his law enforcement career, with ongoing education in leadership, investigations, public safety operations, officer training, Emergency Management, and emerging law enforcement issues. Sheriff Sandvik encourages all Mower County Sheriff's Office team members to pursue training in all aspects of public safety to expand and enhance their skills, strengthen the services provided to the community, and support professional growth and career advancement.
Partnerships & Collaboration
Stronger Together
No sheriff's office operates in isolation. Over two terms, we've cultivated deep, working partnerships with city and county agencies, school districts, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and neighboring law enforcement. These relationships don't just look good on paper they save lives, share resources, and multiply our impact across every corner of Mower County.
City & County Agencies
Coordinated response with Austin Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies, Fire Departments, First Responders, and Emergency Medical Service providers, Mower County Public Health and Human Services Adult and Child Protection, and Mower County Emergency Management.
School Districts
Youth and community outreach across many Mower County Public Schools. Providing security audits and school safety planning and training for all Mower County school districts.
Healthcare & Mental Health
Partner with Southeast Minnesota EMS and the SE MN Mobile Crisis response team for crisis response calls.
Regional Law Enforcement
Mutual aid agreements and joint operations through the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team (SMVCET) and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force
Community Partnership & Collaboration
Sheriff Sandvik actively participates in community focus groups, mental health education initiatives, and partnerships with diverse community organizations. These relationships help the Sheriff’s Office better understand community needs, connect people with appropriate resources, and work together on solutions that strengthen public safety and the overall well-being of Mower County.
Service Organizations & Community Groups
Active in the Organizations That Serve Mower County
Sheriff Sandvik believes that law enforcement leadership extends beyond the badge. He is an active member of the Austin Rotary Club, serves on the board of directors of the Pay it Forward Foundation, and is a proud contributor to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon supporting Mower County's active duty and National Guard service members. His involvement spans civic clubs, faith communities, neighborhood associations, and organizations dedicated to connecting community resources and expanding educational opportunities across Mower County.
Mower County deserves proven leadership.
Let's keep moving forward with Sheriff Steve Sandvik.