2025 Isanti Community Guide | Page 48

SHERIFF PROVIDES ESSENTIAL SERVICES FROM EXPANDED FACILITIES

From deputies on patrol in all-weather at all hours to those keeping the jail and courts secure , the Isanti County Sheriff ’ s Office provides citizens with many services that create public safety and peace of mind .
Sheriff Wayne Seiberlich , elected in 2023 to a four-year term , a Chief Deputy , a Captain , a Lieutenant , five patrol sergeants , four investigators ( one assigned to the East Central Drug and Violent Offenders Task Force ) and 10 deputies keep a constant patrol on the county and all meet or exceed the licensing standards for Minnesota peace officers .
The Sheriff ’ s office takes responsibility for citizen protection , law enforcement , jail administration and operations , prisoner transport , courtroom security , community education and outreach . The office ’ s ongoing mission is : “ To serve with honor , integrity and pride , to treat each person with respect and dignity and perform duties in a professional , efficient and impartial manner for the citizens of Isanti County .”
The sheriff ’ s administration and patrol division , housed in 16,000 square feet in the former Ford building at 2440 S . Main St ., serves civil-process papers , and provides canine-officer services . Three investigators and the Task Force Agent have special training to handle the region ’ s complex crimes .
The Isanti County Sheriff ’ s Office partners with Chisago , Kanabec , and Pine counties as part of a special task force focused on violent and drug-related crime in east-central Minnesota . One deputy is assigned to the Drug Task Force .
The department maintains two used-prescription drug drop off locations : one at the 2440 building and one with 24 / 7 access at the 509 building .
Sheriff Seiberlich confirms that the website offers many resources , too , such as information on how to deal with worthless checks , tips to prevent identity theft and financial crimes , winter-awareness guidance , strategy for handling harassing phone calls , and more . Also online at the site are a list of public-auction items at www . publicsurplus . com .
Sheriff Seiberlich said people can sign up for the ‘ Everbridge ’ emergency-notification system to be alerted when there is law-enforcement activity in the area , such as active suspects or disaster response . Citizens can register online at the Isanti County website for the alerts and add their land-line or cell-phone number , as well as an e-mail address .
Triad is a national program and partnership between law enforcement , seniors and community groups . Meetings are held monthly in Cambridge and Braham .
The sheriff ’ s office is an Alzheimer ’ s and dementia-friendly agency , and staff members have received training on how to deal
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with the specific issues that arise in these situations . Through the Project Lifesaver Program , the department provides enhanced support to help track and locate individuals suffering from Alzheimer ’ s disease or a related dementia disorder , as well as families of children afflicted with Down Syndrome , autism , traumatic brain injuries , or cognitive impairments .
The office also sends out other information via social media including Facebook and Twitter . Tweets and posts might include information about current events , safety tips , or reminders to designate a sober driver .
Several volunteer groups also assist the sheriff ’ s office . The Police Explorers Program offers a way for young people in the community to participate . Safety and Rescue assists in traffic control , water rescues , and other incidents as needed . The Mounted Patrol uses horses to assist in searches , parades , and other large events . The Sheriff ’ s Chaplains assist those in the community who are facing a crisis and need a faith-based person to help , as needed .
The dispatch center efficiently answers 911 calls and dispatches police and fire services from the 509 building . By using the space vacated by administration in 2016 , the dispatch center grew from 350 square feet to 1,100 square feet . It includes four stations and the option for two more .
The department has the ability to store its emergency vehicles inside so that they don ’ t get too cold to start in winter and don ’ t get damaged by summer storms or heat . It creates a secure area for prisoners entering and exiting the building .
The sheriff ’ s office includes the county jail , which was originally built in 1984 and expanded in 2005 to increase its holding capacity from 39 to 112 prisoners . The facility is staffed by 29 correction officers , a jail administrator , an assistant jail administrator , and four sergeants . Court Security consists of two full-time bailiffs and 12 part-time court security guards . They operate the metal detector at the front door of the Government Center and manage the security of the court rooms and offices . Last year over 68,000 visitors were screened before entry and 1300 weapons were stopped from entering the building .
The kitchen is operated by Summit Food Service , and prepares approximately 70,000 meals per year .
The jail coordinates any inmate medical needs through Advanced Correctional Healthcare . Offenders can also get treatment for chemical dependency , attend religious services and take educational courses to obtain a GED . The sheriff ’ s office operates on a budget of just over 8 million per year , including operations , 911 dispatch , volunteer services , and jail expenses .
Isanti County Community Guide • March 2025