Pat Eliasen Sheriff


Latest Articles:

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April signifies the nationally recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This is a prevalent issue that individuals face, not just here in Cook County and the State of Minnesota, but worldwide. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), one in five women in the United States experienced rape or attempted rape during their lifetime[1]. Additionally, nearly 25 percent of... READ MORE >

Holiday Safety Tips

As we enter the holiday season and begin all of the activities associated with it, there are some things we need to consider so that everyone can enjoy themselves to the fullest. Here are a few tips ranging from public safety to protecting yourself from fraud and theft. This season reflects the highest number of instances for credit card fraud.... READ MORE >

Halloween Safety

Halloween is one of the most anticipated times of year for many, including the kids who go door to door collecting treats. Staff from the Sheriff ’s Office will be patrolling to enhance public safety, but there are also steps that you can take to help ensure a positive evening for the children. Beginning with the most basic of Halloween... READ MORE >

Back to School Traffic Safety

With the return of in-person schooling for the children of the community, we at the Cook County Sheriff ’s office want to take this time and offer some tips for school traffic safety. The current drop off and pick up areas for ISD 166 including Great Expectations are located on County Road 7, also known as 5th Street between the... READ MORE >

Human Trafficking –What You Should Know

Human trafficking is one of the largest criminal enterprises in the world, including in the United States. In the U.S., for example, the illegal drug profit is estimated at $426 – $652 billion annually, with human trafficking bringing in approximately $150 billion annually. This makes people trafficking the most lucrative trafficking crime after drugs, according to the latest statistics available... READ MORE >

An Update on the Equity in Justice Initiative

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. Maria Robinson The Equity in Justice Initiative (EJI) is an advisory group created in 2020 with a mission to discover, acknowledge and build awareness about what inequities exist in our justice system and to create equity in Cook County for all.... READ MORE >

The 2020 Holiday Season

The holiday season is the time of year where public safety folks pass on tips to the community regarding safety and wellness for the upcoming holidays. This year is significantly different from past holidays in that many or all of us are experiencing pandemic fatigue, anxiety, anger, uncertainty, skepticism and loneliness. Our generations have never witnessed such a trying time... READ MORE >

Ensuring public safety and earning your trust

What is Community-Based Policing? According to Everbridge, “ Community-Based Policing is generally defined as a law enforcement philosophy that allows officers to continuously operate in the same area to create a stronger bond with the citizens living and working in that area. This allows public safety officers to engage with residents and prevent crime from happening instead of responding to... READ MORE >

Sheriff offers holiday safety tips

As the holidays approach, the chances of mishaps and unfortunate incidents increase. Individuals are often distracted as they juggle holiday travel, shopping, get-togethers, and parties. Cook County wants everyone to have a wonderful holiday season and, to that end, offers the following safety tips. Safety tips for traveling Get your vehicle roadready. Check your fluid levels, battery, and tire pressure/condition,... READ MORE >