Sheriff Daniel J. Minzey

Sheriff Daniel J. Minzey began his law enforcement career in 1980 as a Deputy Sheriff. Sheriff Minzey attended Washtenaw Community College where he earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He later attended Eastern Michigan University, where he earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Liberal Studies Degrees. He attended the Wayne County Sheriff Police Academy in 1979.

Sheriff Minzey was hired as a full-time road patrol officer in 1980. In 1985, he was promoted to Detective, where he worked in several undercover units, including LAWNET (narcotics), SIU (special investigations unit) and SEMCO (conspiracy narcotics). Sheriff Minzey was promoted to Sergeant in 1990, supervising the Western Operations Road Patrol and Chief of Police in Dexter Village. It was in the fall of 2000 when Sheriff Minzey was elected to the Office of the Sheriff and is currently serving his second term in that position.

Currently Sheriff Minzey resides in Chelsea, Michigan with his wife Barbara. They have four children. Sheriff Minzey comes from a family of Law Enforcement; one brother is a retired Detective Lieutenant with the Michigan State Police, with the other being a Sergeant with the Ypsilanti Police Department. His sister lives out of state.

Some of Sheriff Minzey’s accomplishments since taking office in 2001 have been an increase in Police Services Contracts from 74 deputies to 90 deputies, bringing the number of Police Services sworn personnel up to 150. The integration of modern technology has been a priority for Sheriff Minzey. This would include equipping every patrol car with radar, video cameras, and soon will be adding Mobile Data Terminals. September of 2002 saw the implementation of Live Scan fingerprinting throughout the agency. Sheriff Minzey, an avid motor officer himself, has increased the Department’s motorcycle unit from 5 old bikes to 18 new Harley’s. A new procurement system is in place for the Marine Safety Division that adds new boats to its fleet annually. Since 9-11, Sheriff Minzey has made important changes by upgrading equipment for the various special units and employees that need to be prepared in case of terrorist threats. This includes supplying staff with patrol rifles and gas masks, as well as specialized training in the areas of bio-terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Special Threats Response Unit and Crisis Negotiation Team (SWAT) is known statewide as one of the best equipped and trained in Michigan.

Within the first year, Sheriff Minzey has brought his jail staffing levels up to full-authorized strength of 100 officers. In 2001 through 2007, Michigan Department of Corrections recognized the Washtenaw County Jail as being found in full compliance of the rules and regulations governing local jails and lock ups.

In addition to being involved in various organizations within Washtenaw County, Sheriff Minzey is a member of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association, the National Sheriff’s Association, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

He sits on many boards, including the LAWNET Board, Washtenaw County Criminal Justice Association, March of Dimes Executive Board, Washtenaw Area Council for Children, Washtenaw County Domestic Violence Project Executive Board, Washtenaw Police Academy Board, Washtenaw 100 Club, and the MSA Substance Abuse Committee, Center for Occupational and Personalized Education Development Committee, and the Law Enforcement and Industrial Security Association of Washtenaw County. Sheriff Minzey also volunteers much of his time assisting the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way. Through the Sheriff’s Special Project Fund, he has donated thousands of dollars to community groups and local youth programs.