Meet Matt Steen
A candidate of the people running for Carver County Sheriff
Hello neighbors! My wife Jen and I live in Waconia with our children, who attend local public schools. Our family is deeply rooted in Carver County-we’re fully invested in its future and call it home in every sense.
Born in Duluth and raised in Saint Louis Park, I joined the Minnesota Army National Guard after high school and graduated from Military Police School-Veteran. I earned an Associates of Science in Law Enforcement from Normandale Community College and began my career as a Police Officer with the City of Richfield in 1997. I later completed a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Metro State University and have proudly served for over 29 years.
During my career, I’ve seen law enforcement evolve with positive advancements like body-worn cameras and de-escalation training. Yet I believe we must protect the core principles that matter most: community connections, the human element, and common-sense discretion. The community deserves a leader who understands local policing, values transparency and accountability, and never loses sight of the people we serve.That’s why I’m running-to bring experienced, grounded leadership to the Carver County Sheriff’s Office.
Qualifications
29+ years in law enforcement, including 17 years in supervisory roles. Operational experience in complex investigations, civil unrest, natural disasters, and major events (Republican National Convention, Super Bowl LII).
Education
- Military Police School, Army-Veteran
- Associate of Science Degree in Law Enforcement, Normandale Community College
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, Metro State University
- Supervision of Police Personnel, Northwestern University
- Leadership in Police Organizations, International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Counter Drug Operations, St. Petersburg College
Work Experience
- Community Service Officer
- Police Officer
- Police Explorer Coordinator
- General Investigations
- Special Olympics MN coordinator
- Law Enforcement Torch Run coordinator
- SWAT
- Field Training Officer
- Special Investigations Unit
- Motorcycle Unit Supervisor
- Traffic Grant Manager
- Firearms Instructor
- Officer Wellness Liaison
- Rangemaster
- Police Sergeant
Professional Affiliations
- Member of Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police, Chanhassen Lodge 6
- Member of Teamsters Local 320
Community Involvement
- Member of the American Legion, Waconia Post 150
- Member of Minnesota Deer Hunters Association
- Supporter of COPLINE
- NRA member
- Jiu-Jitsu student under Professor Fabio Morescalchi
Of all the milestones in my career, two stand above the rest as my greatest achievements:
In 2022, I pioneered the state’s first specialized distracted driving enforcement vehicle, a concept that served as the primary model for a Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety grant program.This successful pilot directly paved the way for 13 additional agencies across the state to adopt and implement their own specialized units. The Richfield Police Department was honored with the Traffic Safety Innovation Award from the Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) program.
Secondly, on a personal level, having my son-in-law join the ranks of the Richfield Police Department represents a commitment to the department’s future that is incredibly meaningful to me. There is no greater honor than seeing a family member commit to a life of service, knowing firsthand the integrity and dedication he will bring to the profession.