Public Safety
As part of the Capitol Area Architecture and Planning Board’s (CAAPB) Vitality Initiative, the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Bob Fletcher, Inspectors Darin, Michael, and Daryl, will play a central role in enhancing safety and community well-being in the neighborhoods in the Capitol Area along with Capitol Security, Minnesota State Troopers and Saint Paul Police. Over the next three years, the Sheriff's Office will partner with CAAPB, neighborhood groups, youth programs, and city and state agencies to implement a layered public safety strategy that builds trust, prevents violence, and increases visibility and responsiveness in the neighborhoods in the Capitol Area.
The Sheriff’s work is aligned with CAAPB’s broader Vitality goals: to create a Capitol Area that is welcoming, inclusive, vibrant, and safe for all who live, work, and visit here. Safety is not just about enforcement—it’s about visibility, prevention, partnership, and care. This multi-year collaboration will ensure that public safety is people-centered and integrated into the vitality and future of the neighborhoods in the Capitol Area.
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office Contacts
In case of an emergency, call 911
Inspector Darin McDonald
Inspector Darin McDonald, a licensed peace officer since 2007, leads the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project with nearly two decades of law enforcement experience. Starting with the Saint Paul Police Department, he honed skills in community policing and public safety innovation. As lead inspector for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Vitality Team, Darin oversees initiatives for a 15% crime reduction, youth programming, and quarterly neighborhood cleanups. A vocal advocate for inclusion, he promotes LGBTQ+ representation to build resilient communities. Darin’s leadership drives collaboration with partners like the Capitol Heights Block Club, ensuring community co-creation enhances safety, livability, and equity in the Capitol Area.
Inspector Daryl Gullette Sr.
Inspector Daryl Gullette Sr., with nearly 20 years in corrections and law enforcement, serves as the Inspector of Youth Services for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. Starting at Stillwater Correctional Facility in 2007 and joining RCSO in 2008, he became a Sheriff’s Deputy in 2019. A Saint Paul native and University of Minnesota graduate, Daryl mentors multicultural, neurodiverse youth, emphasizing leadership and mental health. In the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project, he leads youth programming and community engagement at the Rice Street storefront hub, targeting 80% positive feedback. His approach strengthens partnerships, advancing safety, equity, and vitality.
Inspector Mike Whisler
Mike joined the Sheriff’s Office with 20 years of experience in public safety, training, and supervision. He served three years as a Ramsey County Deputy in the Adult Detention Center before joining the Saint Paul Police Department. Over the last 17 years, Mike has worked as an Officer and Sergeant. He served as the Training Unit Academy Liaison and conducted training on implicit bias. Mike also served as an Executive Officer (Sergeant) to the Deputy Chief of the Support Services & Administration Division where he assisted in the implementation of the Mental Health Unit.
Sergeant Pao Lee
Sergeant Pao Lee, a 27-year veteran of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, serves in the Courts and Youth Services Program. With experience in the Adult Detention Center, Courts, Patrol, and Investigations, he bridges trust gaps between law enforcement and communities. In the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project, Pao mentors youth through leadership and life skills programs, supporting community engagement at the Rice Street storefront hub. His leadership advances the project’s goals of fostering safety, trust, and livability in the Capitol Area.
Deputy Marco Barton
Deputy Marco Barton, serving since 2011, brings experience as a Reserve, Community Service Officer, Dispatcher, and Code Enforcement Officer to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. A Mexican-Italian American from St. Paul’s West Side, Marco’s cultural roots fuel his community service. In the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project, he supports public safety patrols and community forums, contributing to a 15% crime reduction. Active in church youth groups, Marco aligns with the project’s mission of enhancing safety and livability in the Capitol Area.
Deputy Marcus Edwards
Deputy Marcus Edwards, a U.S. Army veteran with Military Intelligence and Criminal Investigations experience, serves in the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Community Engagement Unit. Since 2007, with degrees in Law Enforcement and Police Science, he has built community trust. In the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project, Marcus advances public safety through patrols and engagement, supporting a 15% crime reduction. His service strengthens community ties, aligning with the project’s goals of safety and vitality in the Capitol Area.
Deputy Kaw Ku
Deputy Kaw Ku, in the Youth Services Division of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, mentors youth with compassion rooted in his journey from a Myanmar refugee camp to St. Paul. Overcoming war and cultural barriers, he earned a law enforcement degree and joined RCSO in 2019. In the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project, Kaw Ku supports youth leadership programs and community engagement, fostering hope, safety, and equity in the Capitol Area.
Deputy John Gleason
Deputy John Gleason, a Saint Paul native and U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, has served the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office since 2018 in the Juvenile Division, Mobile Response Team, and Patrol. As a Field Training Officer, he mentors deputies with compassion. In the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project, John supports public safety and youth programming, inspired by kind officers from his youth, advancing safety and vitality in the Capitol Area.
Community Service Officer Reverend Darryl Spence
Reverend Darryl Spence, a Summit-University resident and disabled veteran, serves as a Community Service Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. With 30 years of service, he founded the God Squad, partnering with law enforcement for violence prevention through initiatives like “21 Days of Peace.” In the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project, Darryl leads youth mentoring and community forums, fostering safety, trust, and equity in the Capitol Area.
Community Service Officer Andre Robinson
Andre Robinson aka “Star Wars”, a Community Service Officer since 2019 with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, brings a transformative perspective to the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project. Born in Chicago, he once led the Minnesota Gangster Disciples but left gang life for personal growth. Now, he mentors at-risk youth through programs at the Rice Street storefront hub, fostering hope and aligning with the project’s goals of safety and community vitality.
Community Service Officer Johnny E. Howard Sr.
Johnny E. Howard Sr., co-founder of the Thomas-Dale Block Club, serves as a Community Service Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. Over 16 years, he transformed Frogtown through initiatives like the Frogtown Foot Patrol and Festival. In the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project, Johnny supports quarterly neighborhood cleanups and community engagement, fostering trust and vitality. His leadership advances safety and equity in the Capitol Area.
Community Service Officer Miki Lewis-Frost
Miki Lewis-Frost, a Saint Paul native and founder of the 8218 Truce Center, serves as a Community Service Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. After surviving a shooting, he dedicated 15 years to mentoring African-American youth. In the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project, Miki organizes peace-centered events and youth programs, fostering trust and healing to enhance safety and vitality in the Capitol Area.
Community Service Officer Bashir Waged
Bashir Waged, a Community Service Officer and Correctional Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, brings 19 years of service to the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project. A Somali immigrant and Saint Paul College graduate, he mentors youth and builds trust with immigrant communities. Bashir’s culturally responsive initiatives support community engagement and quarterly cleanups, aligning with the project’s goals of safety and livability.
Community Service Officer Demetrius Boyd
Demetrius Boyd, a Community Service Officer and corrections officer since 2023 with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, brings resilience to the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project. Raised on St. Paul’s West Side, he overcame gang involvement and a near-fatal shooting to mentor at-risk youth at the Rice Street storefront hub. Demetrius inspires hope, aligning with the project’s goals of safety and equity.
Community Service Officer Shontel Booker
Shontel Booker, a Program Coordinator and Community Service Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, brings a traumainformed, wellness-focused approach to the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project. A certified Yoga Guide, she creates inclusive spaces for youth and families through mindfulness programs. Shontel’s work at community forums fosters trust and healing, aligning with the project’s goals of safety and livability in the Capitol Area.
Community Service Officer Cleo Stowers
Cleo Stowers, a Community Service Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, brings a passion for connection to the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project. Through community forums, youth programming, and quarterly neighborhood cleanups, Cleo fosters trust and inclusion. Their approachable presence supports the project’s mission of enhancing safety, livability, and equity in the Capitol Area, strengthening community ties through compassionate service.
Deputy Andrew Johnson
Deputy Andrew Johnson, a Field Training Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, brings a compassionate, equity-focused approach to the Capitol Area Community Vitality Project. Known for mentoring deputies and youth with relatable guidance, he fosters trust and cross-cultural understanding. In the project, Andrew supports public safety patrols and community forums, contributing to a 15% crime reduction. His “community dad” spirit drives engagement at the Rice Street storefront hub, aligning with the project’s goals of enhancing safety, livability, and equity in the Capitol Area.
