"Since law enforcement agencies began partnering with citizens through community policing, we've seen significant drops in crime rates."
- US Attorney General, John Ashcroft

Lieutenant Harold J. Minch - Collier County Sheriff's Office

Lieutenant Minch began his law enforcement career in 1986 with the Delray Beach Police Department in Palm Beach County, Florida. While on Road Patrol, he was briefly assigned to the Tactical Team prior to being transferred to the Traffic Unit. For two years he was a Motor Officer and Traffic Homicide Investigator as well as the department Breathalyzer Maintenance Technician. In 1989 he was promoted to Sergeant where he was in charge of the afternoon shift.

In 1990, Harold returned to the University of Florida to continue his education. He became a member of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office. As a Deputy Sheriff he was assigned to road patrol in this mostly rural county. He earned his Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Florida in 1992.

In 1994, he moved to his family home of Collier County, Florida. He joined the Collier County Sheriff's Office where he is currently employed. At this agency he has attained the rank of Lieutenant and currently supervises the Street Crimes Unit of the Criminal Intelligence Bureau. He has served the Department in many capacities including Community Policing Deputy, Road Patrol Supervisor, Violent Crimes Investigator, and Instructor.

In 2000, Harold earned his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. He continues to teach every chance he gets attempting to share the lessons learned during his well-traveled career.