Sheriff Seeks Third Term, Addresses Concerns Over Transparency, Turnover and Public Trust
Travis Bateman
Farmer Staff Writer
McKenzie County Sheriff Matthew Johansen is seeking a third term in office, campaigning on continued modernization of the sheriff’s office, expansion of specialized law enforcement capabilities, and efforts to improve recruitment and retention within one of North Dakota’s busiest rural agencies. But his bid for reelection also comes amid growing public scrutiny over transparency, internal morale, turnover, interagency tensions, and controversial incidents that have defined portions of his tenure.
In a lengthy written questionnaire addressing operations, leadership, public criticism, and agency culture, Johansen outlined what he sees as accomplishments during his first two terms while also acknowledging areas where the office must improve - particularly communication.
Johansen described his primary goals for a third term as creating a more “self-sufficient” sheriff’s office capable of handling increasing demands without relying heavily on outside agencies. He said priorities moving forward include strengthening special response and negotiation capabilities, expanding truck enforcement operations, increasing staffing, modernizing technology, and implementing a more competitive pay structure.
“I seek a third term,” Johansen stated, “to continue to build a self-sufficient, well-rounded agency that can meet the needs of our county.”
Recruitment, Retention and Turnover Remain Major Themes
One of the most persistent criticisms facing the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office during Johansen’s administration has been employee turnover.
The sheriff acknowledged the issue directly, attributing staffing instability to a combination of factors including housing shortages, high living costs, competition from the oil industry, changing national law enforcement recruitment trends, and the realities of working in a rural area.
Johansen stated that modern workforce trends show many industries averaging roughly two years of employee retention and said the sheriff’s office generally aligns with that pattern.
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