Why Dave?
Dave is a lifelong Brookings County resident with more than three decades of service to the community. A combat veteran, former police officer, and current Assistant Sheriff, Dave has worked at every level of local law enforcement — from volunteer police reserve to assisting in overseeing the entire Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center
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Dave believes strong public safety is built on unity, professionalism, and partnership. His vision is to continue building on a solid foundation by supporting deputies, correctional officers, and staff, expanding training opportunities, and working alongside community organizations to keep Brookings County safe and well served.
Leadership that Unites. Dedication You Deserve.
Experience Where it Matters
Dave is the only candidate with current hands-on experience in every area of the Sheriff’s Office. From patrol and court security to jail operations, administration, and budgeting, Dave has worked his way through each division and currently helps oversee the entire office as Assistant Sheriff. That depth of experience means he understands how every function fits together and how decisions impact deputies, correctional officers, support staff, and public safety countywide. Dave isn’t learning how to lead the Sheriff’s Office — he’s doing it.
Update While Remaining Fiscally Responsible
Dave Biteler understands that effective public safety depends on keeping pace with evolving technology while remaining fiscally responsible. Throughout his career, he has supported thoughtful updates to equipment and procedures that improve safety, accountability, and efficiency without unnecessary cost. While serving as Lieutenant – Jail Administrator, Dave led the implementation of body-worn cameras, inmate tracking software and devices, and Tasers within the Detention Center — upgrades that created a more proficient, transparent, and safer working environment for both staff and those in custody. As Sheriff, Dave will continue to evaluate emerging technology carefully, ensuring Brookings County benefits from modern tools that enhance public safety while respecting taxpayer dollars.
Unity and Partnership
Dave believes public safety is strongest when agencies and communities work together. Throughout his career, he has built trusted relationships with law enforcement partners, healthcare providers, emergency responders, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders across Brookings County. Those partnerships are already in place and built on mutual respect, collaboration, and results. Dave is uniquely positioned to lead as Sheriff because he understands how to bring people together, align resources, and ensure agencies work as one unified team to serve the public effectively.
Community and School Involvement
Dave Biteler is committed to strengthening community and school involvement as a key part of public safety. He believes schools are safest when educators, administrators, and law enforcement work together with clear communication and shared training. Dave will continue to expand opportunities for joint training that bring school staff and local law enforcement together, improving preparedness, coordination, and response. By investing in proactive education, relationship-building, and realistic training scenarios, Dave aims to create safer learning environments while building trust between schools, families, and public safety professionals across Brookings County.