About Us
Elevating Law Enforcement Recruitment in Minnesota
At Police 1 Backgrounds LLC, we are committed to supporting law enforcement and emergency services departments throughout Minnesota. Specializing in comprehensive background investigations, recruiting assistance, and investigative services, we aim to simplify the hiring process for agencies in need.
Richard Gizzi Founder & Ceo
Richard Gizzi started his career in 1997 as a Corrections Officer for the Minnesota Department of Corrections. While working Richard attended North Hennepin Community College and obtained his Law Enforcement degree. Richard began his Law Enforcement Career in 2001 as a Peace Officer with the City of Cold Spring Minnesota.
In February of 2004, Richard was recruited and went to work for the Metro Transit Police Department. Richard currently remains at Metro Transit and is assigned to the Professional Standards & Training Division. Richard is an assigned background investigator and training cadre for both sworn and non-sworn employees. Richard also works the road and special events as needed.
Richards has held various positions over his 27 years in law enforcement including:
Corrections Officer
Patrol Officer
Field Training Officer
School Resource Officer
D.A.R.E Instructor
Background Investigator
Training Cadre
Richard also obtained training and certifications in areas including:
Background Investigations from the Institute of Police Technology and Management – University of North Florida
D.A.R.E Instructor
CPR Instructor
Taser Instructor
Field Training Officer
Fair and Impartial Policing Instructor
Richard is the President & CEO of Police 1 Backgrounds LLC. Having witnessed first-hand the strain backgrounds were putting on departments in today’s trying times, Richard started Police 1 Backgrounds with the mission to aid law enforcement agencies and provide comprehensive, factual, and professional backgrounds in a timely and efficient manner, allowing departments to focus on the needs of their employees, department, and their communities.
Ron Dietz - Founder & COO
Ron Dietz began his law enforcement career in 2000 as a Deputy Sheriff with the Lamoure County Sheriff’s Department in North Dakota. In 2001, he was recruited by and transferred to the Jamestown Police Department. In 2003, Dietz moved to the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he served until accepting a position with the Columbia Heights Police Department in Minnesota in 2007, moving to the Minneapolis Metro Area.
In 2015, Dietz sustained a career-ending injury while on duty, which led to his early retirement. However, he has maintained his training and is still a licensed Police Officer with the Minnesota POST Board.
In 2016, during the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests, Dietz was recruited back to North Dakota, working in the Tactical Operations Center for a private security firm. Following the DAPL protests, he joined Michael Stapleton & Associates, where he trained and certified as a NAPWADA Explosive Canine Detection Handler, working major events and corporate contracts.
In 2017, Dietz transitioned into corporate security, joining one of his clients as a Security Specialist, focusing on physical security, asset protection, corporate investigations (including theft, workplace violence, risk mitigation), and VIP protection. After four years, Dietz was promoted to Senior Global Security Specialist, a role he continues to fulfill today.
During his law enforcement career, Ron Dietz held a variety of roles, including:
Patrol Officer
Field Training Officer
School Resource Officer
D.A.R.E. Instructor
Street Crimes Unit Officer
Undercover Assignments
Investigator
Dietz also obtained training and certifications in areas including:
Background Investigations (Institute of Police Technology and Management – University of North Florida)
D.A.R.E. Instructor
DEA Certified Narcotics Investigations
LSI Scan Interview and Interrogation
Reid Interview and Interrogation
NAPWADA Canine Certification
In his ongoing commitment to law enforcement, Dietz co-founded Police 1 Backgrounds LLC. Alongside Richard Gizzi, Dietz saw an opportunity to assist agencies with comprehensive background investigations for potential police candidates, allowing him to remain connected to his law enforcement roots.
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Partnering with Police 1 Backgrounds LLC gives you a trusted ally in building a strong workforce. Choose us to transform your hiring process and invest in your team's future.