History

The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association is 70 years old. Originally formed as a fraternal organization in 1954, MCPA was founded with 34 charter members, led by President Frank Broderius of Hutchinson. Secretary George Roope of the Austin Police Department described one of the immediate benefits of membership as “one or more get-togethers a year where we exchange experiences and ideas.” The exchange of experience and ideas remains one of the greatest benefits of the Association today.

The initiation fee was $2, and each member paid $3 a year in dues. The first annual meeting was held at Albert Lea High School and was followed by a dance for the members and their spouses. Every spring, MCPA holds its annual meeting for all members and a renowned conference called the Executive Training Institute, or ETI. ETI is a four-day event that features nationally known speakers, networking, an Expo Hall, and an awards banquet that recognizes the great work done by the men and women of law enforcement in Minnesota. 

Seventy years later, MCPA still commits to the values of its founders. They had a vision for law enforcement and a mission to provide citizens with the highest level of service. Today, MCPA provides services, training, and programs designed to fulfill the goals of a small group of dedicated chiefs who first met in the office of the Minneapolis Police Chief in 1954. Many things have changed, but the core values remain the same.