C-Notes: January 30, 2025
Executive Director Report
The MCPA Board of Directors has identified the area of CLEO and Command Staff Peer Support as something that needs more attention. At our last board meeting, the board directed staff to begin the work of creating a robust peer support program for our chiefs and command staff members. They recognize that there may be peer support programs in many agencies that are designed to provide support for officers and some promoted personnel, but there are no formal peer support programs for the CLEO and Command Staff personnel. Over the coming months, we will be working on a program to provide peer support for you and your peers. This will take a little time to build, but when we launch the program, it will be another free service for all MCPA members.
I am sharing this with you because we are co-hosting a peer support training in May along with the Bloomington and Eagan Police Departments. If you and/or other members of your Command Staff have a desire to participate in our Peer Support Program the state requires this training.
This training will be specifically tailored to providing Peer Support for the Chiefs and Command Staff personnel. This is a unique opportunity for two reasons: 1) The training is specific to Peer Support for Chiefs and Command Staff personnel, and 2) the cost of this training is heavily subsidized by the hosting agencies and The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation. This training typically costs between $400-$500 per person. We are offering this training for only $250. Please check out the flyer below and register soon before the class fills up.
Thank you,
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Legislative Update
Minnesota House of Representatives
The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled on Friday that 68 is a quorum, dealing a blow to the Republicans who elected a Speaker and have been holding committee hearings with 67 members. The House convened yesterday for the first time following the ruling. The Democrats continued to boycott the 2025 session, and without at least one Democrat present to reach 68 members in attendance, the meeting promptly adjourned.
The ruling ostensibly moved up the timeline for the two parties in the House to reach a power-sharing agreement. The sticking point continues to be that House Democrats are requiring assurances from the Republicans that they will not move to unseat Representative Brad Tabke, who won his election by 15 votes with the added complication that 20 absentee ballots were discarded by county staff a month before the election. The county certified his election, the district court ruled that he won the election, and his opponent will not appeal that decision to the Supreme Court. House GOP Leader Demuth has not given yet provided assurance to the Democrats so they are likely to remain absent from the House for the foreseeable future.
Minnesota Senate
There were some fireworks in the Senate yesterday when Senator Jordan Rasmussen moved to expel Senator Mitchell, who was charged with first degree burglary last spring. Her trial had been delayed throughout the summer and was set to begin yesterday until a couple of weeks ago when she requested and was granted a delay until the end of session. Democrats have said that they cannot vote on any punitive action until they understand the outcome of the criminal trial. The GOP are increasingly frustrated because they allege that if no punitive action can be taken until the trial, it’s convenient that the trial continues to be delayed due to her position as a state senator. There was heated debate on the floor and this issue is likely to be a distraction going forward.
The special election for the late Senator Kari Dziedzic will take place today. The Democratic candidate, Doron Clark, will win the seat in the reliably blue district and could be seated as early as next week, which would give the Democrats a one-seat edge and the ability to vote to end the power-sharing agreement to take back the majority.
Governor’s Budget
The Governor released his proposed budget late last week, which will begin to form the basis for the one task that the legislature must accomplish this session, which is passing a balanced budget for the next two years. The proposal is $5 billion less than the current budget as many of the one-time funds left over from federal COVID have dissipated. The headliner was the Governor’s proposal to reduce the state sales tax and offset the lost revenue with a tax on professional services such as accounting, legal, and advertising. The Republicans said the proposal is dead on arrival and Democratic leaders have indicated that they’re cool to tax increases this session.
Governor Walz Bonding Proposal
Governor Walz released his 2025 bonding proposal. The $887 million package is focuses on wastewater and enhancements to the state’s colleges and universities. Much like the budget, this is the opening proposal for the legislature to consider but the final bill will likely look much different.
View the list of mentioned bills.
Minnesota Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Process and Standards Manual
MCPA announces the completion of the MNLEAP Process and MNLEAP Standards Manuals for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (MNLEAP). Minnesota joins 42 other states with nationally recognized accreditation programs, and MNLEAP will soon be open for enrollment.
During the initiation phase, agencies will work with MNLEAP staff to determine next steps. Once enrolled, the MNLEAP Accreditation Specialist will guide agencies through the process and address any questions.
Accreditation offers numerous benefits, including increased public confidence, improved administrative and operational effectiveness, a structured self-assessment process, and national recognition of professionalism. It also helps agencies mitigate litigation risks and strengthen policy understanding.
Accreditation requires full agency commitment, with each agency progressing at its own pace. The program is built on national, state, and local standards that recognize law enforcement professionalism.
For MNLEAP Information and Enrollment materials, contact:
- Director of Accreditation Andy LeFevour (alefevour@eckberglammers.com)
- Accreditation Specialist Josh Potts (josh@mnchiefs.org)
Attend the 2025 Executive Training Institute (ETI)
MCPA is excited to announce that registration is officially open for the 2025 Executive Training Institute. This year’s conference will take place at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, MN, a great venue in a beautiful city for learning and collaboration.
Join over 400 law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota to engage with peer and national experts, exchange insights, and explore innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges in policing. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Minnesota’s premier professional development event for law enforcement leaders.
Visit mnchiefs.org/events/eti-2025 to learn more and secure your spot today.
Nominations Open for Excellence in Innovation Award
Nominations are now open for the MCPA Excellence in Innovation Award. This award honors large and small Minnesota municipal police agencies and their Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) for exceptional achievements and innovative programs that enhance law enforcement effectiveness.
Two awards will be given out: one to a small agency with 15 or fewer sworn officers and one to a large agency with more than 15 sworn officers.
Learn more about this award and submit a nomination by February 7, 2025. Honorees will be presented in Rochester during ETI, April 7-10, 2025.
Lino Lakes Chief John Swenson Retirement
2025 Membership Renewal Notices Sent
2025 membership renewal notices have been sent out and should already be in your inbox! Be sure to check your email for the renewal details.
You can also access your renewal information by visiting the Member Compass page of the MCPA website.
If you have any questions or concerns about your membership renewal, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@mnchiefs.org.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the MCPA!
Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement Appreciation Nights
The Minnesota Wild are partnering with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA) to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities. Join them at the Xcel Energy Center for two special games featuring a “THANK YOU” ticket offer on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
These nights are open to all local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, corrections officers, sheriffs, security professionals, public safety workers, first responders, and their families, as well as the general public.
Ticket packages range from $38 to $99 and include:
- A donation to both NLEOMF and LEMA.
- An exclusive opportunity to take a photo on the ice.
Order your tickets online at https://nleomf.org/event/minnesota-wild-law-enforcement-thank-you-offer.
For groups of 8 or more, contact Minnesota Wild Representative Karen Reisinger at 651-312-3486 or kreisinger@wild.com.