C-Notes: December 20, 2024
Executive Director Report
Last week, MCPA held its 3rd Leadership Academy of 2024 at Camp Ripley, with 37 students registered for the class. We continue to get great reviews on this training and are planning to hold Leadership Academy three times in 2025. The classes fill up, so please take a look at our calendar and register early if you would like to secure a seat for your first-line leaders. We also continue to see a high number of officers in informal leadership positions. This class is a very modern and contemporary police leadership course.
Also, please note that we have opened additional seats at the February 3-7 CLEO and Command Academy. This course is great for new Chiefs, Command staff, and aspiring command-level officers. You can register online.
Our next C-Notes will be delivered the week of December 30. Until then, I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Registration Now Open for ETI 2025
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.
Small Agency Chiefs: Apply Now for an ETI Scholarship
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) is proud to support small law enforcement agencies through its ETI Small Agency Scholarship Program, offering 20 scholarships of $1,000 each to help chiefs from agencies with ten or fewer officers attend the 2025 ETI Conference in Rochester, MN, April 7-10, 2025.
These scholarships provide a valuable opportunity for chiefs from small agencies to attend ETI at no cost to their department, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder professional development and training.
Scholarships cover the cost of conference registration and lodging, allowing recipients to participate at no expense to their departments.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a current MCPA Voting Member
- Serve at an agency with ten or fewer officers
Scholarship applications will be reviewed, and recipients will be notified by the end of January 2025. Those selected will receive a $1,000 reimbursement check after attending the conference.
Apply Today
Submit your 2025 ETI Small Agency Scholarship application by January 3, 2025. Contact info@mnchiefs.org if you have any questions.
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!
Police Chief Opening/Director of Public Safety Opening - West Hennepin P.D.
West Hennepin Public Safety (WHPS) is seeking a leader for the role of Director of Public Safety/Police Chief.
Location: Maple Plain, MN
Pay Rate: Annual Salary: $145,354 - $161,143
Application Deadline: 3:00 p.m. on January 10
This multifaceted role combines the responsibilities of Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO), Emergency Management Director, and Chief Executive Officer for the joint powers agreement serving the Cities of Maple Plain and Independence.
The Director oversees police operations, emergency preparedness, and administrative functions, including personnel management and financial oversight. This leader must excel in strategic planning, community engagement, and policy development while ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations.
Submit the following materials to Administrative Assistant Kaylen Dwinell at kdwinell@westhennepin.com:
- WHPS Application Form
- Letter of interest
- Resume
- Completed questionnaire
Police Chief Opening - Willmar, MN
The City of Willmar is hiring a Police Chief to lead a dedicated team in a vibrant community.
The Police Chief serves as Department Director, primarily responsible for departmental administration and overseeing the City’s law enforcement activities. Determines and assigns projects, establishes and reviews programs, and prepares and administers departmental budget. Performs patrol duties during a minority of time.
- Salary: $114,483 - $154,274
- Deadline: January 6, 2025
Learn more about the position and the City of Willmar, and apply online.
Police Chief Opening – Moorhead, MN
The City of Moorhead, MN, is seeking a law enforcement leader to serve as Police Chief. Moorhead, a vibrant community of 45,000, lies across the Red River from Fargo, ND, offering a strong economy, rich culture, and exceptional quality of life.
The Moorhead Police Department, with a $12.7M budget, includes 81 full-time staff and 62 sworn officers (increasing to 64 in 2025) and responded to over 32,000 calls in 2023. This role offers the chance to lead a forward-thinking department committed to community partnerships and innovation.
- Salary: $127,785 - $181,101 annually DOQ
- Deadline to Apply: January 12, 2025
Read the position profile to learn more and apply online!
Police Chief Opening – Sun Prairie, WI
The City of Sun Prairie, WI, is searching for an experienced law enforcement leader to serve as Chief of Police. Sun Prairie is a thriving and diverse community located just outside Madison, offering exceptional quality of life, excellent schools, and a dynamic cultural and recreational environment.
The Chief of Police oversees the entire Police Department, ensuring the community receives effective and professional law enforcement services. This position calls for a leader dedicated to trust-based policing, innovation, and inclusivity.
- Salary: $146,696.00 - $155,675.00 annually DOQ
- Deadline: Open until filled
Read the position profile to learn more and apply online.
Minnesota Agencies Recognized for Outstanding National Night Out Efforts
The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) has announced its 2024 National Night Out award winners, and several Minnesota communities earned top honors for their exceptional efforts in community engagement.
The awards program recognizes registered communities across the country for their participation in National Night Out, with cities competing against others of similar population size.
Here are the Minnesota communities that received national recognition:
Cities with Population Over 300,000
- Minneapolis – Fourth Place
Cities with Population 50,000 - 100,000
- Brooklyn Park – First Place
- Maple Grove – Second Place
Cities with Population 15,000 - 50,000
- New Brighton – First Place
This recognition highlights the outstanding community engagement work led by Chief O’Hara in Minneapolis, Chief Bruley in Brooklyn Park, and Director Paetznick in New Brighton.
Nominations Now Open for MCPA Statewide Awards
It's the time of year when MCPA gears up to recognize the exceptional contributions of law enforcement officers and agencies through our Statewide Awards Program. These awards honor those who exemplify excellence, innovation, and commitment to public safety.
We are currently seeking nominations for the following awards:
- Police Officer of the Year
- Distinguished Service Award
- Meritorious Service Award
- Lifesaving Award
- Police Cross Award
- Citizen's Valor Award
Visit mnchiefs.org/statewide-awards to read full descriptions of these award categories.
The deadline to submit a nomination is January 17, 2025. If you have any questions, please email info@mnchiefs.org. Awards will be presented during the ETI Awards Banquet in Rochester on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Nominations Now 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.
Peer Support Training for CLEOs and Command Staff
Law Enforcement personnel face ongoing high-stress situations, traumatic events and workplace demands not faced by other careers. These events can significantly impact their mental health and overall wellbeing. Peer support can be the first line of defense in stress management and mental health for public safety. Peer contact improves mental health outcomes, including suicide prevention and fosters a culture of wellness in your organization.
This 30-hour, in-person State-approved Peer Support Training is designed for chief and command-level law enforcement officers to support each other through challenges and better understand their department's needs. A peer support team is essential.
POST Board approved for 30 CEUs (in-person) and complies with MN Statute §181.9731 (Public Safety Peer Counseling).
Learn more and register online!
Law Enforcement Night at Feed My Starving Children
You and your department are invited to participate in a meaningful evening of service at Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges has issued a friendly challenge among law enforcement departments to see who can pack the most meals!
This is an opportunity for law enforcement professionals and their families (children 5 and older are welcome) to come together, make a difference, and have some fun while providing nutritious meals for children in need worldwide.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Locations:
- Chanhassen: 18732 Lake Drive East (Sign Up Here)
- Coon Rapids: 401 93rd Ave NW (Sign Up Here)
- Eagan: 990 Lone Oak Rd, Suite 136 (Sign Up Here)
Choose your preferred location and register using the links provided above. If you encounter any issues or have questions, contact Christine Thelen at cthelen@bloomingtonmn.gov.