C-Notes: February 17, 2025
Executive Director Report
This past week, there were several committee hearings in the legislature. We were able to get a hearing in the Senate on our bill that addresses Fleeing. We are attempting to increase penalties for certain fleeing cases that put the motoring public, as well as innocent bystanders, at higher levels of risk and danger. The bill also resolves the issue of deploying mobile tracking devices to fleeing vehicles. We will be back next week to hear a bill that we have worked on that addresses Brady/Giglio. We are working with other stakeholder groups to reach a consensus on the bill. We will provide an update on the status of that bill as it progresses through the legislative process.
On Wednesday, President New and I attended a meeting with the chiefs of Region 10 in Rochester. The turnout was excellent, and Rochester Chief Franklin briefed the group on his efforts to make ETI in Rochester a great experience for everyone who could attend. Be sure to register for the conference at the link below.
Thursday, I made a quick road trip to Dilworth to meet with the Chiefs in Region 4. During the meeting, MCPA Board Member/Starbuck Chief Mitch Johnsrud and I presented Hawley Chief Joe Backland and Morehead Chief Shannon Monroe with the MCPA Service Awards and congratulated them on their upcoming Retirements.
Thank you, and have a great week.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Legislative Update
The week of February 10th finally felt like a traditional week at the Capitol with both the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Senate convening on the floor and holding committee hearings. This was the first week the House carried out its agreement between the caucuses with Lisa Demuth serving as Speaker of the House, and Republicans holding the gavel for their respective committee chairs.
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Tina Smith announced she will not seek re-election in 2026. This is not directly correlated with the Minnesota Legislature; however, several potential candidates could cause a shakeup in state government if they are nominated. Soon after Senator Smith announced, Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan, announced she plans to run for the U.S. Senate seat. There have also been rumors of some Republican state senators and representatives planning to run for the open seat in 2026.
Read the full Legislative Session MCPA Update for the Week of February 10.
Early-Bird Pricing for ETI Available Until March 1
Register by Saturday, March 1, to take advantage of early-bird pricing for ETI 2025!
Follow these steps to check and sign up:
- Log into your MCPA account: Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association | MCPA
- Go to Member Compass > My Events
- If you're not registered, click View Events and look for ETI.
Join 400+ law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota for an opportunity to connect with peers and national experts, exchange insights, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing policing today. ETI 2025 is Minnesota’s premier professional development event for law enforcement leaders. Don’t miss it!
Visit mnchiefs.org/events/eti-2025 to learn more and register today.
Peer Support Training
MCPA, in partnership with the Bloomington and Eagan Police Departments and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation, is offering a state-approved Peer Support Training designed for Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) and Command Staff.
Dates: May 5–8, 2025
Location: Black Box Theater, Bloomington Civic Plaza
Cost: $250 per attendee
Lunch and daily snacks are provided.
This 30-hour, POST Board-approved training equips leaders with the skills to support their peers and foster a culture of wellness. Participants will learn practical strategies for stress management, mental health support, and suicide prevention in law enforcement.
Registration is open until April 28, 2025, with limited spots available.
Immigration Policy & Communications Strategy Services
A message from Imran Ali:
"The new administration in our nation’s capital has taken immediate and aggressive steps towards mass deportation of unauthorized immigrants, starting with high-profile arrests of those with violent criminal convictions. This is believed to be a phased approach, focusing first on violent criminals and later others. We expect many changes in immigration enforcement in the next few weeks. This will be evolving and be municipality/county specific."
DHS Office for State and Local Law Enforcement Webinar Rebroadcast: Tren de Aragua (TdA)
Due to high demand, the DHS Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE) is pleased to offer two additional viewing opportunities for the previously recorded 90-minute webinar on Tren de Aragua (TDA) with briefings from U.S. Customs & Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement & Removal Operations, and the Office of Intelligence & Analysis.
Learn about the current threat, what DHS and our partners are doing to address the increase in presence of TdA, and resources available to law enforcement across the country to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Registration Guidelines
- This event is closed to the press.
- This webinar is for law enforcement officials and those who support law enforcement officials.
- Use your agency email to register for this webinar.
- Login instructions will be sent after attendees RSVP and are approved to the webinar. Please note that staff will review individual credentials prior to sending out participation details.
- Register early. Once we reach capacity, the event registration will close.
Click here to Register for the February 19, 2025, 2:00 – 3:45 p.m. ET Webinar
Click here to Register for the February 26, 2025, 2:00 – 3:45 p.m. ET Webinar
Additional Information
- This is a previously recorded webinar.
- The same webinar will be broadcasted on both dates so you do not need to register for both.
- There will not be an opportunity to ask questions during the session.
- Contact OSLLE@hq.dhs.gov, with any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Office for State and Local Law Enforcement
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
View the DHS Law Enforcement Resource Guide 2024
Stay in the know. Sign up for OSLLE’s Newsletter today!
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)
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.
Minnesota Twins First Responders Night
The Minnesota Twins and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) are teaming up for a special night of appreciation for first responders. First Responders Night will take place at Target Field on Friday, April 25, when the Twins face the Los Angeles Angels at 7:10 p.m.
This exclusive ticket package includes:
- Game ticket
- Limited-edition First Responders Twins cap (choose from Police, Fire, or EMS)
- $5 donation to the corresponding organization based on your hat selection:
- National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (Police)
- Minneapolis Fire Foundation (Fire)
- Minnesota Ambulance Association (EMS)
Ticket packages start at just $23 and are open to all law enforcement personnel, first responders, family, friends, and the general public.
Order online: Minnesota Twins First Responders Night
For group tickets (20+), contact Liz Pilarski at LizPilarski@twins.com or (612) 659-3852.