C-Notes: February 26, 2025
Executive Director Report
As we prepare for ETI 2025 in Rochester (April 7-10), I want to highlight a few of the sessions on this year's agenda. While the full schedule includes a strong lineup, here are some you may find particularly valuable:
- Roles and Response of State Law Enforcement During the 2020 Civil Unrest
- Leading in Times of Uncertainty: 9/11 Inside the White House
- Uvalde School Shooting Debrief
- Enhancing Trust in Police Leadership Through Emotional and Social Intelligence
We continue to update the schedule with additional session and speaker details, which you can find on the ETI schedule page.
Beyond training, ETI provides a good opportunity to connect with peers and industry professionals to discuss challenges, share strategies, and explore new approaches to policing. The ETI Expo Hall will feature the latest public safety technology, products, and services. If you have staff who may not be attending the full conference but would benefit from the Expo, they can attend at no cost with pre-registration online.
ETI continues to be Minnesota's largest professional development event for law enforcement leaders. I hope to see you in Rochester.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Legislative Update
Things continue to pick up speed in the Minnesota House with Republican-chaired committee hearings on all areas of interest in an effort to get the GOP Caucus priorities through the committee process and sent to the House floor. Early voting begins Friday, Feb. 21st in the special election for House District 40B, which includes parts of Roseville and Shoreview. Voters will decide between Democrat David Gottfried and Republican Paul Wikstrom. This district is likely to be a Democratic win and will confirm if the House becomes tied again or if Republicans take control.
Read the full Legislative Session MCPA Update for the Week of February 17.
Automobile Theft Prevention Grant Program
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is now accepting applications for the Automobile Theft Prevention Grant Program. This program provides funding to law enforcement agencies, county attorney’s offices, and community organizations dedicated to combating auto theft. Grants can be used for investigations, education, and prevention efforts, including the use of license plate readers and crime scene processing. Learn more and apply.
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.
Burnsville P.D. Wellness Coordinator
The Burnsville Police Department is currently seeking a Wellness Coordinator. This role focuses on developing and implementing programs to support the physical and mental well-being of department staff. Key responsibilities include collaborating with leadership to design initiatives and services tailored to the unique needs of law enforcement professionals. Those with experience in wellness program management or related fields are encouraged to review the full job posting for further details and application instructions.
MPCA Board of Director Elections
This meeting is a key opportunity to participate in the governance of our Association and stay informed about our latest initiatives.
If you’re interested in stepping into a leadership role, we are now accepting applications for the following open Board positions:
- Second Vice President
- Third Vice President
- Secretary
- Sergeant-at-Arms
- Director (2 positions available)
To apply, please complete the submission form by March 28.
For details on Board responsibilities and governance, please review the MCPA Bylaws.
We encourage all members to attend and participate in shaping MCPA’s leadership for the year ahead.
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."
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.