C-Notes: April 11, 2025
Executive Director Report
Yesterday we officially wrapped up the 2025 Executive Training Institute (ETI) and Law Enforcement Expo in Rochester. I want to thank everyone who helped make this year's event a successful and meaningful experience for all of the police leaders throughout Minnesota who attended.
Over four days, more than 400 attendees gathered at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, including police leaders, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and guests. This year's program featured a full slate of timely and relevant training, keynote sessions, and hands-on demonstrations of public safety tools and technology in the Expo Hall. We also had opportunities to connect on the pressing issues facing our profession today, from recruitment and retention to community engagement and officer wellness.
This year's Statewide Awards Banquet served as both a celebration of outstanding service and a time to reflect on the profound sacrifices made by those who protect our communities. Among the honors presented was the Police Cross, which recognizes officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the service of their community.
The award was presented posthumously to five individuals: Officer Jesse Branch of the Red Lake Nation Police Department, Officer Jamal Mitchell of the Minneapolis Police Department, Officer Matthew Ruge and Officer Paul Elmstrand of the Burnsville Police Department, and Firefighter-Paramedic Adam Finseth of the Burnsville Fire Department. Each gave their life in the line of duty, and their memory will remain a lasting part of this association's history and the communities they served with honor.
Thank you again to all who attended and supported ETI 2025. I also want to express my deep appreciation to our staff, Board members, and volunteers whose hard work behind the scenes helped make this event a success.
If you attended this year's ETI and have not yet submitted the form to receive your POST credits, please take a moment to complete it using this link. This is required in order for your credits to be properly recorded.
Thank you and have a great weekend.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
MCPA Annual Meeting & Board Candidates
The 2025 MCPA Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Elections will be held virtually on Thursday, April 17, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. via Zoom. This meeting gives members an opportunity to participate in shaping the leadership of the Association and to stay informed about current initiatives.
Meeting Details
- Date: Thursday, April 17
- Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81570530861
- Meeting ID: 815 7053 0861
The 2025 election includes the following open positions: Second Vice President, Third Vice President, Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and two Director roles.
Candidates
- Brian Podany – Blaine Police Department | Second Vice President
- Brady Juell – Savage Police Department | Third Vice President
- Tanya Schwartz – Burnsville Police Department | Secretary
- Brian Mueller – Stillwater Police Department | Sergeant-at-Arms
- Michael Mastin – Bemidji Police Department | Director
- Tim Hoyt – New Hope Police Department | Director
- Jason Ohotto – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board | Director
- Neil Bauer – Wyoming Police Department | Director
Legislative Update - Week of April 7
Overview
Friday, April 11th is the deadline for budget and finance focused bills to be through their committees and before the Ways and Means Committee, Taxes, or Finance Committee. Committee chairs spent this week putting together and holding hearings on their budget omnibus bills. They combed through what will be included and cut from their committee budget. Following Friday, the legislature will go on its Easter and Passover legislative break until April 21st.
Peace Officer Standards Coordinator Job Opening
The Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the role of Peace Officer Standards Coordinator. This full-time position is based in St. Paul and offers a hybrid telework arrangement after a successful probationary period.
The person in this role will help uphold the integrity of Minnesota’s law enforcement community by investigating alleged violations of peace officer standards, reviewing agency compliance, and ensuring adherence to Board rules and state statutes. This is an excellent opportunity for a current or former peace officer with strong investigative skills who is passionate about promoting professionalism in policing.
Key Details:
- Job Title: Peace Officer Standards Coordinator
- Salary: $66,648 – $98,240 annually
- Location: St. Paul (hybrid eligible)
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Travel Required: Approximately 25%
- Minimum Qualifications: 4 years of full-time experience as a sworn peace officer conducting investigations or compliance work within the past 10 years
- Preferred Experience: Supervisory experience, Minnesota peace officer licensure, internal affairs investigations, and strong knowledge of relevant Minnesota statutes and rules
This position comes with a full range of State of Minnesota benefits, including low-cost health insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license or reliable transportation and must not have any disciplinary action on their peace officer license or certification.
Apply online at: mn.gov/careers
For questions about the position, contact Matthew Leo at matthew.leo@state.mn.us or 651-201-2393.
2025 Critical Incident Training Offered Statewide
Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) are once again teaming up to host their 4th annual Critical Incident Training, offering one-day sessions across Minnesota. This free training is designed not only for those directly involved in a critical incident but also for those responsible for managing the response.
With 6 POST credits available, the course helps law enforcement leaders and personnel better understand what to expect when a critical event occurs. All LELS and MPPOA members are welcome to attend. Non-members may also register, but space is limited and priority will be given to members.
2025 Training Dates and Locations:
- May 22 – Beltrami County Emergency Operations Center, Bemidji
- May 29 – The MERIT Center, Marshall
- September 18 – The Clearing, Sauk Rapids
- September 10 – Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park (held in conjunction with the LELS Annual Training)
To view the agenda and register, visit: Critical Incident Training Agenda and Registration
For questions, contact your LELS Business Agent or Jim Mortenson, LELS Executive Director, at jmortenson@lels.org.
2025 PLECET National Training Conference: Strengthening Law Enforcement–Community Engagement
At the recent IACP Midyear Division meetings, state law enforcement leaders were introduced to a unique training opportunity designed to advance community engagement within policing.
The 2025 Professionalizing Law Enforcement–Community Engagement Training (PLECET) National Conference will take place June 4–8, 2025, at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. This national event is the only one of its kind focused exclusively on institutionalizing and professionalizing community engagement in law enforcement agencies.
Launched in 2023, PLECET brings together agencies and outreach professionals committed to enhancing trust and partnerships with the communities they serve. Departments are encouraged to send their community engagement staff to this impactful event.
To learn more, visit plecetconference2025.org/video for a brief video highlighting the significance of this training. Additional details are available in this flyer.
Crime Prevention Through Community-Law Enforcement Partnership Training
This continuing education course is designed to enhance law enforcement officers’ knowledge, skills, and understanding of the Juvenile Justice System, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, adolescent brain development, and officer wellness.
Participants will receive 8 hours of POST continuing education credits, including:
- 5 General Education credits
- 3 POST mandatory credits in the categories of Conflict Management, Crisis Intervention & Mental Illness, and Officer Wellness
Space is limited. Register today by emailing Precious.Lowery@mn.state.edu.
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.
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.
For group tickets (20+), contact Liz Pilarski at LizPilarski@twins.com or (612) 659-3852.