C-Notes: August 23, 2024

Executive Director Report

I attended the SRO Model Policy Committee meeting at POST yesterday morning. This meeting was the 3rd of 5 scheduled meetings. At today's meeting, the group discussed proposals offered by members of  the Committee related to how SROs should respond to school discipline matters. There was general agreement that school administration should handle school disciplinary matters whenever practical. There was healthy debate amongst committee members about those cases that involve disorderly conduct, fighting, trespass, and loitering, which can be criminal matters as well as school discipline matters. The group reached a general consensus that SROs should retain discretion on how to best handle these types of situations depending on the facts of each situation. 

The Committee began a discussion on the SRO training requirements but ran out of time. They will resume the discussion on training at the next meeting. Realizing they would not be able to complete their work on the model policy in four meetings, the group added one additional meeting to their schedule.  I  remain confident with the representation on the Committee from several Law enforcement groups, including Eagan Chief/MCPA President Roger New, NASRO President/Golden Valley Police Assistant Chief Rudy Perez, Megan Olsted from Forest Lake PD/MN Juvenile Officers Assn, Mark Ross from ST. Paul PD/MPPOA and Wright County Sheriff's Office/MSA Captain Eric Kunkel said that the final version of the policy would be clear and would not create any confusion with Mn Statute 609.06 (Use of Force). The next committee meeting will be on September 12. I will provide an update after that meeting.

Thank you,

Jeff Potts
Executive Director

New MCPA Member Portal and Website

MCPA has a brand new website and member portal (powered by Novi) This new technology provides an easier-to-navigate website, added member digital resources, enhanced event information and registration, and more.

To get the most out of your member experience, you must create a new login. Your previous username and password will not work on the new website. Download and view this guide (PDF) for a step-by-step walk-through on how to create your new account.

With your new login, you will be able to:

• Access Tradewing (your new login will also be your login for Tradewing)
• Read weekly C-Notes (you must be logged in to read C-Notes)
• Register for events
• Update your profile information
• Track event attendance
• Order Permits
• View/Pay invoices
• ...and more!

Resources for creating and managing your new account can be found at mnchiefs.org/news/novi-ams-member-resources. If you have any questions, please contact info@mnchiefs.org at any time.

We are confident MCPA's upgraded website and portal will be a valuable resource for our members and web visitors.

City of Sheldon, IA Hiring Police Chief

The thriving and family friendly community of Sheldon, IA (population 5,512) is seeking a Chief of Police. This Senior Management position leads the activities of the police department. Iowa Code requires a minimum of three years’ experience in a public law enforcement agency and two years of comparable experience or educational training. This person must have strong communication, public relation skills, and the ability to show and demonstrate effective leadership capabilities. The City offers an attractive salary and benefit package. Salary range is $90,000 - $101,000 based on qualifications and years of experience.

Learn more and apply at https://sheldoniowa.gov/news/hiring-notice-chief-of-police or contact Jeff Cayler (info below). Application materials requested include: a cover letter, resume, salary history, and at least three work-related references. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled with the first review of applications on September 6, 2024.

Send application materials to:

Jeff Cayler
Cayler Consulting, LLC
jeff.cayler@gmail.com
(712) 830-3794 

Important Information Regarding Public Safety Vest-Reimbursement Program Rules

In the 2023 legislative session, the legislature significantly expanded eligibility for the Department of Public Safety’s vest reimbursement program. Previously, only peace officers and heads of state and local law enforcement agencies were eligible to participate. The legislature has expanded the program and increased program funding to now include firefighters, emergency medical service providers, and the heads of the agencies and entities that employ them.

The Department of Public Safety has published in the State Register a Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules Without a Hearing on our proposed rules for soft body armor reimbursement. We have identified you as likely to be affected by the proposed rules; accordingly, we are attaching the following documents:

• The Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules Without a Hearing, as published in the State Register
• The proposed rule 
• The Statement of Need and Reasonableness

You can also find all three documents on our rulemaking web page.

Please note: If you want to comment on the rules, you must comment by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. To comment, you must use the OAH eComments website. You can learn more about the rules by reading the Notice.

If you have any questions about the rule or the rulemaking procedures, please email dps.rulemaking@state.mn.us.

Black Police Officer Association Anniversary Dinner

NBPA-MN is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you for a momentous occasion - the 10th Anniversary Dinner of the Black Police Officer Association of Minnesota! This special evening promises to be a celebration of our past achievements, the strength of our present community, and the promising future ahead for black police officers in our state.

Your membership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping our association into what it is today. This dinner is not only a celebration but also a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, share our experiences, learn from each other's journeys, and strengthen our network of support and collaboration.

Join them as they reflect on the milestones we've achieved, celebrate the diversity and resilience within our ranks, and look forward to the bright future ahead. We can inspire each other, build lasting connections, and reaffirm our commitment to serving our communities with pride and excellence.

Program Details:

Keynote Address by former Commissioner John Harrington: We are honored to have John Harrington deliver an insightful keynote address. His perspective and experience will undoubtedly inspire us all as he educates us on the history of black law enforcement officers in Minnesota.

Presentation by President Brad Chin and Department Liaison CJ Howse: Brad Chin and CJ Howse will present findings from our association's research study. The study aims to quantify demographic disparities among police officers in Minnesota, particularly addressing the underrepresentation of Black officers.

Presentation by Chief Alice White: Chief Alice White will share her insights and strategies on recruitment within our African American community. Her presentation will be informative and beneficial for all attendees.

Question and Answer Hour with Past NBPA-MN Presidents / Insights from Leadership: We will end the night with a question-and-answer hour with NBPA-MN past presidents Kellum, Hines, & Kirkland.

Event Details:


• Date: September 7th, 2024

• Time: 4pm – 8pm

• Venue: The Wilder Foundation  (451 Lexington Pkwy – Saint Paul, MN)

• Dress Code: Formal Attire

Tickets: $50 single ticket - $300 for a table of 6

Secure your place at this memorable event by purchasing your tickets at www.nbpamn.org, ensuring you get first access to tickets as they are limited. We are opening the event to the public in a week, so don't miss out! Thank you for your continued dedication and support. Let's make this anniversary dinner a night to remember!

Minnesota Vikings Law Enforcement Night

The Minnesota Vikings and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) have teamed up and are offering specially priced tickets on Saturday, August 10, 2024, as the Vikings take on the Las Vegas Raiders.

Specially priced tickets start at just $20.00, and $5.00 of every ticket purchased through this offer will go back to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). Use PROMO CODE: NLEOMF24 when ordering.

This offer is open to all first responders, law enforcement, public safety, family, friends, and the general public.

For questions regarding the event or for groups of 10+, contact Minnesota Vikings Representative Junior Estrada at 612-391-0043 or estradaf@vikings.nfl.net.
Learn more and buy tickets at nleomf.org/event/minnesota-vikings-law-enforcement-night.

Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement Appreciation Night

Help support the brave individuals in uniform who protect The State of Hockey. Law Enforcement Appreciation Night is on December 3, 2024 as the Wild take on the Canucks. This ticket pack offer includes a Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement branded t-shirt. Additionally, a portion of ticket pack proceeds will go the law enforcement community.

Learn more and get tickets at https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/LEA-41203VAN?ref=CE.