C-Notes: August 8, 2024

Executive Director Report

MCPA hosted two unique events at the Maple Grove Public Safety Training Center this summer. These events were titled "Legislator Training Days". In response to all the police reform and other public safety legislation over the past few years, the MCPA Legislative Committee came up with the idea that we should invite legislators to attend and participate in Use of Force training. Legislative Committee members felt this would help them make better decisions when they are doing their work at the legislature.

After hearing back from key legislative leaders, we scheduled two events. The first was for Republican legislators, and the second was for Democratic legislators. Both events were well attended, and attendees were able to participate in three simulated training sessions. Those included a Defensive Tactics/Reality training demo, a 300-degree simulation, and live fire/firearms training.

Each event concluded with a training day debrief with MCPA Board Members and Legislators. We discussed the philosophy of how agencies are conducting Use of Force training, and we heard great feedback from the attendees. 

We gave Fox 9 an exclusive invitation to attend the second training day. After their visit, they published this story. I want to thank Maple Grove Chiefs Eric Werner, Commander Travis Pobuda, and Maple Grove Public Safety Training Center Coordinator Al Freng for all their work setting up and coordinating the training events.

These events demonstrate the importance of the MCPA Legislative Committee. Over the past few years, we have elevated our profile with Legislators through our work at the capitol. We are currently in the process of creating our 2025 Legislative Agenda. Please give some thought to the initiatives you think the MCPA should work on during the upcoming Legislative Session. The Committee will be meeting to discuss proposals in September and October. Those meetings will be held on Sept 9, 24, and Oct. 1 from 10-11:30 a.m. (virtual and in person at MCPA headquarters in New Brighton). Please complete this form if you have ideas that our Legislative Committee should discuss

Thank you,

Jeff Potts
Executive Director

New MCPA Member Website and Portal Coming Soon

In the coming weeks, MCPA's website and member portal will launch on an entirely new platform. MCPA staff is in the process of transitioning our current association management system from MemberClicks to Novi.

Once the new system is launched, we will inform you how to create a new login. Your previous username and password will not work on the new website. Tradewing is still MCPA's members-only "social sharing" platform. However, your login for Tradewing will change to whatever your login is for the new Novi member platform.

MCPA staff will be available to help with any questions you have about using the new website and member platform. You can reach out to us directly or at info@mnchiefs.org.

Registration for Trainings Temporarily Paused

As we transition MCPA's website and member portal to the new provider, registration for the Fall Leadership Academy and CLEO and Command must be temporarily paused. Registration has been turned off and will be turned back on once the new member portal is live (~7-10 days). If you would like to be added to the list for the September 10-13 Leadership Academy, please email info@mnchiefs.org. Your spot will be held, and once the registration form is available, you will be prompted to register.

PATROL 2024 Legislative Update

PATROL (Peace Office Accredited Training Online) has released their 2024 legislative update summary of enactments. You can now view this online.

2025 Crisis Response Grant Program Request for Proposals

The purpose of this request for proposal is to fund local law enforcement agencies and local governments to maintain or expand crisis response teams in which social workers or mental health providers are sent as first responders when calls for service indicate that an individual is having a mental health crisis. This grant program can fund, but is not limited to, crisis response teams, co-responder models and other law enforcement mental health collaborations such as crisis intervention teams, mobile crisis teams, and disability response, among others.

EXTENDED Application deadline: Monday, August 19, 2024 at 4:00 pm

All applications must be submitted via e-grants, the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) online grants management system. View the full Request for Proposals for more details. For more information, contact Natty Hels at natty.b.hels@state.mn.us.

City of Elk River Hiring Police Chief

The City of Elk River (approx. pop. 27,000 covering 44 square miles) is seeking a highly experienced and visionary leader to serve as our next Police Chief. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated and professional police department committed to community-oriented policing and exceptional public safety services.

Police Department Size: 35 sworn officers, ten civilian staff
Annual Police Calls for Service:
Approximately 25,500

Learn more and apply by Friday, August 9, 2024.

City of Mankato Hiring Director of Public Safety

The City of Mankato (pop. 45,995) is seeking a new Director of Public Safety due to the retirement of a long-term Director. Located in the scenic Minnesota River Valley and an hour and a half southwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Mankato is the centerpiece of a prosperous, progressive, and culturally rich Midwest agricultural region.

The new Director of Public Safety will be a dedicated and ethical team player who can quickly gain the confidence of the community, department staff, elected officials, and business owners. The Director of Public Safety must possess the ability to build community trust through the development of partnerships with stakeholders, utilizing proven public safety best practices, and being accessible to Mankato citizens.

Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least five professional references with names, phone numbers, and email addresses to Lisa Ward at lisaward912@gmail.com. Applications will be received until close of business on August 20, 2024. For additional information on this outstanding opportunity, please contact:

• Lisa Ward, Senior Associate, lisaward912@gmail.com, 706-983-9326
• Jeff Hale, Associate, jeffhale1968@gmail.com, 706-371-6126

Learn more and apply by Tuesday, August 20.

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.

Women in Law Enforcement Seminar

Register online at eventbrite.com/e/women-in-law-enforcement-leadership-seminar-tickets-893359621677.

Minnesota Wild to Honor Outstanding Law Enforcement Professionals

The Axtell Group is collaborating with the Minnesota Wild to honor outstanding law enforcement professionals at 20 of their home games this season. We are seeking nominations for officers, deputies, and troopers who have made notable contributions recently or in the past, including:

• Officer, deputy, or trooper of the year award winners
• Life-saving award recipients
• Individuals with strong community connections
• Those who work quietly behind the scenes to ensure community safety

This is a wonderful chance to recognize someone from your organization for their exceptional work.

The Minnesota Wild will honor these individuals with:

• Two tickets to an upcoming home game (based on availability, possibly one or two more)
• Recognition on the big scoreboard during a break in the first-period action
• An opportunity for your agency to highlight the honor on social media

If you have someone in mind, please email stormewdunn@theaxtellgroup.com with their name, rank, contact information, and a brief summary of their contributions.