C-Notes: September 20, 2024
Executive Director Report
We've got a great lineup of presenters for our annual Fall Critical Issues Series. The dates will be October 9, 16, and 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This year's series will be virtual, so everyone can attend without having to travel. The presentations will be recorded so you can share them with your department.
This year's topics include:
- The Ideal Wellness Program for First Responders. There are three common elements that can drive the best outcomes for first responder wellness. This talk describes these three components and highlights how they work together.
- Media Propaganda/Crisis Communications Plan. This presentation will prepare you and your agency for crisis. The importance of developing a communications plan is critical to your agency.
- Legislative Leader Panel. We will hear from the leaders of the House and Senate on issues they see as their priorities for the upcoming session as well as a focus on public safety-related legislation.
- ERPO Firearms confiscations. What every agency should know about the new ERPO law and how to handle firearm confiscations.
- Self-Defense Supreme Court Decision. This Supreme Court decision is huge. You will want to hear how it will reshape self-defense claims and provide important advice on investigations by your agency.
- Bias and De-Escalation. Dr. Shawn Moore will provide the most tips and trends on Bias and De-escalation training. This is a POST-required training for all Police officers, and Dr. Moore is one of the top trainers in the nation.
Learn more and register at www.mnchiefs.org/events/critical-issues-2024.
Thank you,
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Apply for a Community Grant
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) is now accepting applications for its 2024 Community Partnerships Grant Program.
This funding opportunity is designed to help agencies strengthen trust and build deeper partnerships with their communities. Community Partnerships Grants aim to support, supplement, initiate, and accelerate police departments’ efforts to engage with the community in meaningful ways. All events, projects, programs, and initiatives submitted for consideration must focus on building relationships, trust, transparency, cooperation, or partnerships with the communities they serve.
For more information about grant eligibility and criteria, view the application information packet and apply online by November 4, 2024. All MCPA member agencies are encouraged to apply. If you have questions, please contact Acacia Huss-Zirzow or Jeff Potts.
Blue Mass
The upcoming Blue Mass is an annual event dedicated to honoring the brave men and women in law enforcement and emergency services who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This special ceremony welcomes individuals from all faiths and backgrounds to come together and remember the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the community.
The Blue Mass is a nondenominational event, providing an opportunity to pay tribute to those who selflessly served. In a year marked by significant loss, it is important to gather as a community to express gratitude for their sacrifice and to support the families and loved ones they leave behind.
Local heroes such as Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell, Burnsville Police Officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, Burnsville Firefighter/medic Adam Finseth, Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Owen, and Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin will be remembered for their dedication, bravery, and unwavering commitment to public safety. Additionally, fallen officers from surrounding states who gave their lives in 2023 and 2024 will also be commemorated.
The flyer below provides details regarding the Blue Mass, including the date, time, and location. Attending the event is a meaningful way to honor the fallen and support their families during this difficult time.
Please share this information with others who may be interested in attending. By spreading the word, these courageous individuals will be remembered, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Consider attending the Blue Mass to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and express appreciation for their extraordinary service.
Police Chief Opening in Becker, MN
The city of Becker is recruiting a full-time Police Chief for leadership, direction and hands-on management of its Police Department. The successful candidate must have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration or a related field and have a minimum of five years of experience as a law enforcement officer with law enforcement supervisory background. Candidate must be licensed by the State of Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board or be eligible and have thorough knowledge of police administration and police department operations. Candidate will be required to pass a psychological exam, background check and fitness agility test. Salary range is $112,944-$146,806.40 dependent on qualifications and experience. Becker has an excellent benefit package including PERA retirement, employer paid health insurance, health savings account, dental insurance, life insurance, long term disability insurance.
Submit cover letter, application, supplemental questions and resume by Monday, September 30 to City of Becker, Attn: Shannon Mortenson, PO Box 250, Becker, MN 55308 or email to smortenson@ci.becker.mn.us.
Remembering Chief Bruce Kelly
A visitation to honor Retired Chief Bruce Kelly's life will be held at St. Anne's Church, located at 217 N. Third St., Le Sueur, on Friday, September 20, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 21st, at 10:30 AM at the same location.
Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement Appreciation Night
Ticket packages range from $36 to $48 to $126, and $5 from each ticket will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Each ticket package also includes a Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement T-Shirt.
Message for CLEOs About New MCPA Portal
There are CLEO-specific features in our MCPA member portal. Below are the details outlined.
The Member Compass section under Resources has elements on the left side panel that are only available to you as the CLEO:
- Company. This section includes the basic information about your agency. You can go there to edit out the profile by adding your agency's website, logo, social media accounts, etc. This agency information provided will show in Member Directories and searches.
- People. This section shows you everyone with a login associated with your agency. It includes both MCPA members and non-members who might access our website to register for trainings, purchase permits, etc. As the CLEO, you can edit the information for anyone affiliated with your agency, remove them, or give them management access like you have to these management functions.
Please note that giving someone management access does NOT make them an MCPA member, so you can have an Executive Assistant or other non-sworn staff member manage your people and bills on the MCPA website. - Account History. This section shows all the financial transactions for everyone in your agency. Non-CLEOs can only see their own transactions, but you can see everything.
Where do you want your invoices sent?
The new system defaults to sending all invoices to the CLEO via email; however, you can assign a Billing Contact to receive them instead. The Billing Contact can be someone in your finance office if you'd like.
MCPA staff needs to set up the Billing Contact for you, so please fill out this form to give us the contact information, if you'd like to do this.
MCPA Member Portal and Website Resources
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.