C-Notes: September 25, 2024
Executive Director Report
I would like to provide an update on our process of creating the Minnesota Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (MNLEAP). Over the past few months MNLEAP has made significant progress. Director of Accreditation, Andy LeFevour is leading the work of creating MNLEAP. Andy has developed a schedule for completing the work of building MNLEAP by the end of 2024. We anticipate accepting applications from agencies who want to go through the accreditation process during the 1st quarter of 2025.
MNLEAP has established a 13-member Commission to oversee the program. The Commission includes 6 Police Chiefs, 3 Sheriffs, and 4 Civilian members. The Commission has already approved By-Laws and a manual that outlines the process for agencies going through the accreditation process. Currently, the Commission is reviewing the standards manual. The standards manual will contain five chapters (Administrative Function, Personnel Function, Operations Function, Investigations Function, Arrested/Detainee/Prisoner function). Reviewing and editing the standards manual will continue for the next three months.
The MNLEAP Commission members include:
- Savage PD Chief Brady Juell (Chair)
- LeSueur PD Chief Pilar Stier
- Walnut Grove Chief David Graham
- Stillwater Chief Brian Mueller
- Rochester PD Chief Jim Franklin
- Eden Prairie PD Chief Matt Sackett
- St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay
- Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko
- Cottonwood County Jason Purrington
- Shawn Moore, Civilian member
- Tricia Dirks, Civilian Member
- Bill Wells, Civilian Member
- Jennifer Wolf, Civilian member representing Minnesota League of Cities Insurance Trust
Lastly, we are happy to announce that the MCPA was selected to receive another grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to enhance our program. MNLEAP will receive an additional $298,000 in grant funds. We will use these funds to provide mini-grants to cover the enrollment fees for agencies going through the Accreditation process, Software costs, and hiring one staff person to assist agencies as they go through the accreditation process.
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.
Critical Issues Series
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.
Chief Stier Awarded NLPOA Latina of the Year Award
Congratulations to MCPA member and LeSeur Police Chief Pilar Stier for being named the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) 2024 Latina of the Year!
This is a national award given to the female who made the most significant contributions to the NLPOA Community through innovative practices, exemplary and/or heroic actions, and exceptional leadership skills.
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.
JAG Funding Planning Survey
The Minnesota Office of Justice Programs manages the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for criminal justice funding. We're updating our five-year JAG funding strategy and need your input to create a solid plan. We’re reaching out to criminal justice professionals including courts, law enforcement, corrections, probation, and service providers.
We want your help to set spending priorities and identify system needs in these areas:
- Law enforcement
- Prosecution and courts
- Prevention and education
- Corrections and community corrections
- Drug treatment and enforcement
- Mental health programs and crisis intervention
- Crisis intervention programs like mental health courts and drug courts
Please take a moment to complete our short survey and share it with your colleagues. Your answers will be confidential and anonymous.
For technical issues, contact Amanda Blasko at ablasko@ncja.org. For program questions, reach out to Claire Cambridge at claire.cambridge@state.mn.us.
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.
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.