2023 Critical Issues Training Series

The Critical Issues in Policing virtual AND in-person training series is a contemporary assortment of the most pressing issues, ideas, and concepts currently impacting police departments across our state. For the first time ever, this year's Critical Issues Series will be conducted with in-person and virtual attendance options. All sessions will be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person.

The interactive series addresses some of the most controversial, timely, and relevant topics in law enforcement today, including recruitment/retention, new firearms law changes, the evolving landscape of police use of force, and other important topics.

The educational series is aimed at CLEOs, command staff, and first-line supervisors. Some courses are also fitting for city leaders, specifically staff who process gun permits as well as Human Resources staff. Most of the trainings are POST-approved and eligible for CEs.

All individual registrants will get access to every session recording. If an agency purchases the unlimited option, they can share the video links with everyone in their agency.

Click here to register for series

* These trainings are scheduled and subject to change.
** Sessions will be recorded, and links to the recordings will be provided to all who register.
*** Click on an instructor's name to read his/her bio.

NOVEMBER 15 SESSION

8-9 a.m.
New Firearms Laws and Universal Background Checks

Learn about the new requirements for private firearms transfers. The law became effective earlier this year, requiring background checks on all firearms transfers. You and your staff who process Permits to Purchase should be aware of several aspects of the new law. Firearms Law expert Rick Hodsdon will share important information about how to comply with new requirements.

Instructor: Rick Hodsdon
1-hour POST credit

9-11 a.m.
2024 Legislative Preview Panel Discussion

During this session, you will hear from top Democrat and Republican legislators about what is expected to happen during the upcoming legislative session. We will hear directly from the leadership from both parties on issues such as School Resource Officers, Crime, efforts to address officer recruitment, and other important public safety topics.

Presenters: Speaker of the House Rep. Melissa Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, Senator Zach Duckworth, Rep. Jeff Witte

11-11:30 a.m.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders

This new law becomes effective on January 1, 2024. Learn about the new requirements for petitioning for ERPO and safe storage of firearms collected when an ERPO is served. All agencies will want to be prepared for how to process and serve ERPOs before the law becomes effective. This session will provide you and your staff critically important information about this new law.

Presenters: TBA
1-hour POST credit

11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
POST Recruitment Portal

Every agency in the state seems to be struggling with recruiting new officers. During this session, you will hear about some very important enhancements to the POST website and plans to conduct a statewide recruitment campaign. You won't want to miss hearing about these important and exciting changes.

Presenters: POST Standards Coordinator Rob Skoro and POST Executive Director Erik Misselt

NOVEMBER 29 SESSION

8-9:30 a.m.
Use of Force: Duty to Intervene & Duty to Render Aid

This course will look at both federal and Minnesota law changes in these high-liability areas of force. Participants will examine the law, participate in hypotheticals, and provide guidance on training and policies.

Presenter: Imran Ali
3 hours POST credits (if you attend both sessions led by Imran Ali)

9:30-10:30 a.m.
State Funded Police Officers Recruitment Programs

This course will discuss multiple state grant programs available to law enforcement agencies across Minnesota to assist with hiring candidates to become officers. One program is focused on identifying and hiring candidates who already possess two or four-year degrees from regionally accredited colleges or universities. Another is focused on identifying and hiring non-traditional candidates. Both programs can assist with hiring the candidate while they complete the required PPOE education in various formats. Best practices from recent recruitment studies will also be woven into the presentation.

Presenter: Mary Vukelich, Program Administrator & Kristin Lail, Grants Administrator (MN Department of Public Safety)

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Marijuana and Policing: From Enforcement to Searches

This course will examine Minnesota’s new law and its impacts on policing. Topics will include ordinances enforcement, legal areas of concern, and search and seizure guidance on the new Minnesota Supreme Court opinion in State v. Torgerson.

Presenter: Imran Ali
3 hours POST credits (if you attend both sessions led by Imran Ali)

COST

$250 per person for agencies with 16 or more officers
$175 per person for agencies with 15 or fewer officers
$600 to register as many people from your agency as you would like (includes access to recordings for everyone)