Legislator Recognition


Roger New and Jeff Witte

The MCPA Legislator Recognition Program honors legislators' critical role in enhancing community safety and promoting effective policing policies. Recipients are chosen based on their commitment to advancing legislation supporting the law enforcement community and ensuring all Minnesotans' safety. The program fosters a collaborative relationship between lawmakers and law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in addressing public safety challenges.

Recent Recipient

In 2024, the award was presented to Rep. Jeff Witte for his outstanding contributions. A retired 27-year veteran of the Burnsville Police Department, Rep. Witte served as a school resource officer and crisis negotiator, bringing unparalleled expertise to his legislative work.

His accomplishments include:

  • Leading efforts to restore school resource officers.
  • Addressing the surge in carjackings.
  • Securing funding for Lakeville’s first responder training facility.

Rep. Witte’s “Law Enforcement 365 Initiative” showcases his commitment to supporting Minnesota’s first responders year-round, ensuring they have the resources and respect needed to keep communities safe.

The MCPA extends its gratitude to legislators like Rep. Witte, whose leadership and dedication drive meaningful progress in public safety.

Criteria

A current Minnesota Senator or Representative qualifies for recognition if they do at least one of the following:

  • Authors bills that address the legislative priorities identified by the MCPA Legislative Committee.
  • Supports bills that are consistent with MCPA’s positions as identified by the MCPA Legislative Committee.
  • Displays a desire to better understand and take action to solve the public policy challenges of law enforcement.
  • Develops a thoughtful and persuasive argument that shapes the public narrative around an important issue facing local and/or national law enforcement.

Nomination and Selection Process

Any current MCPA Voting member can complete the nomination form to nominate a legislator for recognition by the association. The legislator must be in elected office at the time of the nomination to be eligible for recognition.

The Legislator Recognition Program nomination form is closed for 2024.

Past Recipients

2023 - Senator Nick Frentz and Representative Kaohly Her