C- Notes: January 23, 2026
Executive Director Report
Nominations are open for the MCPA Excellence in Innovation Award. The award recognizes small and large Minnesota municipal police agencies for innovative work that strengthens the profession and has a positive impact in their communities.
Submissions are reviewed by the MCPA Board of Directors and evaluated on the level of innovation, effectiveness, ability to replicate, and overall impact.
One small agency and one large agency will be selected and recognized at ETI. I encourage you to consider submitting a nomination to recognize innovative work happening in your agency. Additional information and the nomination form are available at mnchiefs.org/excellence-in-innovation-award. Nominations must be submitted by February 12, 2026.
Thanks,
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
MCPA is bringing the Executive Training Institute (ETI) back to St. Cloud on April 13–16, 2026, bringing together chiefs and command-level leaders for four days of executive-level training, networking, and professional development.
ETI 2026 will feature a strong lineup of general and breakout sessions addressing leadership, accountability, investigations, discipline, and emerging issues facing law enforcement executives. Confirmed sessions include leadership lessons from critical incidents, discipline and grievances, complex homicide investigations, drones as first responders, elder crypto fraud, and lessons learned from major incidents, including the Burnsville tragedy.
The conference will also feature the Expo Hall, showcasing products, services, and technologies to support law enforcement operations and efficiency.
ETI Small & Rural Agency Scholarship
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) is offering $1,000 scholarships to support small and rural agencies, and only six scholarships remain to help send chiefs to ETI 2026. This funding was approved at the Foundation’s December board meeting, and applications are currently being accepted on a limited basis.
Eligible agencies are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of this remaining support. Full details and links to the ETI event page, scholarship information, and the application form are available below.
We thank the MCPF Board and the Foundation’s corporate and individual donors for their continued commitment to supporting member training, professional development, and access to programming.
The deadline to apply for one of the remaining six scholarships is February 6.
2026 MCPA Statewide Awards Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 MCPA Statewide Awards. Members are encouraged to recognize outstanding service, bravery, innovation, and leadership across Minnesota law enforcement.
Awards will be presented during the Executive Training Institute (ETI) Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in St. Cloud.
Statewide Awards
The MCPA Statewide Awards honor law enforcement professionals and community members whose actions reflect the highest standards of service and commitment.
Statewide Award categories include:
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Medal of Honor (nominees for this award may be used to select the Police Officer of the Year Award)
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Distinguished Service
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Meritorious Service
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Lifesaving
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Citizen’s Valor
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Police Cross
Full descriptions and eligibility criteria are available at mnchiefs.org/statewide-awards.
All Statewide Award nominations must be submitted online by January 30, 2026. Award decisions will be finalized by the end of February, and nominators will be notified shortly after.
SUBMIT A STATEWIDE AWARD NOMINATION
2026 Leadership Academy Registration Now Open
Registration is open for MCPA’s 2026 Leadership Academies, an immersive 3.5-day training experience designed for middle management and first-line supervisors in law enforcement. The Academy helps participants make a confident transition from street officer to effective supervisor, covering essential topics such as complaint sorting and discipline, performance appraisals, leadership principles, and media relations.
Upcoming 2026 Sessions:
- May 18–21 — New Brighton
- Sept. 15–18 — New Brighton
- Dec. 7–11 — Camp Ripley
Sessions are taught by seasoned Minnesota leadership instructors and are limited to 30–40 attendees per session.
City of Golden Valley Hiring Police Chief
The City of Golden Valley is seeking a Police Chief to lead its Police Department and serve as a key public safety partner with city leadership and the community. This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned law enforcement executive ready to guide a highly engaged team in a dynamic first-ring Minneapolis suburb known for its strong community support and commitment to public safety.
Candidates must have a strong background in law enforcement leadership with demonstrated abilities in organizational management, community engagement, and strategic visioning. The Police Chief is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and operational effectiveness of the department, and will work collaboratively with the City Council, city leadership, and community stakeholders to advance public safety goals.
Salary range is $158,454 – $211,120 annually DOQ.
City of Babbitt Hiring Police Chief
The City of Babbitt is seeking a Police Chief to lead its police department and serve as a key advisor to city leadership on public safety matters. This position offers the opportunity to serve a close-knit northern Minnesota community with a strong commitment to professional policing and community engagement.
Candidates must hold a valid Minnesota POST license, possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and have demonstrated supervisory and command-level law enforcement experience. The Police Chief is responsible for the overall administration, operations, and leadership of the department. Salary starts at $39.22 per hour.
Policies360
Policies360 delivers Minnesota-specific, accreditation-ready policies aligned with MNLEAP standards. Built on Minnesota law and practice—not generic nationwide “best practices”—these policies are relevant, defensible, concise, and written in plain English. They are intentionally designed to avoid overly prescriptive language that can limit professional discretion.
The Policies360 mobile app places every policy directly in the hands of officers, providing real-time access that supports confident, consistent decision-making in the field. All policies are attorney-researched, vetted by experienced Minnesota law enforcement professionals, and supported by direct access to a dedicated LETAC attorney and staff.
Chief Jeff Tate Retirement
Discounted Gophers Tickets for First Responders
The University of Minnesota Athletics Department is offering discounted tickets to upcoming First Responder Appreciation Games:
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Nov. 1: Football vs. Michigan State -
Nov. 11: Women’s Basketball vs. Marquette -
Jan. 17: Men’s Hockey vs. Michigan -
Feb. 28: Men’s Basketball vs. UCLA
The first 50 football purchasers receive VIP Halftime Tunnel access, and all football ticket holders can go on the field after the game. The first 50 men’s hockey purchasers get a VIP Locker Room Tour.