C- Notes: February 6, 2026
Executive Director Report
The MCPA is now accepting candidate submissions for the 2026 Board of Directors. Members interested in running for a Board position may submit their candidacy using this online form.
The following positions are open for the 2026 election:
- 3rd Vice President
- Treasurer (3-year term)
- Sergeant-at-Arms (1-year term)
- Director (3-year term) – three positions available
The Board of Directors election will take place during ETI on Wednesday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m. Voting will be limited to Voting Members who are present at the conference.
Additional candidate and election information will be shared with members after the submission window closes.
The submission window is open through end of day on March 13, 2026.
Thank you,
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Immigration Enforcement Activity & Public Safety Coordination
This past week, we were made aware that 700 agents were being sent back to their home offices. Approximately 2,000 agents remain in Minnesota. Over half of the agents in Minnesota are HSI Investigators working on Fraud cases. Our efforts will continue over the coming days and weeks, and we will provide updates as we move forward.
The message below was sent to members on 01/31/2026:
Several weeks ago, the MCPA formulated and adopted a three-point plan to engage congressional, state, and federal leadership regarding the nature of recent federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Over the past several weeks, association leadership has been actively engaged with federal, state, and local partners. Our focus has been on public safety, accountability, operational coordination, and reducing tension within our communities.
Association leadership has consistently emphasized that local, county, and state law enforcement are not responsible for immigration enforcement, but continue to face challenges related to public safety, community trust, and political pressure. Chiefs and officers have often been placed in a difficult position during this period of time—criticized if they assist with public safety operations and criticized when they choose not to engage.
During these discussions, we have raised concerns raised by our membership, including enforcement tactics, impacts on public safety, and the strain on local law enforcement agencies. These discussions included accountability measures for enforcement actions, and we were informed that corrective steps were taken when issues were identified.
As you are also aware, the MCPA released a statement on January 25 focused on lowering rhetoric, improving communication, and finding workable solutions. This statement was well received and helped reinforce the importance of cooperation and professionalism during this period.
This past week, we met with leadership from ICE (ERO and HIS), the FBI, and Customs and Border Patrol to help facilitate dialogue. We also requested a meeting last Sunday with the White House to discuss collaboration among federal, state, and local officials. That request is still pending.
Recent meetings with federal law enforcement leadership focused on identifying solutions that would reduce street-level enforcement activity and improve public safety. Key discussion points included:
- Using jail release notifications to allow federal authorities to safely take custody of individuals without extending detention time
- Reinstating electronic arrest notification systems that reduce the need for large-scale street operations
- Lowering political rhetoric to help reduce community tension and maintain trust
We also met with state leadership to discuss the operational, staffing, and budget impacts this situation is having on local agencies, as well as the long-term effects on public trust. State leadership acknowledged the difficult position law enforcement leaders are in and is engaged in ongoing negotiations with federal agencies.
The MCPA will continue advocating for accountability, clear communication, and practical solutions that prioritize public safety while supporting our members and the communities you serve. We will provide updates as conditions evolve.
CLEO & Command Academy Update
The MCPA's CLEO & Command Academy brings together chiefs and command-level leaders from across Minnesota who are engaged in advanced leadership development, strategic thinking, and peer collaboration. As the 2026 session reaches its midpoint, the MCPA would like to share a brief update.
Participants have completed coursework focused on executive leadership, organizational culture, critical incident leadership, and contemporary challenges facing law enforcement executives. Instructors and facilitators have noted a high level of engagement, thoughtful discussion, and meaningful application of course content to real-world leadership challenges.
The MCPA appreciates its members' continued support for investing in leadership development for the profession.
For questions about the academy or other Center for Police Leadership training opportunities, please contact Stephanie Revering, MCPA Training & Operations Director.
Thank you for your continued commitment to professional excellence and leadership in Minnesota law enforcement.
The Executive Training Institute (ETI) is returning to St. Cloud on April 13–16, 2026, bringing together chiefs and command-level leaders from across Minnesota for four days of executive-level training, networking, and professional development.
ETI 2026 will feature a robust lineup of general and breakout sessions focused on leadership, accountability, investigations, discipline, and emerging challenges facing law enforcement executives. Confirmed sessions include leadership lessons drawn from critical incidents, complex homicide investigations, discipline and grievance processes, drones as first responders, elder crypto fraud, and state agency updates. The program will also include lessons learned from high-profile incidents, including the Burnsville tragedy, as well as sessions on resilience, moral injury, and contemporary leadership challenges.
The conference will also include the ETI Expo Hall, providing attendees the opportunity to connect with industry partners and explore products, services, and technologies that support law enforcement operations and organizational effectiveness.
Additional session details and speaker information will be shared as the program continues to be finalized.
Nominations Open for 2026 MCPA Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 MCPA Awards. Members are encouraged to recognize exceptional 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.
The nomination period has been extended. All Statewide Award nominations must be submitted online by February 17, 2026. Award decisions will be finalized by the end of February, and nominators will be notified shortly after.
SUBMIT A STATEWIDE AWARD NOMINATION
Excellence in Innovation Award
The MCPA Excellence in Innovation Award recognizes small and large Minnesota municipal police agencies and their CLEOs for exceptional, innovative achievements that advance the law enforcement profession and benefit the communities they serve.
Submissions are evaluated by the MCPA Board of Directors based on:
• Level of innovation
• Effectiveness
• Ability to replicate
• Overall impact
One small agency and one large agency will be selected and recognized at ETI. Excellence in Innovation Award nominations must be submitted by February 12, 2026.
SUBMIT AN INNOVATION AWARD NOMINATION
Members are encouraged to submit nominations for individuals or agencies deserving of these honors
Clarification on Firearm Carry Laws in Public Spaces
Law enforcement professionals have received questions regarding when and where individuals may legally carry firearms in public while holding a permit. To help address areas of confusion for both agency staff and the public, the Association is sharing a reference document prepared by attorney Richard Hodsdon.
The linked document compiles and cites relevant Minnesota statutes related to public firearm carry. Rather than offering interpretations or summaries, the document largely reflects the statutory language as written, allowing agencies to reference the law directly when responding to questions or concerns.
Members are encouraged to review and use this resource as appropriate when addressing firearm carry questions within their communities.
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.
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
