C-Notes: January 9, 2026
Executive Director Report
We’re getting ready for the 2026 CLEO & Command Academy, and there are a few spots remaining for those interested in attending.
The CLEO & Command Academy will take place February 2–6 at Camp Ripley. This executive-level program is designed for chiefs, command staff, and those preparing for senior leadership roles.
The course focuses on the practical and legal realities of leading a law enforcement agency. Topics include budgeting, POST Board requirements, state and federal mandates, human resources, media relations, and data practices. The curriculum also addresses policy development, strategic planning, community trust and agency branding, and the political challenges of being a chief—including litigation risk and employment issues.
Participants benefit from experienced perspectives, practical instruction, and peer-to-peer discussion to help them navigate today’s complex policing environment.
More details and registration information can be found online, or reach out if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
With the holidays behind us, it’s time to start thinking about ETI! MCPA is bringing us 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 20 scholarships of $1,000 each to help small and rural agencies send their chiefs or designees to ETI 2026. The Foundation approved this funding at its December board meeting, and applications are now being accepted.
Eligible agencies are encouraged to apply early and take advantage of this support. Full details and links to the ETI event page, scholarship information, and the application form are available below.
We want to thank the MCPF Board and all of the generous corporate and individual donors for their hard work and commitment to supporting our members’ training, development, and access to programming.
Scholarship applications are due January 9, 2026.
Nominations Open for 2026 MCPA Statewide Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the MCPA Statewide Awards, which recognize exceptional service, bravery, innovation, and sacrifice in law enforcement across Minnesota. Awards will be presented during the Executive Training Institute (ETI) Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in St. Cloud.
The MCPA Statewide Awards honor law enforcement professionals and community members whose actions reflect the highest standards of service and commitment. Award categories include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service, Meritorious Service, Lifesaving, Citizen’s Valor, and Police Cross.
Full descriptions and eligibility criteria for each award category are available at mnchiefs.org/statewide-awards.
All nominations must be submitted by January 30, 2026, to be considered. Award decisions will be finalized by the end of February, with nominators notified shortly thereafter. Nominations can be submitted online.
MCPA Peer Support Program
MCPA is developing a new Peer Support Program designed specifically for Chiefs and Command Staff. While peer support is essential to overall wellness, many agency programs do not include CLEOs or Command Staff in their internal structures. MCPA is committed to filling that gap by offering a dedicated, confidential, and well-supported resource for Minnesota’s law enforcement leaders.
We encourage Chiefs and Command Staff to consider joining this team and completing the upcoming peer support training.
- Dates: February 25–27, 2026
- Schedule: Wednesday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., plus 6 hours of required online coursework prior to the in-person sessions
- Location: New Brighton Department of Public Safety
- Cost: $275 per person
- POST Credit: Approved for 30 CEUs (in-person) and compliant with Minnesota Statute §181.9731 (Public Safety Peer Counseling)
Lunch will be provided Wednesday through Friday, along with daily snacks. Attendees are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle; filling stations will be available on site.
Visit the Peer Support event page for more information.
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.
More details and application instructions are available at https://mn.gov/post/aboutus/jobs/ft/?id=1189-715066.
Burnout & Career Survival for First Responders
The City of Burnsville is hosting How Full Is Your Bucket?, a candid and engaging wellness session for first responders presented by Dr. Nicole Sawyer, PsyD, a psychologist who specializes in working with public safety professionals.
This high-energy program takes an honest look at the physiological and psychological impacts of a long-term public safety career, including stress and trauma, coping behaviors, sleep, family relationships, and personal accountability. The session focuses on awareness, ownership, and communication, not quick fixes.
- Date: January 23, 2026
- Time: 9:00–11:30 a.m.
- Location: Berean Baptist Church, Burnsville
- Cost: $10 per attendee (significant others may attend at no charge)
All public safety staff and their significant others are encouraged to attend.
View the instructions on how to apply.
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
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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.