C-Notes: November 13, 2026
Early Fall in Review: Reflections from the President Report
As we move further into November, I want to take a moment to reflect on a busy and productive fall for MCPA and our members.
First, huge kudos to our MCPA staff and Conference Committee for a great Fall Leadership Summit. The agenda was strong, and it was a good tune-up that many of us needed. Thank you also to the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation and our Summit sponsors, who helped keep costs manageable and made it possible for many to attend who likely could not have otherwise.
October was also spent in the thick of developing our legislative platform. Thank you to our members for their interest and passion in this process. We added several new initiatives to our Legislative agenda for 2027. We still have plenty of work ahead as we anxiously await the start of the session.
Now that the dust has settled on Election Day, the landscape at our Legislature is going to shift again. New faces will take seats, committee assignments and leadership will be reshuffled, and relationships we’ve built over the years will be tested and rebuilt. That’s not a reason for alarm. Change is the one constant in this profession, and we have become very good at dealing with the unknown. We lead through shifting calls, shifting conditions, and shifting expectations every day. The same adaptability applies here. Our job doesn’t change. Show up, build relationships, offer our expertise, and be the trusted voice on public safety for whoever is sitting across the table. Our legislative platform gives us a steady foundation to do exactly that.
Now, for those of you who have been a-itchin’ since my last St. Elmo’s Fire message, dust off your 10 gallons and critter getters, because here we go.
Early in October, I took an extended weekend trip to Tennessee with my girlfriend, Kelly. The plan, and the execution of it, was to spend our time in the Smoky Mountains, focusing on the National Park. It was beautiful. We did some amazing hiking and saw elk, bears, and a good deal of other wildlife. We also got sucked into the tourist traps of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. If you haven’t been, think Wisconsin Dells or Branson on steroids.
While exploring the park and the backroads, I couldn’t help but sing (very poorly) Dixieland Delight by the great Alabama. It was inspired by the outdoors in Tennessee, and if you follow Southern college football, you know the song has taken on a life of its own.
The song got me reflecting on the beauty of this country. I believe we live in the most beautiful and ecologically diverse nation in the world, and the outdoors is where so many of us go to recharge.
Two weeks later, I spent a weekend in Duluth, soaking in the incredible fall colors and some of our beautiful lakes. This time my mind went to Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA and its nod to the lakes of Minnesota. Once again, it was a song rooted in a part of our country, but this time it was the part we get to call home. Time outdoors is how I keep my balance and my motivation to serve the people who live here, and fall may be the best time of year to do it.
As wrapped up as we get in politics and societal issues in this profession, October reminded me how fortunate I am to live and work in such a beautiful place. Whether you find peace on a hike, on the water, at deer camp, or in a duck blind, take the time to find it. If you don’t take care of yourself, it’s tough to take care of your people, your agency, and your community. So slow down, go for a walk, take in the crisp autumn air, press some leaves in a book with your child, or just put on Dixieland Delight or God Bless the USA and take a drive through the woods.
Then remember how fortunate you are to do the greatest job in the greatest country in the world and get back to work!
Thank you,
Chief Brian Podany
MCPA President
Register for the 2027 MCPA Executive Training Institute & Law Enforcement Expo, taking place April 6–9, 2027, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.
ETI brings together more than 400 law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota for four days of training, collaboration, and connection. Attendees can expect timely educational sessions, engaging speakers, opportunities to learn from colleagues, and an Expo Hall featuring more than 100 exhibitors showcasing products, technology, and services for law enforcement agencies.
New this year, the official ETI host hotel is the Inn on Lake Superior. The hotel will also serve as the Hospitality Nights location during the conference. Members are encouraged to review the hotel options and book early, as several hotels are included in the ETI room block.
The week will also include the annual Statewide Awards Banquet on Thursday, April 8, recognizing outstanding service and accomplishments across Minnesota law enforcement.
Make plans now to join us in Duluth for MCPA's largest training and networking event of the year.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 MCPA Statewide Awards, recognizing exceptional service, bravery, leadership, and sacrifice within Minnesota's law enforcement community.
Each year, MCPA honors sworn and non-sworn law enforcement professionals whose extraordinary actions and accomplishments have made a lasting impact. The awards also recognize private citizens who demonstrate exceptional courage in life-threatening situations.
Award categories include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Award, Meritorious Service Award, Lifesaving Award, Citizen's Valor Award, and Police Cross.
MCPA encourages law enforcement leaders to recognize deserving individuals whose actions exemplify the highest standards of public service, whether through extraordinary acts of bravery, lifesaving efforts, exceptional professional achievement, or sustained service to their communities.
Nominations are due Friday, February 5, 2027, and must be submitted by a Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO).
Award recipients will be recognized during the MCPA Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, April 8, 2027, at the Executive Training Institute (ETI) in Duluth.
Share Your Law Enforcement Stories with the Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild will host their annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on Tuesday, December 15, and they are looking for positive law enforcement stories to highlight during the evening's "Let's Play Hockey!" recognition.
Has your agency experienced a heartwarming moment, an inspiring act of kindness, or a positive interaction with your community? We want to hear about it!
Please send a brief description of your story to luke@mnchiefs.org by Friday, November 20.
The MCPA is preparing to launch a new podcast, and we're asking members to help us come up with a name!
The podcast will feature conversations with law enforcement leaders, subject matter experts, and others about the challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota's law enforcement community.
MCPA members are invited to submit their name ideas for a chance to win a complimentary registration to the 2027 Executive Training Institute (ETI), valued at $585.
The submission deadline is November 17, 2026, and the winning name will be selected by MCPA's Board of Directors.
The MCPA Board of Directors recently approved the association's 2027 Legislative Agenda, outlining key priorities for the upcoming Minnesota Legislative Session.
Developed with input from MCPA members and the Legislative Committee, the agenda addresses several issues facing Minnesota law enforcement agencies, including training funding, officer recruitment and retention, public safety technology, data practices, and criminal justice policy.
MCPA's Legislative Committee and lobbying team at Cozen O'Connor will work with lawmakers and stakeholders to advance these priorities during the 2027 session.
Members are encouraged to review the agenda and stay engaged throughout the legislative session.
The Metro Transit Police Department is seeking a Director of Police Administration to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the department's administrative and professional services. This senior leadership position reports directly to the Chief of Police and oversees functions including finance, technology, records, evidence, fleet services, and personnel administration.
Salary: $122,907–$199,410 annually
Application Deadline: November 18, 2026
The Axtell Group is partnering with the Minnesota Wild to recognize outstanding law enforcement professionals at 12 home games this season.
Agencies can nominate an officer, deputy, or trooper who has made a difference through a recent achievement, community service, life-saving actions, or a career of dedicated service.
Selected honorees will receive two tickets to a Wild home game, recognition on the scoreboard, and an opportunity for their agency to share their story on social media.
Questions can be directed to Storme Dunn at stormewdunn@theaxtellgroup.com.
Gopher Athletics is inviting Minnesota's first responder community to several upcoming First Responder Appreciation Games with discounted ticket offers.
Game details:
November 7 – Football vs. UCLA- December 20 – Women's Basketball vs. Grambling State
- January 9 – Men's Hockey vs. Michigan
- February 13 – Men's Basketball vs. Oregon
The first 50 football ticket purchasers will receive access to the VIP Halftime Tunnel, and all purchasers will be able to go on the field after the game to take photos.
Members are encouraged to share this opportunity with their departments and other first responders.
Law Enforcement Trainings & Events
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association is launching the MCPA Executive Leadership College, an intensive leadership and management program designed for current and aspiring chiefs, sheriffs, and command staff.
Comparable in scope to nationally recognized programs such as Northwestern's Police Staff & Command School and the FBI National Academy, this series prepares experienced professionals for the demands of senior leadership.
Participants will earn a Certificate of Completion and receive 12 graduate-level credits from Metro State University, which may be applied toward a Master of Science in Criminal Justice & Public Safety Leadership.
Topics include strategic leadership, executive decision-making, community engagement, organizational psychology, communication, and data-driven policing. Instruction is delivered by experienced Minnesota law enforcement leaders.
Session Dates: November 2026 through April 2027 (in progress - stay tuned for the next ELC dates!)
For questions, contact Stephanie Revering, MCPA Training and Operations Director.
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 BrightonSept. 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.
Registration is open for the 2027 MCPA New Chiefs & Command Academy, with two sessions scheduled at the New Brighton Public Safety Building in New Brighton, MN.
Designed for Chief Law Enforcement Officers and command staff, this intensive five-day academy focuses on the leadership, administrative, and strategic responsibilities of leading a modern law enforcement agency. Participants will learn from experienced chiefs, legal professionals, and subject matter experts while gaining practical tools they can immediately apply within their organizations.
Topics include budgeting, human resources, policy development, media relations, data practices, diversity and inclusion, POST requirements, strategic planning, and navigating the unique political and legal challenges of serving as a chief. The academy also features a CLEO panel discussion and networking opportunities with law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota.
The registration deadline for the February academy is January 28, 2027. Additional information, including agendas and registration details for each session, is available below.
Upcoming Academy Dates:
February 1–5, 2027
September 27–October 1, 2027
Registration is open for Women in Command: Excelling as Female Leaders, a two-day leadership program designed for current and aspiring female leaders in law enforcement.
Hosted by the Savage Police Department, the training will be held November 16–17, 2026, at the Savage Environmental Learning and Event Center in Savage, Minnesota.
Led by executive-level female instructors, the course explores the unique opportunities and challenges of leading in law enforcement while providing practical strategies to strengthen leadership presence, build credibility, mentor others, and inspire high-performing teams. Topics include effective leadership principles, organizational structure, leading in today's environment, supervising other women, and breaking through the glass ceiling.
Registration is $359 per person, or $329 per person for groups of four or more using discount code WIC30. Registration information is available below. For questions or to register a large group, contact Maddie Arnold at madeline@calibrepress.com.
Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) is offering its annual Critical Incident Training at three locations across Minnesota. The one-day training is designed for public safety professionals who may be involved in or responsible for managing a critical incident, providing practical guidance on what to expect before, during, and after these high-stakes events. Participants will receive six Minnesota POST continuing education credits at no cost.
Training dates include:
November 5, 2026 – Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office (Mankato)November 12, 2026 – Duluth Police Department- January 13, 2027 – St. Cloud Police Department
Registration priority is given to LELS members, but non-members are welcome to register if space is available.
Registration is open for the 2027 IACP Annual Conference and Exposition, October 9–12, 2027, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The conference brings together more than 16,000 public safety professionals for four days of training, networking, and professional development. Attendees can participate in more than 200 educational workshops and explore products and services from more than 600 exhibitors.
Members planning to attend are encouraged to register early and secure hotel accommodations. Discounted advance registration rates are available through August 25, 2027.
Hotel Info
IACP has released the hotel reservation link for next year's conference. Please book your room as soon as possible, as they have allotted only 165 rooms across five states (WI, MI, MN, SD, and AZ).
Hotel Reservation Link: Reserve Online
The three hotel options are:
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City
- Complimentary breakfast included
- Located across the street from Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia's famous indoor public market and a previous Chiefs Night venue
- Adjacent to numerous bars and restaurants that often host exhibitor events
- Approximately 2 blocks from the Pennsylvania Convention Center
- Home2 Suites by Hilton
- Complimentary breakfast included
- Located next door to the Pennsylvania Convention Center
- Approximately 1 block away
- Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown
- Approximately 4 blocks from the Pennsylvania Convention Center
Please also note an OnPeak policy change for 2027: rooms canceled after June 15, 2027, will incur a $200 charge.
Partner Resources
Lexipol is offering a free Wellness Assessment to help public safety agencies evaluate their current approach to employee wellness and identify opportunities for improvement.
The assessment takes just a few minutes to complete and provides personalized results based on recognized wellness best practices. Agencies can use the assessment to:
- Evaluate their wellness program across key focus areas
- Identify opportunities to better support personnel and reduce burnout
- Receive practical recommendations based on their agency's results
- Consider ways to strengthen their overall culture of wellness
The assessment is designed specifically for public safety agencies and can serve as a starting point for agencies looking to evaluate or strengthen their existing wellness efforts.