C-Notes: November 20, 2025
Executive Director Report
This week has been an energizing one for MCPA as we gathered for the first-ever Fall Leadership Summit. More than 115 law enforcement professionals joined us for two and a half days of training, discussion, and collaboration focused on leadership, professionalism, and the evolving challenges in policing.
We also welcomed 16 Accreditation Managers for our first-ever MNLEAP assessor training. Our new accreditation program is gaining momentum quickly, and this week’s training ensures our assessors are prepared as agencies begin the accreditation process in the months ahead.
Throughout the Summit, we had valuable conversations about leadership development, organizational culture, and the day-to-day challenges facing agencies of every size. Seeing police leaders connect, share ideas, and support one another is what made this Summit so impactful.
We also appreciate the sponsors who joined us and helped make this training possible. Their partnership allows us to keep high-quality programming accessible to members statewide. Please keep these partners in mind when you need services: PowerDMS, Peregrine, The Axtell Group, Genetec, Lexipol, and Crisis Clean Team.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend, participate, and invest in their leadership growth. And thank you to our presenters and facilitators for helping make this another strong MCPA training event.
I look forward to seeing many of you at ETI this April in St. Cloud. Registration officially opened this week, and I encourage you to reserve your spot and book your hotel early!
Note: there will be no C-Notes next week. I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving with their loved ones.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
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ETI 2026 – April 13–16 in St. Cloud
Registration is now open for the 2026 Executive Training Institute & Law Enforcement Expo. Join more than 400 Minnesota law enforcement leaders April 13–16 at the Rivers Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
Why attend?
- Expert-led sessions on leadership, crisis management, community policing, and emerging trends in public safety
- An Expo hall featuring top vendors, products, and services for law enforcement agencies
- Networking with peers and command-level professionals from across Minnesota
- Practical insights and takeaways you can bring back to your department and apply immediately
Whether you’re looking to advance your leadership skills, improve department operations, or stay ahead of emerging trends, the 2026 ETI is your must-attend event to help shape the future of policing in Minnesota.
December Leadership Academy
MCPA will host its Leadership Academy December 9-12, 2025 at Camp Ripley in Little Falls. This 3.5-day program is designed for first-line supervisors and middle managers preparing to step into leadership roles. Key topics, including complaint sorting and discipline, performance appraisals, general leadership principles, and media relations musts for every police department.
Registration is open until December 1, 2025.
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.
Consumer Alert: Beware of e-motos Being Sold as 'ebikes' in Minnesota
As we head into this holiday season, Minnesota residents are urged to use caution when purchasing electric bicycles online. Direct-to-consumer companies are marketing and selling one, two and three-wheeled motorized vehicles as “e-bikes” when, under Minnesota law, they are not. These products — commonly referred to as e-motos — pose safety risks and are illegal to operate as bicycles on Minnesota roadways, trails and paths.
Lakeville Hiring FiRST Center Facility Manager
The City of Lakeville is seeking a skilled leader to manage the upcoming FiRST Center, a brand-new regional public safety training facility opening in 2026. This 40,000 sq ft facility will serve law enforcement, fire, and EMS with classrooms, virtual training, and a tactical firing range.
Key Details:
- Location: Lakeville, MN
- Salary range: $112,841 – $146,010 annually
- Application deadline: 12:00 p.m. (Central) on Monday, November 24, 2025
If you’re ready to lead a premier training center and support public safety agencies across the region, consider applying today. Applicants can submit their materials through the City of Lakeville’s online application system.
Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement Night
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.