C-Notes: March 5, 2026
Executive Director Report
Planning continues to move full speed ahead for the 2026 Executive Training Institute (ETI) and Law Enforcement Expo, which will take place April 13–16 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
One of the highlights of this year’s event will be the lineup of speakers and presenters sharing their insights and expertise. We've assembled a strong mix of nationally recognized voices, experienced professionals, and Minnesota law enforcement leaders who will address topics ranging from leadership and organizational culture to emerging technology and the evolving challenges facing public safety agencies.
Next week, we’ll release a nearly complete schedule of sessions and programming, providing a more detailed look at the training opportunities planned for this year’s ETI.
Between the Law Enforcement Expo featuring the latest tools and technology for public safety, and the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Minnesota, ETI 2026 is shaping up to be another outstanding conference. I hope to see many of you in St. Cloud this April.
You can still register with early-bird pricing through March 13.
Thank you,
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Our legislative team at Cozen O’Connor continues to track developments at the Capitol and provide updates on issues impacting Minnesota law enforcement. This week’s report includes a budget forecast update, activity in the House and Senate public safety committees, and a look ahead at legislation being heard in the coming days.
Early Bird Pricing for ETI 2026 Ends March 13
Early bird registration for the 2026 Executive Training Institute (ETI) ends March 13. ETI takes place April 13–16 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
The conference brings together chiefs and command staff from across Minnesota for four days of leadership training, professional development, and networking. Sessions will cover topics including critical incidents, homicide investigations, discipline and grievance processes, drones as first responders, elder crypto fraud, and lessons learned from the Burnsville tragedy.
Attendees can also explore the ETI Expo Hall and connect with vendors showcasing the latest tools and technology for law enforcement. Register by March 13 to receive early bird pricing.
MCPA Board of Directors Nominations
The MCPA is now accepting candidate submissions for the 2026 Board of Directors. Members interested in serving are encouraged to submit their candidacy through the online form.
The following positions are open:
- 2nd Vice President
- 3rd Vice President
- Treasurer (3-year term)
- Sergeant-at-Arms (1-year term)
- Director (3-year term) – three positions available
The election will be held during ETI on Wednesday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m. Voting is limited to Voting Members present at the conference.
The deadline to submit a nomination is March 13, 2026. Additional candidate and election details will be shared after the submission period ends.
Member Input Requested: Survey on House File 3356
There is a bill moving through the Legislature that would require agencies to remove certain equipment and identifying insignia from squad cars and other emergency vehicles when they are taken out of service and sold to the public.
House File 3356 would require the removal of certain equipment and markings from emergency vehicles prior to sale. The Minnesota Legislative Budget Office (LBO) is responsible for determining the financial impact this legislation may have on local units of government, including cities and counties.
To assist with that analysis, the LBO is asking affected agencies to complete a brief survey. Your responses will be used to estimate the fiscal effects of the proposed legislation. Individual responses will remain anonymous in the final local impact note report.
Additional information about the local impact note process is available on the LBO website. Questions may be directed to Joel Enders, Lead Budget Analyst, Minnesota Legislative Budget Office, at joel.enders@lbo.mn.gov or 651-284-6542.
Please take a moment to complete the survey.
SRT Body-Worn Camera Program
The Small, Rural, and Tribal Body-Worn Camera (SRT BWC) Program will reopen for new applications on January 26, 2026.
The SRT BWC program provides funding for body-worn cameras to:
- Law enforcement agencies with 50 or fewer full-time sworn personnel
- Rural agencies located in non-urban or non-metro counties
- Federally recognized tribal law enforcement agencies
Funds may be used to purchase or lease body-worn cameras and to cover expenses reasonably related to implementing a comprehensive BWC program. Grants may support pilot programs, new implementation, or expansion of existing programs.
Grant funds may not be used for BWCs purchased prior to January 1, 2026. A one-to-one match is required and may include in-kind contributions.
The program is administered by Justice & Security Strategies, Inc. through a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Crisis Response Grant Program Applications Open
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2026–2028 Crisis Response Grant Program. This funding opportunity supports local units of government and Tribal governments in developing, maintaining, or expanding crisis response teams that include mental health professionals responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
The grant program is designed to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community-based providers to ensure individuals experiencing a crisis receive appropriate care and support.
Key Details
- Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
- Funding Period: August 2026 – June 2028
- Eligible Applicants: Local units of government and Tribal governments
Full RFP: RFP-Crisis-Response-2026-2028
More information here: Funding opportunities | Minnesota Department of Public Safety
White Bear Lake Seeks Next Police Chief
The City of White Bear Lake is accepting applications for its next Chief of Police. This executive leadership role is responsible for guiding department operations, setting strategic direction, overseeing the budget, and strengthening partnerships with residents, businesses, and regional public safety partners.
The Chief reports directly to the City Manager and serves as a visible leader in the community, working closely with City staff and elected officials to advance public safety priorities.
Learn more:
- Position Description (duties and qualifications)
- Position Profile (community and leadership overview):
Qualified candidates are encouraged to review the full materials and apply through the City of White Bear Lake’s online portal.
Wellness & Resilience Seminar
The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office Wellness Program is hosting a two-day Wellness and Resilience Seminar in March and is inviting neighboring public safety personnel and their significant others to attend.
The seminar will address topics including navigating family stressors, strengthening resilience, preventing burnout, and enhancing mental and emotional wellbeing.
The training will be facilitated by Randall Combs, an 18-year veteran of the Lexington Police Department and current Lieutenant of the Special Investigations Unit.
Location: Rosemount Community Center
Session Options:
- March 10, 2026 | 12:30–4:30 p.m.
- March 10, 2026 | 5:30–9:30 p.m.
- March 11, 2026 | 12:30–4:30 p.m.
- March 11, 2026 | 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement Offers
The Minnesota Wild have partnered with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association to offer specially priced tickets at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul on the following dates:
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 vs. Utah Mammoth
- Thursday, April 2, 2026 vs. Vancouver Canucks
This special offer is open to all local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, corrections officers, sheriffs, security and public safety personnel, first responders, family members, and the general public.
Multiple specially priced ticket options are available, and $5 from each ticket purchased will be donated to NLEOMF and LEMA.
For groups of eight or more, contact Minnesota Wild representative Karen Reisinger at 651-312-3486 or kreisinger@wild.com.
First Responders Night at Target Field
Join the Minnesota Twins for First Responders Night as the Twins take on the Toronto Blue Jays at 7:10 p.m. on Friday, May 1 at Target Field.
This special ticket package includes your game ticket plus a limited-edition co-themed First Responders Camper Mug. In addition, $5 from each ticket purchased through this exclusive offer will be donated to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association.
For groups of 20 or more, contact Liz Pilarski at LizPilarski@twins.com or 612-659-3852.
MCPA Trainings
MCPA Executive Leadership College
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
For questions, contact Stephanie Revering, MCPA Training and Operations Director.
Register for MCPA's Leadership Academy
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.
MCPA's NEW Advanced Leadership Academy
Join MCPA on September 9–10, 2026, in New Brighton for the Advanced Leadership Academy, a 1.5-day, POST-approved program designed to strengthen leadership skills for law enforcement supervisors.
Building on foundational supervision principles, the academy focuses on transformational leadership, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and strategic self-assessment.
This program is designed for middle management and first-line supervisors and supports participants in successfully transitioning from street officer to effective leader.
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.