C-Notes: April 10, 2026
Executive Director Report
We are heading into an important phase of the legislative session. This week, Chief Jay Henthorne testified in support of legislation to restore the training funding that was lost last year. Representative Terry Stier authored HF4700, which would permanently fund the Philando Castile Training Fund at approximately $9 million per year, or about $930 per officer annually.
On April 23, we will host "Day at the Capitol" for our members. We have arranged for several legislators to meet with attendees to discuss our priorities. This is an excellent opportunity to share why restoring training funding is so important and to provide feedback on other legislation impacting Minnesota law enforcement.
If you are able, we encourage you to attend on April 23. Find full details and register online at mnchiefs.org/mcpa-day-at-the-capitol-2026
Thank you. I look forward to seeing many of you at ETI next week.
Chief Jeff Potts (Ret.)
Executive Director
Legislative Session Update
No legislative update from Cozen O'Connor this week, but look for MCPA President Jay Henthorne and MCPA Legislative Committee Chair Matt Gottschalk to provide an Association update at ETI.
See You at ETI Next Week!
The 2026 Executive Training Institute is almost here. We look forward to seeing many of you in St. Cloud, April 13–16, for a great week of training, networking, and the always popular Expo Hall featuring more than 100 vendors.
If you would like to visit the ETI Expo Hall, you can attend for free, but advance registration is required.
We look forward to seeing you next week at ETI.
MCPA Day at the Capitol
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA), in partnership with Cozen O’Connor, will host MCPA Day at the Capitol on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
This event brings together law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota during the legislative session to connect with legislators, public safety partners, and state agency officials. It also provides an opportunity for chiefs and command staff to share perspectives on issues impacting public safety in their communities.
Members who are able to attend are encouraged to participate. Sworn law enforcement officers are asked to wear their department uniform.
Police Chief Opening: City of Lewiston
The City of Lewiston is seeking qualified candidates to serve as its next Police Chief. This is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative, community-focused leader to oversee a small department and help shape public safety in a close-knit community in southeastern Minnesota.
Position Highlights
- Salary Range: $73,978.20 to $96,171.32 DOQ
- Open until filled
- First review of applications: April 14, 2026
The Lewiston Police Department includes two full-time and three part-time employees, offering a hands-on leadership opportunity with strong community engagement.
MCPA Board of Directors Election to be Held at ETI
The Board of Directors election will take place during ETI on Wednesday, April 15, as part of the MCPA Updates & Election session from 10:15–11:30 a.m. Voting will remain open until 12:30 p.m., with final results announced during the 1:15 p.m. general session.
Past President Chief Gottschalk will chair the election, moving position by position, announcing candidates, and accepting nominations from the floor. Uncontested positions will be declared elected. For contested races, voting will take place electronically for eligible Voting Members (CLEOs) who are physically in attendance. Ballots will be sent via email, and a QR code will also be available onsite if needed.
Members are encouraged to review this year’s nominees ahead of ETI and connect with candidates while attending the conference.
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.
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.
Registration is now open for the 2026 MCPA Fall Leadership Summit, taking place September 28–30 at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd.
The Summit brings together Minnesota’s law enforcement leaders for a focused leadership retreat featuring professional development, peer collaboration, and discussions on the key challenges facing policing today. Designed to complement larger events like ETI, the Summit offers a more intimate setting for meaningful conversations and strategic leadership development.
Over the course of the two-and-a-half-day program, chiefs and command staff will participate in expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions aimed at strengthening leadership and advancing public safety across the state.
Additional details, including the full agenda and registration information, are available on the event page.