C-Notes: May 29, 2026
Executive Director Report
Registration is now open for the 2026 MCPA Fall Leadership Summit, taking place September 28-30 at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd.
Last year marked the first time MCPA hosted the Fall Leadership Summit, and the response exceeded expectations with more than 150 attendees joining us for the inaugural event. Based on that strong turnout and positive feedback, we are excited to bring the Summit back for 2026.
The Fall Leadership Summit provides Minnesota's law enforcement leaders with an opportunity to step away from day-to-day operations and focus on leadership development, professional growth, and peer collaboration. Designed to complement larger events like ETI, the Summit offers a smaller, more focused environment for meaningful conversations and strategic discussion.
Throughout the 2.5-day program, attendees will participate in expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions centered on the challenges and opportunities facing today's law enforcement leaders.
Attendees returning to Cragun's will also notice several recent renovations and improvements across the property, offering a more updated experience.
I encourage you to register early and make hotel arrangements as soon as possible. I'm looking forward to another strong gathering of chiefs and command staff from across the state this fall.
You can learn more about the Leadership Summit online or reach out to MCPA staff at info@mnchiefs.org with any questions.
Thanks, and have a great weekend.
Chief Jeff Potts (Ret.)
Executive Director
The MCPA Legal Assistance Program (LAP) continues to provide valuable support to Chiefs and Command Staff members across Minnesota. Since launching the program, LAP has assisted dozens of members facing complaints, allegations, employment disputes, and other complex situations where experienced legal guidance was needed.
Chiefs and Command Staff can sometimes find themselves responding to criticism, complaints, or allegations from members of their communities. When those situations arise, having access to trusted legal representation can make a significant difference.
The annual cost for coverage is $150, providing affordable protection and peace of mind for members. More than 130 members enrolled in the program last year, and participation continues to grow as awareness of the benefit increases.
Enrollment for the 2026–2027 coverage year is now open. Coverage runs annually from July 1 through June 30. Members who are currently enrolled have received renewal notices by email.
ERPO Data Highlights Firearm Storage Needs, Grant Opportunities for Agencies
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety recently shared statewide data on Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) activity, showing continued growth in the use of ERPOs since the law took effect in 2024 and reinforcing the need for agencies to plan for firearm storage and crisis response capacity.
Since implementation, statewide ERPO activity includes:
- 130 orders granted in 2024
- 300 orders granted in 2025
- 115 orders granted from January through April 2026
DPS reviewed 556 ERPO petitions and identified several trends that may help agencies plan for storage capacity and operational needs:
- Average firearms listed per petition: 3.73
- Average firearms listed excluding outliers: 2.09
- Highest number of firearms listed in a single petition: 90
- 34 petitions indicated respondents were believed to possess zero firearms at the time of filing
According to DPS, 56 counties have already petitioned for ERPOs, while 31 counties have not yet processed a petition. The data provides agencies with a better understanding of what they may encounter as implementation continues statewide.
Firearm Storage Grant Available
To help agencies address storage concerns, DPS is offering a Firearm Storage Grant that allows agencies to request up to $50,000 per agency for firearm storage needs related to ERPO cases.
Application Deadline: June 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Additional Crisis Intervention Funding Available
Agencies may also be eligible for a Crisis Intervention and Behavioral Health Grant, providing up to $250,000 over two years to support crisis intervention strategies, behavioral health partnerships, community violence intervention, and law-enforcement-based crisis response.
Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Agencies with questions about ERPO implementation, storage planning, or available grant funding are encouraged to connect with DPS for additional support and resources.
2026 Fall Leadership Summit
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.
Change to Vehicle Registration Tab Material
DVS is notifying law enforcement of an upcoming change to the material used to manufacture Minnesota license plate tabs. 3M, which produces the tabs, is ending its use of PFAS chemicals and transitioning to a new tab material.
As a result, new tabs will appear slightly different from current tabs. The updated tabs will feature a faint background pattern and text reading “official use only.” There may also be a negligible difference in color and reflectivity between the current and new versions. The numbering and printing format of the tabs will remain the same.
The change in material is only noticeable at very close range, and most vehicle owners likely will not notice a difference.
The new tabs will be phased in gradually over the next several years as DVS uses its remaining inventory of existing tabs.
See the the examples below comparing the current tab material with the new tab material.
Changes to Vehicle Tab Material
DVS is notifying law enforcement of an upcoming change to the material used to manufacture Minnesota license plate tabs. 3M, which produces the tabs, is ending its use of PFAS chemicals and transitioning to a new tab material.
As a result, new tabs will appear slightly different from current tabs. The updated tabs will feature a faint background pattern and text reading “official use only.” There may also be a negligible difference in color and reflectivity between the current and new versions. The numbering and printing format of the tabs will remain the same.
The change in material is only noticeable at very close range, and most vehicle owners likely will not notice a difference.
The new tabs will be phased in gradually over the next several years as DVS uses its remaining inventory of existing tabs.
See the examples comparing the current tab material with the new tab material.
Law Enforcement Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteers are needed to assist with residence hall access control during the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, June 20–27 at the University of Minnesota and National Sports Center.
More than 4,500 athletes and coaches will be housed in UofM residence halls. Volunteers will help ensure only credentialed individuals assigned to each dorm are granted access. This role involves direct interaction with participants and supports a safe, positive experience.
Details:
- Shifts: 4:00–10:00 p.m.
- One volunteer per residence hall
- Open to current and past law enforcement
Volunteers must register before selecting shifts via a private link.
For questions, contact Mark Sitarz at msitarz@2026usagames.org or 612-518-8433.
MN Wild Hero of the Game - Submit a Nomination
The Axtell Group is proud to partner with the Minnesota Wild to recognize outstanding law enforcement professionals during home playoff games and to begin building a strong list of candidates for the 2026–2027 season.
Nominations are now being accepted for officers, deputies, and troopers who have made a meaningful impact, whether through recent actions or a career of dedicated service. All nominations will be shared with the Minnesota Wild as they select individuals to be recognized at select games.
During the regular season, there are a limited number of recognition opportunities, typically 12 to 15 games. While every nomination is valued, not all nominees will be selected.
Consider nominating someone from your agency who stands out, such as:
- Officer, Deputy, or Trooper of the Year recipients
- Life-saving award honorees
- Individuals with strong community connections
- Those who consistently make a difference behind the scenes
This program is a meaningful way to recognize their work and show appreciation for their service.
Each selected honoree will receive:
- Two tickets to a Minnesota Wild home game (based on availability, with the possibility of 1–2 additional tickets)
- Recognition on the scoreboard during a first-period break
- An opportunity for your agency to share their story on social media
IACP 2026 Conference Housing Update
Members planning to attend the IACP Annual Conference in Orlando should note that rooms are still available in the official housing block at the recently added third hotel, the Westgate Palace Hotel.
IACP has also issued an important reminder regarding existing hotel reservations. Reservations without assigned names must be updated by June 12, or they may be subject to cancellation.
This is particularly important for agencies that may have booked multiple rooms under a single name (such as an administrative assistant or coordinator). Members are encouraged to ensure reservations are assigned to the individuals who will be checking into the hotel this October.
Questions regarding reservations or housing should be directed to the IACP housing team.
MN Twins Law Enforcement Nights
MN Twins Law Enforcement Nights
The Minnesota Twins are partnering with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for two special Law Enforcement Night games at Target Field:
- Friday, July 24 at 7:10 p.m. vs. the Athletics
- Tuesday, August 18 at 6:40 p.m. vs. the Atlanta Braves
Tickets start at $26.75, with options available for law enforcement, corrections, family, friends, and the general public. For every ticket sold, $5 will be donated to NLEOMF.
Order online: Minnesota Twins Law Enforcement Night – National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
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.