C-Notes: June 18, 2026
Executive Director Report
Important Reminder: Only two weeks left to start or renew your Legal Assistance Plan coverage.
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.
Thank you,
Chief Jeff Potts (Ret.)
Executive Director
SMS Member Communication
In the coming weeks, the MCPA will begin using SMS (text message) communications as another way to connect with our members.
This communication method will be used thoughtfully and sparingly. Its primary purpose is to ensure we can quickly share urgent or time-sensitive information when needed. In situations where timely communication is critical, text messaging will allow us to deliver important updates directly to members. Examples of how we intend to use these texts are situations similar to our email notifications during Operation Metro Surge and last June's political assassinations.
We also anticipate using SMS periodically to share select MCPA updates, particularly reminders about upcoming training opportunities and information about where those events are being held. It is not intended to replace our existing communication channels, like C-Notes and our website, but rather to serve as an additional tool to provide timely information.
To help us make this transition, please confirm that your mobile phone number is listed in your MCPA membership profile. To do this, visit mnchiefs.org and click Login at the top of the page. If you do not know your password, you can easily reset it using the password recovery option. Below are examples of where to find the login both on desktop and mobile. You can also contact luke@mnchiefs.org if you need assistance.
MOBILE
DESKTOP
MCPA Fall Leadership Summit
2026 Fall Leadership Summit
Register 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 conference 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.
IACP/UAE Ministry of Interior Police Academy Exchange Program
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is accepting applications for the IACP/UAE Ministry of Interior Police Academy Exchange Program.
Through the program, a select number of international delegates will be enrolled in a five-month basic academy program at the Abu Dhabi Police College in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The program will take place from September 2026 through February 2027, with exact dates to be determined. Participants selected for the program will take part in physical fitness training, marching, practical exercises, and academic studies in a basic academy format.
The program is provided at no cost to participants, with all expenses covered by the UAE Ministry of Interior. Covered expenses include flights to and from the UAE, meals and lodging at the Abu Dhabi Police College, group transportation to and from the academy, medical insurance with healthcare coverage in the UAE, academy supplies, and monthly stipends.
The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony, during which each participant and their respective chief or agency representative will be invited to attend.
Participation in the program is selective. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Physically fit and 24 to 35 years of age
- Approximately three to 12 years of policing experience
- Active or sworn police official
- Demonstrated cultural competency, adaptability, and openness to new ideas and practices
- Leadership experience and skills in policing and community engagement
- English language proficiency
- Proficiency at the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level of 5.5, or equivalent
- Possess a passport with at least six months of validity and the ability to travel to the UAE
The deadline to apply is Friday, July 17, 2026.
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 Legislative Review
As the 2026 legislative session comes to a close, several new laws affecting public safety and law enforcement agencies across Minnesota have been enacted.
To help Minnesota's law enforcement leaders stay informed, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association is sharing a summary of key legislative changes that may impact agency operations, public safety policy, and criminal justice procedures.
The legislative review was prepared by Rick Hodsdon, General Counsel for the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association. The report provides an overview of notable updates from the 2026 session and highlights issues chiefs and their agencies should be aware of moving forward.
MCPA appreciates Rick's continued expertise and partnership in helping keep Minnesota's law enforcement community informed on important legislative developments.
Chief Patrick Callahan Retirement
After over 11 years of service to the Zumbrota community and over 29 years of service in Minnesota law enforcement, Chief Patrick Callahan has announced his upcoming retirement. Chief Callahan has been a strong advocate for the Zumbrota Police Department since his appointment in 2014; seeing the advancement of services to 24 hours a day and the addition of two Sergeants, modernizing evidence processing and records retention, and increasing the agency's community engagement endeavors. The Officers and Sergeants of Zumbrota PD are grateful for Chief Callahan's steadfast leadership and support of their professional development throughout the years. Chief Callahan's last day of service will be August 20th, 2026.
A public farewell for Chief Callahan will be held on August 22, 2026, at the City Council Chambers – 175 West Avenue, Zumbrota.
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.
Minnesota Law Enforcement Training Survey
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), in partnership with the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) and Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association (MSA), is asking law enforcement professionals across Minnesota to participate in the 2026 Law Enforcement Training Survey.
Conducted every two years, the survey is designed to help identify current training needs, evaluate where needs are being met, and identify potential gaps that may exist across the profession. Results will help guide future training priorities and opportunities throughout Minnesota.
The survey is intended for chiefs, sheriffs, administrators, supervisors, and others involved in law enforcement training and takes approximately five minutes to complete.
The survey will be open from June 15 through July 10, 2026. Members are encouraged to participate and share the opportunity broadly within their organizations to help ensure feedback reflects agencies and professionals from across the state.
Survey results will be shared through participating organizations following the conclusion of the survey.
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
2026 Intimate Partner Violence Training
Registration is now open for the 2026 Intimate Partner Violence Training, scheduled for September 22-23, 2026. The two-day program is designed for prosecutors, support staff, and law enforcement professionals seeking to strengthen their response to domestic violence cases.
The training will feature nationally recognized presenter Andrew Campbell, whose work focuses on the intersection of domestic violence, child abuse, and community violence. Additional sessions will cover danger assessments and lethality factors, using experts in trial, animal cruelty and its connection to domestic violence, survivor perspectives, judicial insights from Judge Andrew Pearson, and more.
The training is capped at 160 participants, and applications are being made for both CLE and POST credits.
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.