C-Notes: August 21, 2026
President's Address
Greetings, MCPA members.
It's been a few months since my last message to you all, so I wanted to take a minute to touch base.
Although many of us take a bit of a meeting hiatus in the summer, the work doesn't stop. The Fall Leadership Summit is right around the corner, and we are excited for this event in a newly remodeled Cragun's. The agenda is published online, and I encourage you to check it out and register if you haven't already.
I have been fortunate to make the rounds across the state to various regional rep meetings. From Southeastern to Northwestern Minnesota, the miles have been piling up. It's been an honor to connect with everyone, learn about the key issues and concerns affecting public safety across our state, and share the great things our Association is doing.
From time to time, I like to sprinkle in some creative messaging into communications, so here we go with that first installment:
As an 80's kid, I became very familiar with some really kool, timeless movies (and some questionable hairstyles, which I have opted to continue with in later life). St. Elmo's Fire was one of those movies, and the theme song for that movie, 'St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)' by John Parr was the rallying anthem of that movie. The song's message is about inner strength, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Many don't know it was actually written about a Canadian Paralympian, Rick Hansen, who undertook a wheelchair marathon to raise awareness for spinal injuries. Being a wheeled device aficionado myself-think all things bicycle related- I certainly found inspiration in this.
As public safety administrators, we have a number of parallels to this.
Our jobs can seem to be a never-ending sea of challenges to navigate and solve, no matter the size or dynamics of our respective agencies. I believe one reason most of us got into this profession is that we like to solve problems. Somewhere along the way, a lot of those problems likely morphed from handling a domestic dispute to managing a budget or a complex personnel issue. When the days are long and the problems don't stop coming, stay in the fight and try and find some joy in solving the problems you get to solve. Figuring problems out is what we are here for. Otherwise, anyone could do our jobs!
We've all grown in our careers. Think of yourself as a young, new officer, almost a kid compared to the person you are today. You've weathered the storm and grown into an experienced professional and leader. And remember those famous lyrics as you give it your best: 🎼 "You broke the boy in me, but you won't break the man!" 🎶
Stay in the fight and keep putting your best Converse All Star or Reebok Pump foot forward. P.S. For all you country, classic rap, or other genre lovers, your time is coming...
I'll finish by sharing that we at the MCPA have been working behind the scenes on a couple of items which we hope will continue to enhance the great support that the MCPA provides. More updates are coming soon.
Take care,
Chief Brian Board Podany
MCPA President
The full agenda is now available for the 2026 MCPA Fall Leadership Summit, taking place September 28–30 at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd.
This year's Summit features two and a half days of timely training and discussion focused on the issues facing Minnesota's law enforcement leaders.
The agenda includes Michael Laidler on building resiliency through leadership challenges; a panel discussion with Greg Weber, Steve Brewer and Tracy Stille on using data to inform decisions and reduce risk; retired Chief Mike Ranalli on managing the legal risks of artificial intelligence in law enforcement; and Taya Moxley-Goldsmith with an update on Minnesota data practices.
Attendees will also hear from MCPA Lobbyist John Reich on the 2026 election and MCPA's legislative strategy, Jason Lach on financial wellness, and Chief Liam Duggan on analyzing use-of-force incidents beyond the individual event.
The Summit will also include great networking opportunities to connect with law enforcement leaders from across the state.
The City of Minneapolis is conducting a national search for its next Chief of Police. The department serves approximately 425,000 residents and has an authorized workforce of 969 employees, including 731 sworn positions.
The City is seeking an accomplished and collaborative law enforcement executive with experience leading organizational change, strengthening accountability and organizational culture, improving operational effectiveness, and building trusted community partnerships.
The position offers an annual salary of $289,941 to $340,938, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references to apply@publicsectorsearch.com. Initial application review is anticipated to begin August 31, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.
The Minnesota BCA offers several resources for law enforcement agencies related to state data collection and reporting requirements.
Visit the BCA Data and Reporting Information for Law Enforcement page for information, forms and resources related to required law enforcement reporting.
The BCA has also developed a Use of Chemical Irritants Form to assist agencies with new reporting requirements enacted by the Minnesota Legislature in 2026. Agencies can also review 2026 Minnesota Session Law, Chapter 69 for the applicable statutory changes.
The Lakeville Police Department’s new FiRST Center will officially open on September 1 and is now accepting reservations from public safety agencies.
The new facility was designed to provide a modern, flexible environment for law enforcement and other public safety training. Facility features include:
- 50-yard and 25-yard indoor live-fire ranges
- Tactical training area
- Confidence course
- Multiple classrooms and meeting spaces
- Defensive tactics and scenario-based training areas
Agencies can use the FiRST Center for firearms qualifications, scenario-based training, classroom instruction, and other public safety training needs.
Learn more about the FiRST Center:
Reserve training space:
FiRST Center Online Reservations
For questions about the facility or reservation process, contact FiRST Center Manager Austin Roudebush at 952-985-4461.
Lexipol is offering a free Wellness Assessment to help public safety agencies evaluate their current approach to employee wellness and identify opportunities for improvement.
The assessment takes just a few minutes to complete and provides personalized results based on recognized wellness best practices. Agencies can use the assessment to:
- Evaluate their wellness program across key focus areas
- Identify opportunities to better support personnel and reduce burnout
- Receive practical recommendations based on their agency’s results
- Consider ways to strengthen their overall culture of wellness
The assessment is designed specifically for public safety agencies and can serve as a starting point for agencies looking to evaluate or strengthen their existing wellness efforts.
The Minnesota Twins are teaming up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) for two special Law Enforcement Night Offers at Target Field. Join fellow law enforcement professionals, family, friends, and supporters as the Twins recognize and celebrate those who serve our communities.
This year's games include:
- Friday, July 24 at 7:10 p.m. vs. the Athletics
- Tuesday, August 18 at 6:40 p.m. vs. the Atlanta Braves
Ticket packages start as low as $26.75, with multiple seating options available. $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). This special offer is available to law enforcement personnel, corrections professionals, family members, friends, and the general public.
For groups of 20 or more, please contact Liz Pilarski with the Minnesota Twins at LizPilarski@twins.com or (612) 659-3852.
Minnesota Vikings Law Enforcement Offer
The Minnesota Vikings are teaming up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) for a special law enforcement ticket offer. Join fellow law enforcement professionals, first responders, family, friends, and supporters as the Vikings take on the Baltimore Ravens.
Game details: Saturday, August 22, 2026 vs. the Baltimore Ravens
Ticket packages start as low as $22.50, and $5 from every ticket sold through this special offer will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). This offer is available to law enforcement personnel, first responders, public safety professionals, family, friends, and the general public.
For groups of 10 or more or questions about the offer, please contact Minnesota Vikings Representative Junior Estrada at estradaf@vikings.nfl.net or (612) 391-0043.
Get TicketsMinnesota Wild Hero of the Game Nominations
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
Law Enforcement Trainings & Events
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.
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.
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.
Registration is now open for the 2027 CLEO & Command Academy, taking place February 1–5, 2027, at Camp Ripley in Little Falls.
Designed for Chief Law Enforcement Officers and command staff, this intensive five-day academy focuses on the leadership, administrative, and strategic responsibilities of leading a modern law enforcement agency. Participants will learn from experienced chiefs, legal professionals, and subject matter experts while gaining practical tools they can immediately apply within their organizations.
Topics include budgeting, human resources, policy development, media relations, data practices, diversity and inclusion, POST requirements, strategic planning, and navigating the unique political and legal challenges of serving as a chief. The academy also features a CLEO panel discussion and networking opportunities with law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota.
Registration is open through January 28, 2027. Additional information, including the agenda and registration details, is available below.
Registration is open for Women in Command: Excelling as Female Leaders, a two-day leadership program designed for current and aspiring female leaders in law enforcement.
Hosted by the Savage Police Department, the training will be held November 16–17, 2026, at the Savage Environmental Learning and Event Center in Savage, Minnesota.
Led by executive-level female instructors, the course explores the unique opportunities and challenges of leading in law enforcement while providing practical strategies to strengthen leadership presence, build credibility, mentor others, and inspire high-performing teams. Topics include effective leadership principles, organizational structure, leading in today's environment, supervising other women, and breaking through the glass ceiling.
Registration is $359 per person, or $329 per person for groups of four or more using discount code WIC30. Registration information is available below. For questions or to register a large group, contact Maddie Arnold at madeline@calibrepress.com.
Registration is $300 and includes continental breakfast and lunch both days. The training is limited to 160 participants, and applications are being made for CLE and POST credits.
Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) is offering its annual Critical Incident Training at three locations across Minnesota. The one-day training is designed for public safety professionals who may be involved in or responsible for managing a critical incident, providing practical guidance on what to expect before, during, and after these high-stakes events. Participants will receive six Minnesota POST continuing education credits at no cost.
Training dates include:
- November 5, 2026 – Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office (Mankato)
- November 12, 2026 – Duluth Police Department
- January 13, 2027 – St. Cloud Police Department
Registration priority is given to LELS members, but non-members are welcome to register if space is available.
The FBI’s Office of Law Enforcement Engagement and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division are offering two upcoming virtual training sessions on the National Common Operation Picture (NCOP) – SWATTING Virtual Command Center (VCC).
The one-hour Microsoft Teams training will provide an overview of the VCC, including how law enforcement agencies can enter swatting incidents and access available reporting functions. The NCOP-SWATTING VCC allows agencies across the country to share information about past and ongoing swatting incidents to help develop a national common operating picture.
Upcoming Sessions:
- Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 1–2 p.m. CT
- Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 1–2 p.m. CT
Registration: Participants must register through the FBI Virtual Academy. Search for Section VCC-0523. Registration closes at 10:59 p.m. CT the day before each training.
Questions about the training can be directed to NCOP-VCC-SWATTING@fbi.gov.