C-Notes: August 28, 2026
Executive Director Report
The MCPA has been closely tracking the conversation around Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) across Minnesota. After an in-depth discussion at last week's Board meeting, the Association has adopted a formal ALPR statement to help members and their communities navigate the issue.
The statement affirms MCPA's support for the responsible use of ALPR technology when appropriate safeguards, oversight, and accountability are in place. It highlights the tool's public safety value, from locating missing and endangered people to supporting investigations and officer safety, while also acknowledging legitimate concerns around privacy, data retention, and transparency.
Importantly, the statement emphasizes local decision-making and encourages police chiefs to work with their communities to determine whether and how ALPRs fit their local needs. It also points members to Minnesota's governing statutes, 13.824 and 626.8472, and IACP resources for further guidance.
You can read the full statement on the MCPA website. Members are encouraged to review and share it as a resource with local officials and community members.
Thank you,
Chief Jeff Potts (Ret.)
Executive Director
MCPF Community Partnership Grant – APPLY NOW
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Partnership Grant Program. Grants of $500 to $2,500 are available to support projects that strengthen relationships, trust, transparency, cooperation and partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Thanks to the generous support of MCPF donors and partners, the Foundation is able to invest directly in agencies working to strengthen connections with their communities.
Agencies are encouraged to bring forward new ideas or projects that significantly expand existing community engagement efforts.
Applications are due September 18, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the program information and instructions before completing the application.
The 2026 MCPA Fall Leadership Summit is just one month away, taking place September 28–30 at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time to make plans to attend.
This year’s Summit will feature two and a half days of timely training, practical discussion, and networking 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.
Beyond the training, the Summit offers valuable opportunities to connect with chiefs and other law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota.
The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust and PATROL has released a new special bulletin for law enforcement agencies outlining Minnesota’s recent change in the age of delinquency.
Effective August 1, 2026, the minimum age at which a child can be petitioned or adjudicated as delinquent or as a juvenile petty offender increased from 10 to 13. Children age 12 and younger who engage in delinquent behavior or petty offenses are now treated under Minnesota law as children in need of protection or services.
The bulletin provides guidance for officers on several issues affected by the change, including protective custody, temporary placement, coordination with child protection and social services, pat-down searches, and use of force.
Agencies are also encouraged to coordinate with their county attorney’s office, local child protection staff, and other partners as they implement the new requirements.
MCPA members attending the IACP Annual Conference in Orlando are invited to join fellow Minnesota attendees for the IACP Police Chase 5K at SeaWorld Orlando.
MCPA President Chief Brian Podany has created a Minnesota team so members can participate together. When registering, select “MN Chiefs of Police Association MCPA” from the team dropdown menu and use the password Minnesota1.
You don’t need to be a serious runner to participate. Registration is limited, so sign up early!
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.
Minnesota 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
Minnesota United is inviting Minnesota’s first responder community to Allianz Field for a special First Responder Night as the Loons take on Sporting Kansas City.
Game details:
- Wednesday, October 28
- 7:30 p.m.
- Allianz Field
First responders, family members, friends, and supporters are encouraged to attend and help celebrate those who serve their communities. A portion of every ticket purchased through the special offer will go back to support first responders.
The first 50 people to purchase tickets will also receive access to the Warm Up Watchers experience, offering a ground-level view of pregame warm-ups from behind the stadium LED boards.
For questions, contact Minnesota United representative Makayla Bishop at 763-231-1981 or makayla.bishop@mnufc.com.
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.
SAVE and the Bloomington Police Department are hosting two informational webinars this fall for agencies interested in learning how to build a LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team in their community.
The sessions will share lessons learned from Bloomington’s LOSS Team and provide an opportunity for agencies to ask questions about starting a similar program.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s National Law Enforcement Ministry will be at the Omni Viking Lakes in Eagan, October 14-16.
At this Law Enforcement Appreciation Retreat, officers can participate individually or with their spouse in a safe, peaceful setting.
These retreats are free for all first-time guests and include on-site lodging at the Omni Viking Lakes, meals, sessions, and materials.
