C-Notes: September 4, 2025
Executive Director Report
After last week's school shooting in Minneapolis, many of you have probably been contacted by local schools and churches to provide additional resources. To help you better navigate those conversations, we are scheduling a virtual briefing with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the State School Safety Center. We will hear an update on the investigation of last week's school shooting, as well as hear from the State School Safety Center.
We hope you can make it to this briefing. Please include your Command Staff members as well as your school resource officers at the meeting.
The briefing will be this Friday, September 5, at 9:30 am. You can access it by using the Zoom info below.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 651 803 8030
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+13092053325,,6518038030# US
+13126266799,,6518038030# US (Chicago)
Thank you,
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Apply for a Community Partnerships Grant
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025 Community Partnerships Grant Program, with $100,000 available to support agencies statewide.
Departments may request up to $2,500 for programs, events, or outreach that strengthen community relationships. Agencies funded in 2024 are welcome to apply again.
Deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025
Learn more and apply at mnchiefs.org/community-grants.
Submit 2026 Legislative Ideas by Sept. 10
MCPA is building its 2026 legislative agenda now, and member proposals are due by Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Advocacy at the Capitol is one of MCPA's most valued services, and your ideas help set those priorities.
Share your proposal using the short three-question form before the deadline. Submissions will be reviewed by the Legislative Committee, surveyed for member support, and finalized by the Board of Directors in October. The adopted agenda will guide MCPA's work at the Capitol.
Agencies of every size are encouraged to participate. If you'd like to be more involved, you can join the Legislative Committee.
2025 MCPA Legislation Proposal
Committee review meetings (virtual):
- September 17
- September 24
- October 8
Contact Jeff Potts if you are interested in joining the committee.
Officer Safety in Minnesota: A Fall Leadership Summit Highlight
The Fall Leadership Summit will feature an important presentation from Dr. James Densley and Dr. Jillian Peterson of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center.
At the request of the Superintendent of the Minnesota BCA and the Commissioner of DPS, the Center analyzed all incidents between 2019 and 2024 in which law enforcement officers were intentionally injured in the line of duty. Prompted by several high-profile fatal shootings in 2024, the study identified 118 incidents and sheds light on the circumstances surrounding these assaults. The findings are intended to inform prevention strategies moving forward.
This session will provide chiefs and command staff with data-driven insights into officer safety and the opportunity to reflect on lessons learned from the research.
Small Agency Scholarships Available for Fall Leadership Summit
Thanks to the support of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation, scholarships are available to help small agencies with the cost of attending the 2025 Fall Leadership Summit at Cragun’s Resort.
This funding helps ensure that leaders from all departments, regardless of size, can participate in this new professional development opportunity. Agencies interested in applying can submit their scholarship request now.
Visit the Fall Leadership Summit Scholarship tab for more information and to access the application form.
City of Chaska Hiring Deputy Chief
The Chaska Police Department is seeking a dynamic, experienced and highly motivated Deputy Police Chief to serve as a trusted second-in-command to the current Chief of Police. This critical leadership position will function as the department's operational lead, focused on driving day-to-day performance, reinforcing accountability, and advancing the strategic vision of the Chief of Police.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned law enforcement professional with a strong background in all areas of policing, including tactical response and critical incident management. They will bring a steady, disciplined approach to leadership, holding personnel to high standards while constructively managing conflict and promoting professional growth.
The application deadline is September 14, 2025.
MN Wild Hero of the Game Nominations
The Axtell Group is partnering with the Minnesota Wild to honor outstanding law enforcement professionals at 12 home games this season. Officers, deputies, and troopers can be nominated for recent achievements or a career of dedicated service.
Nominees may include award recipients, community leaders, or those who quietly keep people safe.
Each honoree receives:
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Two tickets to a Wild home game (with possibility of extras)
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Recognition on the scoreboard during the first period
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A chance for their story to be shared on social media