C-Notes: July 10, 2026
Executive Director Report
One of the things I'm most looking forward to at this year's Fall Leadership Summit is our outstanding lineup of presenters. The Conference Committee has assembled a program that addresses many of the most pressing issues facing today's law enforcement leaders while also providing practical tools that attendees can bring back to their agencies.
This year's sessions will cover topics including leadership resiliency, officer wellness, artificial intelligence, legislative updates, data practices, election security, use of force analysis, and responsible beverage server training. Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership skills, better support your employees, or stay ahead of emerging legal and operational challenges, you'll find valuable takeaways throughout the conference.
Among this year's featured presenters are Michael Laidler, who will share his "Failure F.U.E.L.S. Growth" framework for building resilient leaders through adversity. Retired Chief Greg Weber and Steven Brewer of Benchmark Analytics will present on officer wellness, and retired Chief Mike Ranalli will explore how agencies can responsibly implement artificial intelligence while managing legal risk. Other sessions will include presentations on data practices, legislative updates, and analyzing use of force for CLEOs.
If you haven't registered yet, I encourage you to do so soon. Unlike ETI, the Fall Leadership Summit has limited capacity and can accommodate only a fraction of the number of attendees. I look forward to seeing you at Cragun's this September.
Have a great weekend.
Chief Jeff Potts (Ret.)
Executive Director
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.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Fall Leadership Summit Small Agency Scholarship Program.
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation will award 20 scholarships of $500 each to help Chiefs from agencies with 15 or fewer sworn officers attend the Fall Leadership Summit, September 28–30, at Cragun's Resort.
Visit the Fall Leadership Summit Scholarship tab for eligibility requirements and the online application. Questions may be directed to luke@mnchiefs.org.
Applications are due July 31, and recipients will be notified by August 28.
Candidates must be Minnesota POST licensed (or eligible for licensure), possess considerable knowledge of law enforcement operations and applicable laws, demonstrate supervisory experience, and successfully complete required pre-employment evaluations.
The position offers a starting wage of $36.25 per hour and is represented by MN Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employees' Union Local No. 320. The City also offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, an employer-funded HSA (up to $4,400), paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, floating holidays, bereavement leave, and a $725 annual uniform allowance.
Applications are available from Babbitt City Hall or by contacting cityadmin@babbittmn.gov.
For additional information, please contact Kirsten Traut, Clerk-Treasurer, at (218) 827-3464.
A new POST-approved officer wellness training course is now available through PATROL Online, helping Minnesota law enforcement agencies meet the wellness training requirements established under Minn. Stat. § 626.8478.
The course satisfies POST Board learning objectives 1, 2, and 4 and prepares officers to recognize and manage the stress and trauma inherent to policing while providing practical tools and resources to support long-term wellness. It also qualifies for POST continuing education credit.
PATROL Online continues to serve as a one-stop training resource for Minnesota law enforcement, offering more than 60 POST-approved courses covering topics such as use of force, crisis intervention, leadership, cultural competency, and critical knowledge. More than 94% of Minnesota law enforcement agencies participate in PATROL, with over 8,600 peace officers using the platform.
Attached are the POST Board learning objectives for the wellness training requirement and a PATROL Online information flyer. For additional information, contact Ashley Edwardson, Loss Control Program Coordinator, at aedwardson@lmc.org or patrol@lmc.org.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is changing how traffic enforcement grants will be administered beginning in Federal Fiscal Year 2027 (FFY27).
Instead of applying through regional grant groups, each law enforcement agency that wishes to participate in OTS-funded traffic enforcement programs will be required to submit its own grant application directly to OTS. Grant agreements will be executed with the agency's legal entity, which is typically a city, county, tribal nation, or university.
To prepare for the transition, agencies should ensure their organization has an Agency Administrator registered in the IGX grants management system, as only an Agency Administrator may submit grant applications.
Agency Administrators should begin gathering the information needed to register and apply, including:
- Organization legal name
- Headquarters address
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
OTS will provide additional guidance, timelines, and application instructions in the coming weeks. Agency grant coordinators will also be available to assist throughout the transition.
Links to IGX registration resources and additional information are provided below.
- IGX grants management system support webpage
- IGX Registration Video
(Note: Only the Agency Administrator can submit the application.) - IGX Registration FAQ & User Roles
- Applying for Grants in IGX
After more than 11 years of service to the Zumbrota community and more than 29 years in Minnesota law enforcement, Chief Patrick Callahan has announced his retirement.
Since being appointed Chief in 2014, Callahan has led numerous advancements within the Zumbrota Police Department, including expanding police services to 24-hour coverage, adding two sergeant positions, modernizing evidence processing and records retention, and strengthening the department's community engagement efforts.
The officers and sergeants of the Zumbrota Police Department expressed their gratitude for Chief Callahan's steadfast leadership and unwavering support of their professional development throughout his tenure.
Chief Callahan's final day of service will be August 20, 2026.
A public farewell will be held on August 22, 2026, at the Zumbrota City Council Chambers, 175 West Avenue, Zumbrota.
The Minnesota Twins are partnering with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to recognize and celebrate the law enforcement community during two special Law Enforcement Nights at Target Field.
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 at $26.75, and $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The offer is available to law enforcement personnel, corrections professionals, family members, friends, and the general public.
For groups of 20 or more, contact Liz Pilarski with the Minnesota Twins at LizPilarski@twins.com or (612) 659-3852. A link to purchase tickets is provided below.
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 open for the Intimate Partner Violence Prosecution Training, hosted by the Stearns County Attorney's Office on September 22–23, 2026, at The Park Event Center in Waite Park.
Designed for prosecutors, support staff, and law enforcement professionals, this two-day training features nationally recognized researcher and presenter Andrew Campbell, whose work focuses on domestic violence, child abuse, offender behavior, victim response, and strategies for breaking cycles of violence.
Additional sessions will cover danger assessments and lethality factors, the connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence, the use of expert witnesses, charging decisions, working with recanting victims, officer wellness, a survivor panel, and judicial perspectives on prosecuting domestic violence cases.
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.