M I N N E S O T A C H I E F S O F P O L I C E A S S O C I A T I O N

DEDICATED TO THE IDEALS OF PROFESSIONAL POLICING

BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING

February 15, 2018 Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association HQ

803 Old Highway 8 NW New Brighton, MN

10:30 am – 1:00 pm 1. Call to Order President Michael Goldstein 2. Opening Invocation Tony Paetznick 3. Treasurer’s Report Susan Engel + Treasurer Tim Fournier

§ Approve January financial report § Approve signing of checks § Approval of new members

4. Secretary’s Report President Goldstein § Approve minutes from January 15, 2018

5. President’s Report Goldstein § MCPA Mental Health Professional § Foundation update

6. Executive Director’s Report Andy Skoogman

§ Tactical Plan progress report § ETI Sales & Marketing Update § 2018 Elections/Nominating Committee § Membership Renewal numbers § State Auditor meeting § MCPA Training Center upgrade

7. Legislative Committee 2nd VP Jeff Potts 8. Professional Development Committee Bob Jacobson + Eric Werner

• ETI Update • Strength and Resiliency Training • Officer Leadership Development (Mar. 27th)

9. Peer Support and Outreach update Bob Jacobson Road To Wellness Basecamp site

10. Communications Committee Andrew Wittenborg § Branding campaign Working Group update § Legislative Talking Points + resource page on website § Spring 2018 Magazine

11. 2018 Awards Committee Chair Tim Fournier 12. Additional awards Innovation Award nominees Richard Schaller Award nominees 13. Old Business 14. New Business 15. Next Meeting: March 22, 2018 (NOTE: This is the 4th Thursday of the month) 16. Adjourn

MCPA Board of Directors Meeting January 18, 2018

MCPA Headquarters, New Brighton, MN

In Attendance: Rodney Seurer, Susan Engel, Mike Risvold, Eric Werner, Dave Bentrud, Dave Ebinger, Roger Pohlman, Stephanie Revering, Jeff Potts, Andy Skoogman, Jeff Tate, Tim Fournier, Eric Klang, Bob Jacobson, Andrew Wittenborg, Tony Paetznick, & Mike Goldstein On-Line: Mike Mastin Called to Order: President Goldstein called the meeting to order at 10:31 AM. Opening Invocation, Tony Paetznick Agenda Additions: None Treasurer’s Report, Susan Engel/Treasurer Fournier See detailed financial report. Approve December Financial Report & Signing of the Checks: Motion made by Past President Seurer and seconded by Director Ebinger; motion passed. Secretary’s Report, Stephanie Revering: Minutes from the December 21, 2017 meeting were submitted. Motion to approve made by Director Ebinger and seconded by Director Werner; motion passed. President’s Report, President Mike Goldstein

• MCPA Mental Health Professional President Goldstein discussed the concept of creating a bench of mental health professionals for the use of our membership and their agencies. Director Risvold commented that it would have tremendous value as someone who has recently gone through a tragic event. 3rd VP Potts asked about budget and what we were considering. President Goldstein stated it would take time and discussion would be needed. A motion by Director Risvold to create a work group and seconded by Director Werner; motion carries.

Executive Director’s Report, Andy Skoogman

• Foundation Update A letter from the attorney is attached to this document. Executive Director Skoogman met with President Shawl regarding the letter. The board had discussion on the foundation and next steps. VP Hatten made a motion for Executive Director Skoogman and President Goldstein meet with the foundation president to discuss the issues, and it was seconded by Director Werner; motion carries.

• POST Board Update Both the standards and training committees met and will present to the full board next week. New members of the POST Board are Chief Sarah Rice, Tribal Police Department, and Chief Stephanie Revering, Crystal Police Department.

• ETI Sales & Marketing Update It is going well and the next few weeks are critical for ETI.

• 2018 Elections/Nominating Committee We have two open Director positions and the annual Sergeant at Arms position up for elections. The Past President will lead the nominating committee at ETI and candidates need to be presented to the board according to the by-laws.

• Membership Renewal Update Please renew your membership for 2018 dues.

• Approval of new MCPA Members 3rd VP Potts made a motion to approve the new MCPA Members, seconded by VP Hatten; motion carries.

Legislative Committee Updates, Third VP Potts

• ALPR Audits A meeting is planned to discuss next steps regarding the audits.

• Our Lobbyist Contract Mr. Tom Freeman’s contract is up the end of this year. Most likely the board will have to discuss an increase for 2019 and beyond to contract with his firm.

Professional Development Committee, Bob Jacobson/Director Eric Werner Chief Werner gave an update of ETI. The ETI Committee has been very active identifying and prioritizing the educational sessions. We will have two educational sessions on Sunday night and a sponsor spotlight. Training for Monday thru Wednesday will have a focus on organizational excellence and will have sessions that will be important to City Administrators and to Command level staff as well as Chiefs.

Bob Jacobson reported that we have 29 members signed up to attend the Dr. Nystrom Wellness series, “Strength and Resiliency” which will have its first session on January 25th.

We have scheduled training for City Managers/Elected Officials called “Critical Role of City Leaders in Law Enforcement” which will be held on March 8th. We are also hosting an Officer Leadership Development training on March 27th. Both trainings will be held in New Brighton.

Peer Support

Bob Jacobson reported that Peer Support training has been busy with several sessions around greater MN in December and January. The Stearns County Chiefs have asked for presentations

for all of their staff including families of staff members. This has the potential to create more opportunities to do this training. We have trained in excess of 170 people thus far. Our Peer Support working group will meet next week.

Communications Committee, Andrew Wittenborg • 2018 Winter Magazine

The magazine will be coming out shortly and will cover critical issues forum, legislative agenda, and the Super Bowl.

• Branding Work Group We have an upcoming meeting and will report back at the next board meeting.

2018 Awards Committee, Chair Tim Fournier The committee will be meeting today to discuss the 11 nominated officers from 6 police departments. Old Business None New Business None. Next meeting February 15, 2018 at MCPA Headquarters. Meeting Adjourned, 1:05 PM.

MCPATacticalActionPlan

asofJune8,2017Page1

Key:Red–Completed;O

range–Inprocess–February2018

MCPATacticalActionPlan–2017

Goal:M

CPAwillbuildacom

prehensivebrandingplatformtoprom

oteapositiveimageofourprofession

(andtocounterthenegativeimages),toyieldanenhancedview

ofpolicingasacareerpath.

DesiredOutcome(s)byETI2019

• Rolloutstatew

ide,multi-m

ediabrandingcampaign,releasereportonstatusoflaw

enforcementoutreach

effortsandprovidemem

bersagencieswithguidance/bestpracticesonrecruitm

entandretention

KeyActionsLeadPersonorCom

mittee

ProjectTimeline

Nov2017

Feb2018April2018

July2018October2018

1. Form

6-mem

berbrandingworking

group(3metro,3GreaterM

N)MCPAStaff

Identifymem

bers,andco-chairs

Holdatleasttw

omeetings

ProvideMCPA

Boardwith

recommendations

oninitialstrategies

Reviewing

mem

berinputonstrategies

ProvideMCPA

Boardwith

recommendations

onfinalstrategies

2. SurveyM

CPAMem

bershipre:outreacheffortsofm

embers

(recruitment,citizen’sacadem

ies,etc.)

MCPAStaff

Identifysurveyquestionsandnum

berofsurveys

Conductingsurveysandfieldresearch

PresentsurveyresultsatETIBusinessm

eetingandseekinputfrom

mem

bers

Surveymem

berstocollectfurtherinput

Completed

3. Exploretraditionalandm

odernmarketingchannelsandm

ulti-mediacontent

MCPAStaff

Staffresearchbeginsonrecruitm

entandhiringinthepolicingprofessionandotherindustries

Exploringmarketing

campaigns,

contentoptionsand3rdpartysupportandpartnerships

Presentprelim

inaryresearchandfindingsatETIBusinessm

eeting

Continuingtoexploremarketing

campaigns,

contentand3rdpartysupportandpartnerships

Beginproductionofm

ulti-media

content,choosingdistributionchannels

PlanningSessionNotes:

MCPATacticalActionPlan

asofJune8,2017Page2

MCPATacticalActionPlan–2017

Goal:Increaseparticipationofagencies,sm

allandlarge,urbanandrural,currentlynotengagedwiththe

MCPA

DesiredOutcome(s)byETI

2019

• Am

oreinformed,activem

embershipw

ithstrongerpeerconnectionsandnetworks

KeyActionsLeadPersonorCom

mittee

ProjectTimeline

Nov2017

Feb2018April2018

July2018October2018

1. Exploreandim

plementdigital

technologies,suchaslivestream

ingofeventsandMCPA

mobileapp

MCPAStaff

IdentifysurveyquestionsandconductsurveyofMCPA

mem

bersandcities(endusers)aroundtechnologyaccessandcapabilities

Exploreoptionsforcom

munication

optionsandcostsBetatestselectdigitalcom

munications

channels,suchaslivestream

ingandtextm

essaging

Presentsurveyresults,gatherinputfrom

mem

bersandsharenextstepsatM

CPABusinessMeeting

Begintofullyim

plementnew

com

munications

strategies

Assessmem

berutilization,opinionsandretentionofcom

munications

2. RevisitDistrictm

appingandRegionalRepconcept

DanHatten&

MikeM

astinSurveymem

bersonrelevance,im

portanceandengagem

entwith

Regional

Examine

governanceissuesforchangingRegionalstructure

Presentoverview

ofsurveyresultsandoptionsforgoingforw

ard

Exploreideaof4sessionsin4cornersofthestateeachyear•

Includeupdatesonassociation

If4for4isadopted,identifyRegionalCentersw

hereMCPAcould

focusevents

MCPATacticalActionPlan

asofJune8,2017Page3

Structure(Dan,M

ikeworkw

ithstaffforform

ulatequestions)

Ensurenom

inatingcom

mitteeis

active

• Providetraining

• Scheduleonweekendsto

allow

overnightswithspouses

fornetworking,

connections,etc

3. Creatingm

oreeffectivenetw

orkingopportunitiesCo-ChairsofETIandProfessionalDevelopm

entCom

mitteesand

MCPAStaff

Committee

discussionsaboutnew

waysto

connectmem

bersatexistingtrainingsConnectingchiefs(new

andexisting)withchiefs

ofsameor

similarsize

agencies

Exploringpartnershipswithother

organizationsthatcouldprovidenetw

orkingevents

EnhanceETInetw

orkingevents

Plan,analyzeandassessnew

netw

orkingideas.

4. DevelopO

nlineTrainingOfferings

ProfessionalDevelopm

entCom

mitteeand

MCPAStaff

ExploringbroaderandstrongerpartnershipwithLM

C’sPATRO

L

Developingonlinetrainingcontent,scheduleoftrainingsandsecureanypartnershipagreem

ents

Announceonlinetrainingofferings/schedule

Begintodistributeonlinetrainingofferingsandcontinuetomarket

Assessusageandevaluationsofonlinetrainings

MCPATacticalActionPlan

asofJune8,2017Page4

5. Expandrepresentationonkeycom

mittees

Co-ChairsofCom

munications,

ETI,ProfessionalDevelopm

entandLegislativeCom

mittees

Evaluatemakeupof

existingcom

mittees

anddiscusswhat’s

neededtobetterrepresentallagencies

ReachouttoChiefsinvariousregionsandinvitethem

tobeoncom

mittees

Discusschangesinmakeupofkey

committeesat

MCPABusiness

meeting

On-going

recruitingeffortstomaintain

diversecom

mittee

structure

On-going

MCPATacticalActionPlan–2017

Goal:O

rganizationalstaffstructureandprocessesinplacetosupportAssociationstrategicpriorities

DesiredOutcome(s)byETI

2019

• Strong,engagedstaff,w

orkingwithsystem

sthataredocumentedtoassurecontinuityandsustainability

KeyActionsLeadPersonorCom

mittee

ProjectTimeline

Nov2017

Feb2018Apr2018

July2018Oct2018

1. Hire,retainandprovideprofessionaldevelopforkeystaff

ExecutiveDirector

New

Com

munications

andOperations

Directorsonboard,gettinguptospeed

Developnew

internalprocessesforProjectManagem

ent

Identifyprofessionaldevelopm

entopportunitiesforstaff

Staffprovideinputontim

emanagem

entandprojectmanagem

entsuccessesandchallengesExplorestaff

1-yearperform

ancereview

sfornew

roles,alsoassessstaffsatisfactionProvide

MCPATacticalActionPlan

asofJune8,2017Page5

retreatoptions

recommendations

toBoardonstaffingandsalaryadjustm

entsfor2019budget

2. Docum

ent&im

proveinternalcom

municationsandw

orkflow

MCPAstaff

Assessandbegintodocum

entcurrentoperations;beginfullyusingprojectmanagem

entsoftw

arefortrainings&

mem

bershiprenew

als

Identifyopportunitiestoim

proveinternalcom

munication

andprocessflow

,andtocrosstrainstaffindifferentareas

Document

ETIpreparationsandprocess.BeginevaluatingeffectivenessofexistingtoolssuchasBaseCam

pandMem

berclicks

Completeinitial

ContinuityManuals:ETI,

Finance,Com

munications,

etc.Internalreview

anddebriefofstaffingthroughETI

Continualim

provement

MinnesotaChiefsofPoliceAssociation2018ETI&LawEnforcementExpo

SalesataGlanceFebruary12th,2018

PreparedbySynergeticEndeavorsOverviewWehavereached$75,700intotalSponsorshipcommitmentsthusfar,surpassingour2017totalsponsorshiprevenueby$400,and$1,900incashcontributions,ofwhich$50,500hasalreadybeencollected.Wecontinuetopushexhibitsalesandhavereached126exhibitboothsforatotalof$84,975insalesandboothcommitments,whichincludes17firsttimeexhibitors.Summary$75,700insponsorshipscommitmentssecured.Ofthattotal,$50,500incashhasbeencollected.TOTALSPONSORSHIPS(16)–$75,700(asofFebruary12th,2018)ETI2018SponsorCommitments(16)–$75,700

• ThomsonReuters–ChiefPresentingSponsor–$15,000(Paymentreceived)• LockridgeGrindalNauen–ChiefPresentingSponsor(Modified)–$10,000(Paymentreceived)• AmazonWebServices–SponsorSpotlight/TechTalkSponsor–$7,500• Sprint–SergeantSponsor–$5,000(Firsttimesponsor)• DellRugged–SergeantSponsor–$5,000(andpossiblyassistinginAVneeds)–(Paymentreceived)• LexisNexis–SergeantSponsor–$5,000(Firsttimevendor&sponsor)• Axon–SergeantSponsor–$5,000• TheBluePages–SupportingSponsor–$3,500(Paymentreceived)• Baycom–SupportingSponsor–$3,500(Paymentreceived)• EmergencyAutomotiveTechnologies–$3,500(Paymentreceived,firsttimesponsor)• Nexus–CriticalIssuesForumSponsor–$2,500(Paymentreceived,firsttimesponsor)• BackingtheBlueLine–HospitalityNightSponsor–$2,500(Paymentreceived,firsttimesponsor)• Kraus-AndersonConstruction–HospitalityNightSponsor–$2,500(Paymentreceived)• WoldArchitectsandEngineers–HospitalityNightSponsor–$2,500(Paymentreceived,firsttimesponsor)• TheFBINationalAcademyMidwestDivision–KeynoteSpeakerSponsorship–$2,000(Firsttimesponsor)• SecurityIndustryAlarmCoalition–BoardMeetingSponsorship–$700

TopProspectsWaitingtoHearBack/MeetingPending

• 2ndWindExercise–InterestedinHealth&Wellness.Reviewingopportunitiesandbudgetfurther.• Amsoil–InterestedinHospitalityNightSponsorship.Reviewinginternallyandwillbeintouch.• Ban-Koe–Interestedinsmall–midagencytechsessionorsupportinglevel.• Bio-Tec–Reviewingopportunities.Interestedinoff-sitereceptionsponsorship.• CenturyCollege–Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorshipandorparticipation.• DeriveSystems–Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorship&participation.• EckbergLammers–Reviewingopportunities.Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorshiporparticipation.• FordofHibbing–Interestedinoff-sitereception• GaryL.Fishler&Associates–Reviewingopportunities.• Gelmalto–(Purchased3Mdivion)–Reviewingopportunities

• Genetec–Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorshipwithspeakingopportunity.Willbebackintouchsoon.• Kronos–Reviewingopportunities.Interestedinsomelevelofparticipation.• Lexipol–Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorship,with15-20min.speakingopportunity.Reviewing

opportunitiesfurtherinternallyandwithSE/MCPA.• LDV,Group–PossiblyinterestedinRefreshmentBreakSponsorship.• Motorola–Unabletoattend,butreviewingpossiblesmallerorcustomsponsorship• MaverickDroneSystems–InterestedinpossibleSupportingsponsorshipagain.• OsseoGunClub–Reviewingopportunities• Polaris–InterestedinsomelevelofsponsorshipandRaffle• Provision–Reviewingopportunities.Interestedinpossiblespeakingsponsorship• PWC–PossibleHealth&WellnessSponsor• SoundOffSignal–Reviewingopportunities.Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorshiporparticipation.• SunCountryAirlines–Possiblerafflesponsor• SteelTargetCo.–Reviewingopportunities.Interestedinpossibledirectionalsignagesponsorship• Stryker–PossibleHealth&WellnessSponsor• ThriventFinancial–Interestedindinner,breakorsimilarlevelofsponsorship• T-Mobile–Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorshipandparticipation.• Tri-Tech/ZuercherTechnologies–Reviewingopportunities.• VieVu–Reviewingopportunitieswithmarketingteam.• VisualLabs–Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorshipwith15-20minutesorlessspeakingopportunity.• VerizonWireless–Reviewingopportunities.Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorship.• WatchGuardVideo–Reviewingopportunities.Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorship,budgetallowing.• WhiteBearMitsubishi–Reviewingopportunities.Interestedinsomelevelofsponsorship,budgetallowing.

ExhibitBooths• 126Exhibitboothscommitted/sold.

Declinations

• 3M–Declined.(SoldpublicsafetybusinessthatincludedALPRcamerasandelectronicmonitors)• Amerigas–Declinedsponsorship.• ArchitectsDesignGroup–Declinedsponsorship.• CTECH–DeclinedSponsorship.• HealthEastEmergencyVehicleServices–Declinedsponsorship.• Microsoft–Declinedsponsorshipthisyear.Possibly2019• RayO’Herron–Declinedduetoscheduleconflict• ScheduleAnywhere–Participatingasexhibitor,butdeclinedsponsorshipthisyear.Possiblyagain2019.• TheEmblemAuthority–Declinedsponsorshipthisyear,butpossibly2019

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARD NOMINATION PATHWAYS TO POLICING

Submitted by: Bloomington and St. Louis Park PD’s In early 2017, Bloomington and St. Louis Park Police Departments worked together to develop an innovative police hiring program called the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLETA) - Pathways to Policing. This collaboration aims to address:

1. A reduction in the number of Police Officer applicants during a traditional hiring process; 2. Officers leaving for another agency after a few years; and 3. Ethnic makeup of a candidate pool not matching a community’s ethnic makeup.

This program was modeled and designed to remove barriers for diverse candidates interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement but may not have the means to pay for or availability to attend a Law Enforcement academic program while continuing their current careers. The Bloomington and St. Louis Park Police Departments worked together with their Human Resource departments to develop this program prior to extending an invitation to multiple agencies. As the City of Bloomington becomes more diverse, Chief Jeff Potts believes there was a need to develop a new approach to hiring police officers that would help the city keep pace with a changing community. The new program would help us meet this need and ensure that our police force is more reflective of all the people served. How does this program work? Marketing and Recruiting Applicants The cities of Bloomington and St. Louis Park aggressively marketed the program in several ways. Because both cities were trying to attract a very diverse pool of applicants, the program was marketed in a variety of languages in various communities, including, radio stations and several well-known job search websites. The Cities also conducted information sessions for potential applicants to come and hear details about the program before the application deadline. Human Resource staff as well at the Chiefs from Bloomington and St. Louis Park were on hand to help describe the program to prospective applicants. Police officers from the participating agencies were at each information session to help answer questions after the formal presentation. The marketing and recruitment efforts provided for well attended sessions that attracted nearly 500 applications.

Excellence in Innovation Award Nomination: Pathways to Policing Submitted by Bloomington and St. Louis Park Police Departments Page 2 of 3

First-Round Interviews Candidates who meet minimum qualifications would be offered a first-round interview with a panel that would include a police officer, human resources professional, and community member. Panelists would be trained to identify candidates open to a law enforcement career and who had unique qualities to bring to the profession, such as living or working with multicultural populations or those having experience providing service to customers with a wide variety of backgrounds. Second-Round Interviews Candidates who scored well on the first round of interviews were invited back. Candidates could choose which department they wanted to interview with during the second round of interviews. There were six different agencies participating in the program. Final Selections and Job Offers After the second round of interviews the participating agencies worked through a final round of interviews and conducted background investigations on the candidates they wanted to advance. Soon thereafter job offers were given to 12 of the candidates by the participating agencies. POST Approved Training Program Candidates were required to have at least a two-year associate degree from an accredited college or university in any discipline. Once the candidates are hired by their respective agency the group of cadets are sent to a 17 week (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) approved program through Hennepin Technical College (HTC). While attending the HTC program the cadets are required to meet all the learning objectives set forth by POST. Two additional students were sponsored by the Columbia Heights Police Department and are attending the program along with the other cadets. Department Mentors Provide During the Training Program Sponsoring Departments provided trainees with Mentors as they completed their training at HTC. Mentors would meet with the trainees regularly to keep them engaged in their departments, and provide them to provide them support during their training. Passage of the State Licensing Exam/Swearing In as Police Officers Upon completion of the training program at HTC, the candidates all passed the POST licensing exam for police officers. Once completed, they returned to their respective agency to be sworn in as officers and would begin traditional orientation and field training. Participating agencies and their respective number of recruits include: Cities of Bloomington (3); St. Louis Park (2); Eagan (2); Maplewood (2); and Hastings (1), as well as the Metropolitan Airports Commission (2). Sixty-seven percent of the new recruits are racially diverse. Fast forward to January of 2018, 12 candidates from six different agencies have returned to the respective agencies and are currently receiving their field training.

Excellence in Innovation Award Nomination: Pathways to Policing Submitted by Bloomington and St. Louis Park Police Departments Page 3 of 3

St. Louis Park Police Chief Michael Harcey believes the candidates bring valuable experiences to their department. “The Pathways to Policing program has provided the St. Louis Park Police Department with the opportunity to hire two outstanding, nontraditional candidates who will bring valuable life experiences to our department. The program has allowed their candidates to overcome a common barrier for nontraditional candidates by assisting them in completing their police officer licensing requirements while employed with their department.” All of the Cadets participating in this program were hired by their respective agency and are being paid an hourly wage equivalent to 70% of starting police officer pay. All are receiving benefits consistent with other new hires. Upon completion of the HTC program the Cadets will be promoted to police officers and return to their home agency for additional orientation training prior to Field Training. Costs and Funding The tuition cost for the 17 week program at Hennepin Technical College is approximately $6700 per cadet. During the 2017 Legislative Session, as part of the 21st Century Poling Platform piece of legislation the Legislature allocated a $400,000 per year appropriation to help agencies offset the costs of this type of program. This funding will begin in 2018. The Future There are plans to conduct another SLETA – Pathway to Policing program in the Fall of 2018. All of the agencies who participated in the 2017 program are interested in doing so again. There are also many other agencies who have expressed interest in participating in the 2018 program

To: MCPA Board of Directors From: Chief Jeff Tate Richard W. Schaller Award Nomination MCPA Board, it is with great pride and pleasure that I nominate Chief Rodney Seurer for the MCPA’s Richard W. Schaller Award. Chief Seurer’s commitment to the association is measurable and has had a profound impact state wide. It is an impact that will be felt for a long time as he has left a distinguished legacy of service to the MN Chiefs. He did not just occupy a seat, he served. Chief Seurer has served as President of our association and has been a board member since 2010. In his tenure, he has served on and chaired many committees, such as: MCPA regional representatives committee, as well as the MCPA Gala and Foundation Committees. He has also been on the legislative committee, professional development committee, and the MN CLEO Education Task Force for CLEO certification. Chief Seurer was our associations representative on the Governor’s Mental Health Task Force, has been on the communications committee and was the MCPA’s representative and chair for both the Silver Alert and Blue Alert Programs. He has also actively participated in multiple MCPA strategic planning sessions. Chief Seurer has made public/private partnerships a priority. He chaired both the metal theft and alarm committees. His work in this area has increased our professions partnerships with private sector companies, many of whom sponsor MCPA events or occupy booths at ETI. There is no greater example of Chief Seurer’s exemplary service to the community, his agency, and this association than his commitment to law enforcement Special Olympics fundraising. Whether it’s the Torch Run, Polar Plunge, or Tip a Cop event, Chief Seurer has made law enforcement’s involvement in Special Olympics activities one of the largest, if not the largest, year-round community policing outreach programs in the state. He has been the State Director for the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics since 2001. In that role, he has made sure agencies throughout the state, including our association, have been recognized for their commitment to Special Olympics events. MN law enforcement is consistently number one or two in the nation for funds raised benefiting Special Olympics. Compare any department’s involvement with Special Olympics when Chief Seurer’s involvement began in 2001 to the present and you can see a significant increase in participation and funding. Whenever there has been a need for someone to be on a committee or assist with helping set up at ETI, Chief Seurer has always been there. He is well respected in his agency, throughout his community, and by this association. When looking at the criteria for this award, Chief Seurer checks every single box. While I’m sure I’m leaving out many other

contributions Chief Seurer has made, I can think of no one more deserving of our associations highest award for a CLEO than Chief Seurer. Respectfully, Jeff Tate