The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) has certified Plymouth Police Chief Mike Goldstein as a Master Practitioner, the highest certification level in the association’s new credentialing program.

Goldstein was awarded the certification based on a review of his Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) Certification application, which detailed his law enforcement experience, academic achievements, community service and professional contributions.

Goldstein is among the first group of more than two-dozen Minnesota police chiefs to receive the association certification.

“Having Chief Goldstein among the first law enforcement officials in the state designated a Master Practitioner by the state chiefs association speaks to his leadership, as well as the professionalism of the Plymouth Police Department,” Plymouth City Manager Dave Callister said.

“CLEO Certification is a continuing education and professional development program that provides Minnesota police chiefs and aspiring officers an ongoing roadmap to success,” MCPA Executive Director Andy Skoogman said. “If law enforcement leaders follow this framework, the MCPA believes they’ll be better prepared to manage the evolving challenges of their careers and serve their communities successfully.”

A task force made up of members from law enforcement, higher education, the Department of Public Safety and the Post Board, designed the criteria for certification and currently reviews all applications. The MCPA, in conjunction with the POST Board, the League of Minnesota Cities and members of higher education, unveiled the credentialing program in August.

Lynda Woulfe, a CLEO Certification Taskforce member and the Cambridge city administrator, says if a law enforcement leader doesn’t maintain a high set of professional standards or a city makes a poor hiring decision, the costs can be high.

“It can get expensive for municipalities, from lawsuits to a costly termination fight and rehiring process,” Woulfe said. “One of the most expensive costs is a loss of community trust. I believe the credentialing program should help minimize these risks.”