How the GVPD Works
How the GVPD Works
The Golden Valley Police Department is comprised of uniformed officers and other personnel who work together to keep the public safe. They work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to solve cases and prevent crime.
The positions listed below are typical positions within a police department, but the Golden Valley Police Department may not have all these positions staffed.
The Chief of Police is a licensed officer who is the top administrator and public face of the police department. All uniformed officers and civilian personnel are in the chief’s line of supervision. The chief holds operational power over the department and reports to the city manager.
Assistant Chiefs are licensed officers responsible for oversight of all employees and duties assigned to their divisions. They work in an office and may wear uniforms or plainclothes. Golden Valley has two assistant chiefs- one is assigned to oversee Patrol (all uniformed patrol sergeants and officers), and the other is assigned to oversee Operations (the investigations unit and all civilian employees in the department). Assistant chiefs report to the Chief of Police.
Patrol Sergeants are licensed, uniformed officers who supervise patrol officers and direct their activities during their shifts. Patrol Sergeants drive squad cars and assist patrol officers in responding to calls for service. In addition to supervisory duties, patrol sergeants have specific assignments, which include overseeing the field training program, scheduling, officer training and continuing education, and many other duties. Patrol sergeants report to the Assistant Chief assigned to patrol.
Patrol Officers are licensed, uniformed personnel who patrol areas in squad cars. They respond to vehicles crashes, calls for service and handle multiple public safety issues during their shifts. They are typically the first responders when there is a medical emergency in the city or when a crime occurs. They also assist other personnel in casework and write reports. Patrol Officers report to Patrol Sergeants.
The Detective Sergeant is a licensed, non-uniformed officer who is responsible for the Investigations Unit. The Detective Sergeant supervises the detectives and assigns cases to detectives for investigation. The Detective Sergeant also investigates crime and submits cases to attorneys for prosecution. The Detective Sergeant primarily works in an office setting and reports to the Assistant Chief assigned to operations.
Detectives are licensed, non-uniformed officers who investigate crimes with the goal of handing cases over to prosecutors. Detectives use physical and testimonial evidence to piece together a probable version of events leading to and following the commission of a crime. Detectives primarily work in an office setting and report to the Detective Sergeant.
Community Service Officers (CSOs) are non-licensed (civilian) employees who assist patrol officers and detectives with duties that do not require a licensed officer. Their duties include parking enforcement, animal control, directing traffic at special events and vehicle crash scenes, transporting evidence to/from attorneys, crime labs and court, and many other miscellaneous tasks as needed. In Golden Valley, most CSOs aspire to become licensed police officers when their required college coursework has been completed. While CSOs may look similar to patrol officers, there are significant differences. CSOs drive a squad car that is marked with “Community Service Officer” and has amber-colored lights, they do not carry firearms or TASERs, they do not have arrest powers, and their uniform shirts are light blue. CSOs report to the Assistant Chief assigned to operations.
The Crime Analyst is a non-licensed (civilian) employee who assists the Investigations Unit with case preparation, crime intelligence and crime trend information. The Crime Analyst also manages the property and evidence function of the police department- ensuring evidence is properly secured, processed by crime labs when needed and found items are returned to rightful owners. The Crime Analyst reports to the Assistant Chief assigned to operations.
Support Services Staff are comprised of non-licensed (civilian) personnel who work in the front office of the police department. Collectively, these staff members process police reports, send cases to attorneys for prosecution, run background checks for city employment and city-issued licenses and permits, scan case files, provide customer service at the police department front counter and via the police main phone number, and handle administrative duties for the Chief of Police and Assistant Chiefs. This division is comprised of an Office Supervisor, two Administrative Assistants and one Office Assistant.
The Embedded Social Worker is a non-licensed (civilian) Hennepin County employee assigned to the Golden Valley Police Department. The social worker provides resources and services for crime victims and other persons in need of social services. The social worker has an integral role in assisting patrol officers and detectives with cases involving mental health issues. The Embedded Social Worker reports to the Crime Analyst.
Reserve Officers are uniformed, non-licensed (civilian) volunteers that assist the police department with traffic control and other duties for special events, parking enforcement and community outreach programs. Reserve officers report to the licensed staff member who is assigned as the Reserve Coordinator.
Calling 9-1-1
When someone calls 9-1-1 in Golden Valley, the call is routed to Hennepin County Dispatch. Hennepin County Dispatch answers calls for medical emergencies, fires and criminal issues for several cities in Hennepin County. Dispatchers will ask callers for the address and nature of their emergency, and will dispatch police, firefighters and/or EMS services if appropriate.
Calling the Non-emergency Number
When someone calls the main or non-emergency phone number for the police department M-F from 8am to 4:30pm, the support services staff will assist the caller with his/her concern or direct the caller to the appropriate police or city staff person. If the caller requires a police, fire or EMS response, the call will be forwarded to Hennepin County Dispatch.
When someone calls the main or non-emergency number for the police department outside of the business hours listed above, the caller will hear a recorded message that advises the caller how to reach emergency services personnel, to call back during business hours for routine questions or to leave a voicemail for support services staff to return during regular business hours.
Dean Mooney
I will always consider my 26 years of service to the Golden Valley Public Safety Department as the highlight of my nearly 40-year career in the Criminal Justice field. I was blessed to serve with many outstanding Police Officers and nonsworn professionals who were dedicated to establishing World Class Public Safety Services for the City of Golden Valley.
My Law Enforcement mentor was Chief Jim Crawford who started the Crime Prevention Fund and many other innovative Police programs including Neighborhood Watch, the Police/School Resource Officer Program and the Law Enforcement Memorial Association. During my tenure as Police Chief, I served as President of the Hennepin County Chiefs of Police, on the County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, on the Boards of Directors of two Golden Valley based Human Service Organizations and the Golden Valley Rotary Club.
None of this would have been possible without the support of my City Manager, Bill Joynes, Mayor Mary Anderson and the Community they so ably served!!
Stacy Carlson
Stacy Carlson served as the Golden Valley Police Chief from 2007-2015. Her previous experience included 20 years with the Minneapolis Police Department. Carlson had the following to say about her tenure as Chief:
I could not be more proud of the work accomplished by the GVPD during my time as Chief. Staff development was a top priority, along with implementing squad cameras, expanding to 24/7 supervision, enhancing criminal justice system partnerships, introducing Police/Fire in the Parks, extensive community outreach including creating the Citizens Academy, and progressive policy development – to name a few. I will always cherish the GV community support and consider it the honor of a lifetime to serve as Police Chief alongside so many committed and talented members of the GVPD.
Bob Hernz
On May 28, ’02 Bob Hernz was appointed as Golden Valley Public Safety Director. Bob grew up in Golden Valley and choose to live here and raise his family after he was married. He worked over 26 years in various positions in the police and fire departments in Golden Valley. He stated,” As a lifelong resident I understand the importance of living in a community where you feel safe and secure.” Bob worked hard to establish partnerships with our community like: Neighborhood watch connecting over 167 neighborhoods, Apartment/Manager Association, Safety camp for youth and seniors a like, CounterAct for 5th graders, Kids and cops. Bob said that Golden Valley is a very safe community because of our success with these efforts. He also believed in hiring and training the best police officers in the state and equipping them with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure they are prepared to respond to all our citizen’s needs.
Bob Shellum
Chief Bob Shellum retired with 30 years of experience with-in law enforcement in Golden Valley on May 1, 2002. Bob stated that he is very proud to have served in various positions in the Golden Valley police department with the 41 dedicated, intelligent, well trained men and women. They are all ready to provide the best service possible to you and our community. Chief Shellum stated, “I think my strength and interest in communication has helped to be the best way to resolve any conflict that arose.” Bob went on to teach law enforcement for 7 years at the University of St. Thomas and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
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