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Resources For Community Safety
Maintaining public safety and trust is a top priority for the City. When interacting with City staff, it’s important to know how to identify them. This page provides resources and information for community safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the City of Golden Valley's policy regarding police and immigration?
In accordance with the Golden Valley City Council’s adopted policy to guide Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) activity with immigrant populations, the GVPD does not enforce federal immigration laws. More specifically, the policy prohibits officers from:
- stopping or detaining any individual, for any length of time, solely for determining immigration status
- stopping any individual, for any length of time, for a civil violation of federal immigration laws or a related civil warrant
- notifying federal immigration officials when booking arrestees at a county jail facility
- continuing to detain any individual who is otherwise ready to be released solely for the purpose of notifying federal immigration officials
There is no reason any City staff person needs to know or inquire about immigration status.
How can I identify City staff?
City employees wear uniforms with clear identification, although styles may vary by department and season. Look for the following features:
- The official City logo is displayed prominently, usually on the chest, sleeve, or back. Police and Fire uniforms include official department patches worn on the sleeve and official metal badges, with identifying ID numbers, worn on the chest.
- Most uniforms include department or role identification, such as “Public Works,” “Fire Marshal,” or “Police Officer.”
- City uniform colors may vary by department but are consistent for each role. For example, police officer and firefighter uniforms are navy blue, with variations for rank and type of use. Community Service Officers (CSOs) wear gray uniforms. Public Works employees often wear jackets or vests with high-visibility safety colors (such as neon yellow or orange). See photos for examples.
- Staff working outside or in high-traffic areas often wear reflective vests or jackets for visibility.
- Seasonal gear may include City-branded jackets, hats, or gloves.
Police Uniform Photos
Community Service Officer (CSO)
Community Service Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Fire Uniform Photos
Firefighter
Fire gear
Fire gear
Hi-Vis
Long sleeve
Fire Vest
Jacket
Polo
Public Works Uniform Photos
Winter Coat
Hi-Vis shirt
Work Shirt
Assorted City Staff Apparel
Along with uniforms, all employees wear or carry an official photo ID badge with the following information:
- employee photo and name
- department name
- City seal and hologram for authenticity and security
Authorized City vehicles are marked with:
- City logo and department name
- official license plates or fleet numbers
- high-visibility markings for safety
To confirm you are interacting with a City employee:
- ask to see the employee’s ID badge
- check for City-branded vehicles nearby
If you suspect someone is impersonating a City employee:
- do not share personal information or allow entry into your home
- gather details such as:
- description of the person
- clothing or uniform details
- vehicle information (license plate, color, markings)
- location and time of the encounter
- report immediately by calling 911
City staff will never:
- attempt to gain entry to your personal residence
- ask about your immigration status
- assist with immigration enforcement
- wear masks or anything that hides their identity
- randomly ask for permission to enter houses (all access to properties is scheduled ahead of time)
Who should I contact for information about federal immigration enforcement?
Golden Valley is part of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs. Representative Ilhan Omar represents the 5th District in the US House of Representatives.
Omar’s office website includes information about people’s rights when facing immigration agents. Click here to review (link).
Office spokespersons also shared information on what their office knows of the current state of immigration enforcement in Minnesota, how people can help their loved ones, and how their office can contribute. Constituents can call Omar’s office at 612-333-1272 for assistance. Staff is monitoring calls from 9 am to 9 pm every day, including weekends. It is best for constituents to contact staff through the office line so that all members of our team have access to any requests. People living outside of the 5th District can contact their own Representative or either Senate office for assistance.
How can I locate someone who has been detained by ICE?
If you are trying to find someone who has been detained by ICE, go to the Online Detainee Locator System. (Link)
Has the Golden Valley City Council said anything about this?
Yes. Below is the official statement from the Golden Valley City Council (click on the image to enlarge it).
"The past month in our community, city, and state have been both heartbreaking and empowering. We hold a shared grief for the lives of our friends and neighbors that have been lost and upended. We are called to stand up for those less fortunate. We are called to stand up for our friends and neighbors.
We, the City Council and Mayor stand with you all in solidarity. We hear your pain, questions, and desires for action. In these uncertain times we are pushing everywhere we legally can to protect everyone who works, plays, or calls Golden Valley home. We stand with our sister cities and communities.
Take time to connect with your neighbors, find events to learn and build community, and continue to be peaceful in observing and protesting. Golden Valley is a welcoming and inclusive city for all people which we are committed to maintaining. The city is continuously working to support all of you, and we want to thank city staff in all departments for their thoughtful work in these difficult times.
Even in these dark times we are seeing how much Minnesotans stand together for good with a desire to lift everyone up. On Friday we peacefully marched, prayed, and joined arm in arm to support one another and remind the federal government that the people are where the power lies.
Even though we did not have many hours of peace before indiscriminate violence was carried out, we must not forget how many of our friends and neighbors stood up to say enough. The outpouring of love and support from neighbors coordinating shopping, rides, and addressing the needs of those afraid to leave their homes is inspiring. The love and kindness of everyone is shining through and we hear from colleagues and friends around the country that we are showing the world how to effect change in the way we stand together. Let us keep doing this work and get into good trouble.
Families are now forever changed, with voices silenced amid a crisis that demands accountability, compassion, and justice. Let us take a moment to remember and honor Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and all of those who have been harmed."
Does Hennepin County have resources available?
Yes. Below is a summary of responsive services, partner resources, and county policies and actions.
Education
- Be At School (Link): 612-438-6041 – education resources, technology, and multilingual support
Food
- SNAP (Link): 612-596-1300 – food assistance
- WIC (Link): 612-348-6100 – food assistance for families with children under age 5
Health
- Cope (Link): 612-596-1223 – support in a mental health crisis
- Family Response and Stabilization (Link): 612-979-9511 – support for families in crisis
- Family Home Visiting (Link): 612-348-8687 – nurse home visits
- Public Health Clinic (Link): 612-543-5555 – clinical services including immunizations
- Health Care for the Homeless (Link): 612-348-5553 – clinical care for people experiencing homelessness
Housing
- Tenant Resource Connection (Link): 612-767-9737 – eviction prevention resources
- Housing Stability (Link): 612-204-8200 – shelter access
Income
- Economic Supports (Link): 612-596-1900 – cash assistance
- Office of Multicultural Services (Link): 612-348-2193 – offers help in multiple languages
Where can I find additional links and resources?
Community & Immigrant Support
- CAIR Minnesota (Link) – civil rights & advocacy for Muslim communities
- International Institute of Minnesota (Link) – immigration, refugee, and employment services
Employment Resources
- National Immigrant Law Center (PDF) – a guide for employers on what to do if immigration comes to your workplace
- Rise, Inc. (Link) – supports individuals overcoming employment barriers
Legal Help & Know-Your-Rights Support
- ACLU of Minnesota - Request Legal Assistance (Link) – civil rights & advocacy
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (Link) – immigration legal support
- Law Help MN Self Help Library (Link) – legal information & guides
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Link) – free legal services
- The Advocates for Human Rights (Link) – human rights & legal assistance
- Volunteer Lawyers Network's Minnesota Family Deportation Preparedness Manual (PDF) – pro bono legal help
Local Government Resources
- City of Minneapolis - Know Your Rights & Resources (Link) – local protections, resources, & guidance
- Hennepin County Federal Response (Link) – county-level response and services
Additional Resources
- Minnesota Department of Human Services Housing Resources (Link)
- If an individual comes to your door and you are unsure if they are a solicitor, visit the Peddlers & Solicitors web page. (Link)
- Report federal immigration encounters to the State Attorney General's Office. (Link)
- Star Tribune Article – Readers Write: 11 Suburban Mayors Call for ICE to Respect Constitutional Rights (Link)
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City Hall
Physical Address
7800 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55427
Phone: 763-593-8000Fax: 763-593-8109
TTY: 763-593-3968
Hours
Monday through Friday
8 am to 4:30 pm