The City of Golden Valley has released findings of an independent investigation, which began in March 2022, into alleged police misconduct.
The City hired the Greene Espel Law Firm to investigate.
The reports summarize the scope and findings of the investigation. The investigator considered allegations against eight officers and concluded there were data practice violations. One officer was terminated for their role in the data breaches and was also found to have made racially biased and insensitive statements that violated the Police Department’s Professional Conduct Policy and the City’s Respectful Workplace Policy.
The City is implementing data practices training for all employees and will continue ongoing work to eliminate racist beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. This includes ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion training, work by the recently formed Police Employment, Accountability and Community Engagement (PEACE) Commission, and work on Reimagining Public Safety Program: Reducing Harm Through Collaborative Solutions funded through a Pohlad Foundation grant.
According to City Manager Tim Cruikshank, “The independent investigation was necessary to bring clarity to the allegations of misconduct, hold employees accountable, and have a better understanding of the systemic issues that harm community trust in policing.”
The investigative reports are available on the City of Golden Valley website. Since the reports reference some of the harmful communication uncovered during the investigation, the City will host listening and healing circles using restorative practices that will be led by trained facilitators on Dec 2, 2022. Members of the community are invited to discuss their thoughts and feelings and process the investigation findings. The meeting will be held at Brookview Golden Valley. More information is available on the City’s website.