Golden Valley’s Police Employment, Accountability, & Community Engagement (PEACE) Commission aims to be a beacon of unity in the community. It plays a crucial role in fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation among community members and the police. It is also involved in partnering with the city and community on re-imagining public safety and appropriate response efforts through innovation. If you want to play a part in shaping public safety in your City, consider applying to join the PEACE Commission.

The PEACE Commission makes recommendations to City Council on matters related to policing, including: 

• educating and learning from the community, especially historically marginalized voices, through a community engagement and outreach program designed to build trust and communication between the police and community members 
• conducting research regarding current and historical policing and community response practices, Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) policies and procedures, and police data 
• presenting data and research to the Council and City staff 
• making recommendations to Council and staff based on research and community engagement 
• celebrating exemplary police work and positive contributions by community members 

Ideal candidates for the PEACE Commission care about public safety issues and want to advocate for social justice. Appointments are made effective May 1 of each year.

The Commission consists of:  

• three individuals who represent populations historically and presently harmed by policing 
• two employees of the GVPD (non-voting) 
• at least one and no more than two youth members 
• one individual with professional human resources or recruitment experience 
• one individual or social service provider with knowledge or experience of mental health, substance abuse disorder, or homelessness  
• one individual or caregiver with knowledge of or experience working or living with the senior population in the community 
• one parent, teacher, or administrator at a school that serves Golden Valley residents 
• one individual who is a renter or lives in multi-family or group housing in Golden Valley 
• at least one individual who has been impacted by the criminal justice system (ie, a criminal defendant or criminal defense attorney) 

If the Commission does not receive qualified applications from one or more of the above categories, the remaining spots may be filled by any qualified applicant with substantial ties to Golden Valley. 

Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm, at City Hall.

Applications are due April 5. To learn more, visit the PEACE Commission web page.