Golden Valley News » Police Department

Limited Time To Sign Your Kids Up For Safety Camp

bsandell — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:31:07 +0000

Safety Camp educates kids entering second, third, and fourth grades in a fun and interactive camp setting. City police and firefighters act as camp counselors, overseeing an engaging program of fire and bike safety, first aid, safety in the home, and much more.

The June 21 event is fast approaching and limited to 100 youth. Sign up online now to guarantee a spot.

“It’s an awesome program for kids,” says Joanne Paul, crime prevention specialist. “They develop relationships with police and firefighters while having a great time learning about safety.”

Awards are presented to all participants.

The $25 fee includes snacks, lunch, supervision, and a Safety Camp T-shirt. Parents must provide transportation to and from Brookview Park. Camp is held rain or shine. Scholarships are available.

Registration is open to anyone, including non-Golden Valley residents, and is taken through the Park and Recreation Department.

Police Seek Help Locating Panhandling Suspect

cweiler — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:41:01 +0000

As of March 25, 2011, panhandler suspect Mark Christopher Bell has a warrant for his arrest for failure to appear in court. The Golden Valley Police Department has had eight contacts with Bell since posting a crime alert March 1, 2011, warning the community about Bell’s activities in the area and asking for help locating him.

Later that evening, Golden Valley police arrested Bell for soliciting without a permit after a resident called to report Bell was going door-to-door asking for assistance because his car had broken down on the highway. Officers located Bell in the area and, after disproving his story, arrested him. He was booked and released with a pending court date.

The Golden Valley Police encourage individuals to call 911 immediately if they see Bell in the area.

City Hall To Close At Noon Wednesday

bsandell — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:41:18 +0000

Golden Valley City Hall will close at noon Wednesday, March 23, for a public safety training exercise, and all City departments will participate in the mandatory training. The Public Safety building will remain open. Business will resume as usual at 8 … Read More…

City Hall To Close At Noon March 23 For Training Exercise

cweiler — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:26:40 +0000

Police Arrest Panhandling Suspect

cweiler — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:10:01 +0000

On the evening of Tuesday, March 1, 2011, Golden Valley police arrested Mark Christopher Bell for soliciting without a permit after a resident called to report Bell was going door-to-door asking for assistance because his car had broken down on the highway. Officers located Bell in the area and, after disproving his story, arrested him. He was booked and released with a pending court date.

Earlier that day, the Golden Valley Police Department had issued a crime alert warning the community about Bell’s activities in the area and asking for help locating him.

The Golden Valley Police encourage individuals to continue calling 911 if they see Bell in the area.

Police Issue Crime Alert About Panhandler

cweiler — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:44:57 +0000

Golden Valley Police have recently received numerous reports of an individual going door-to-door to both residences and businesses in the city asking for money. He often states he needs money to get his vehicle out of impound or that his vehicle has broken down, and he talks of being at a church in Golden Valley.

In a few cases, residents have given him cash, and in one case someone actually drove him to a cash machine to give him money. Unfortunately, these incidents have not been reported until a significant time has passed.

The suspect is lying and attempting to panhandle and scam individuals out of their money. He is most often looking for opportunities to steal.

The suspect has been identified as Mark Christopher Bell, a 50-year-old, light-skinned, African American male, 6 feet tall, 235 lbs. He is described as being well dressed.

Bell has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1983 that includes drug charges, burglary, forgery, robbery, fleeing police, weapons violations, and theft.

If you see this individual, please call 911 immediately and report his location.

City Sees Decrease In Crime In 2010

cweiler — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:52:54 +0000

The City of Golden Valley saw a big decrease in crime during 2010. “Part 1” crimes, the serious felonies the FBI tracks nationwide, were cumulatively down 22.27 percent. Those crimes include homicide, aggravated assault, arson, burglary, rape, robbery, theft, and auto theft. Similarly, theft from auto crimes saw a dramatic 42 percent drop from 2009. And, after a spike in 2009, commercial and residential burglaries were also down significantly in 2010.

Less serious crimes, known as “Part 2” crimes, were nearly the same as in 2009, with four more such crimes in 2010.

In an effort to reduce accidents, change driver behavior, and keep our roads safe, Golden Valley police officers increased traffic enforcement in the city 32 percent in 2010.

Community partnerships, crime prevention, and public education played a large role in these encouraging crime statistics, and the Golden Valley Police Department would like to thank all residents and businesses for their continued assistance in helping to keep the City’s high level of livability and safety.

Police Seek Help Identifying Auto Theft Suspects

cweiler — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 01:07:20 +0000

The Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) is seeking the public’s help in identifying two suspects in multiple theft from auto and auto theft cases in recent weeks.

If you have any information about either of the suspects in the photo below, please contact the GVPD at 763-593-8079. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Due to the ongoing investigation into this matter, no further information is available at this time.

City’s 911 Dispatch Service Will Switch Over Dec 16

bsandell — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:03:06 +0000

Golden Valley’s new 911 dispatch provider will take over services starting Thursday, Dec 16, at 9 am. The switch from St Louis Park dispatch to the City of Edina should be seamless, says Golden Valley Police Chief Stacy Altonen. The Police Department will make test calls Thursday morning to make sure everything is running smoothly.

“All technical components have been tested and retested,” Altonen says. “We anticipate residents won’t notice any differences with the changeover.”

Golden Valley’s choice to switch dispatch providers, made by the City Council Sept 7, is a cost-saving issue, says City Manager Tom Burt. The City had contracted 911 dispatch services through the City of St Louis Park since 1994, which in 2010 charged Golden Valley $305,000 and as much as $337,000 in other years.

Changing to Edina dispatch services will save the City up to $100,000 in 2011 and up to $150,000 each year after that, making this a good, fiscally smart budget decision, Altonen says.

Golden Valley will pay Edina a one-time $25,000 administrative fee, annual charges of $178,140, and will contribute to technology and staff upgrades. Golden Valley’s contract with St Louis Park expires Dec 31.

GVPD To Lead Big Loud Toy Drive

admin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:56:34 +0000

For 15 years community members have helped the Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) lead regional law enforcement agencies in a unique approach to the Toys for Tots donation effort.

This year is no different. The GVPD will once again collect toys, and on the last collection day, police from as many as 20 departments load their cruisers with donated gifts and meet at the GVPD. Then, lights blazing and sirens blaring, they parade to the KARE 11 Toys for Tots drop-off site. In past years the effort garnered thousands of toys.

Until Dec 17 (at 3 pm), bring new, unwrapped toys to the GVPD at 7800 Golden Valley Road (open 24 hours a day). Don’t forget gifts for older kids and teens.