Extra Duties

Bike patrol is a specialized unit of sworn officers trained in advanced riding techniques, bike take-downs, and crowd control. Bike officers can patrol stealthily and tactfully through congested areas, parks, trails, shopping malls, golf courses, and other areas a squad car cannot. Bike officers maintain a positive impact on the community through an increase in public engagements, bike safety schools, and police visibility in hard-to-reach areas.  

Crisis negotiation officers are trained in communication techniques that promote de-escalation.  The comprehensive mental health training, as well as potential attendance at local and FBI negotiator training, helps officers further develop essential skills that enable them to assist with suicidal subjects, barricaded individuals, and other critical incidents. 

Defensive Tactics Instructors play a vital role in shaping GVPD officers’ skills and safety. Our instructors teach essential techniques, including building searches, defensive maneuvers, non-lethal and less-lethal weaponry, and proper use of weaponry. This position offers a unique opportunity to share your expertise, enhance law enforcement training, and contribute to community safety. If you have experience in tactical training and a passion for law enforcement education, we encourage you to join our dedicated team.

The GVPD has a well-established drone program with top-of-the-line equipment. The GVPD covers all costs for officers to get their Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which is a great license to have if you are interested in drones and airspace. 

Monthly trainings are provided to stay proficient in flying drones, including the DJI Mavic 3T, DJI Avata, and the Matrice 30T. The GVPD also has one of the very first drone tethers in the state. This tether helps keep a drone in flight when on a perimeter or when searching for someone. With no battery changes needed, officers are better able to watch the area the drone is covering.   

The drone program is used for many scenarios, such as locating suspects after they have fled from a crime scene, locating missing adults and missing children, and helping other agencies locate suspects. Using the drone as a resource for surrounding agencies has helped the GVPD build strong relationships with our partners in neighboring departments.   

The Drug Recognition Expert/Evaluator (DRE) program conducts detailed examinations of a subject/suspect believed to be driving, operating, or controlling a motor vehicle while under the influence of something other than or in addition to alcohol. After concluding an evaluation, DREs provide an opinion to the arresting officer.  

Officers can apply to the program with current DRE references/recommendations. If selected, DREs attend a two-week classroom course focused on medical field terminologies, drug categories, and a full understanding of how drugs affect the body. This is followed by a one-week field application where the DRE will complete several evaluations on impaired subjects. The training is hosted by MN State Patrol and standardized by NHTSA. In order to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the DRE program, the courses are very challenging and require ongoing education and annual recertification. 

DRE’s are a support system to patrol staff, and with the increased legalization or decriminalization of drugs, there continues to be a greater need.  

Detective duties include: 

• investigating crimes based on reports received by patrol officers and other sources (such as  reports from child and adult protection services) and attempting to identify and submit charges as appropriate    
• communicating with victims to provide resources, share case outcomes, and take statements from victims, suspects, and witnesses 
• writing and executing search warrants 
• signing the charging complaint and interacting with the City prosecutor or county attorney 
• iventory property 
• responding to the scene of in-progress calls as needed or requested by the patrol division 
• creating and administering photo line-ups  
• attending community engagement events

A Field Training Officer (FTO) is a highly experienced and well-trained officer who mentors and evaluates new recruits, ensuring they are prepared to work independently. FTOs are responsible for guiding, supervising, and assessing trainees through all phases of the field training program with the goal of building the knowledge and skills to ensure trainees’ duties are performed correctly and completely.

The GVPD takes pride in maintaining a team of highly skilled and certified firearms instructors. These instructors are responsible for overseeing all firearm-related training and ensuring officers and personnel meet the highest standards of safety, proficiency, and professionalism. They provide comprehensive instruction on firearm handling, safety protocols, and marksmanship, as well as ongoing training to keep skills sharp. If you have a passion for firearms and a commitment to safety, a position as a firearms instructor offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in law enforcement and community safety.

The GVPD’s EMT Program includes sworn law enforcement officers with advanced training in emergency medical care and tactical (EMT) operations. Officers may be embedded within tactical units such as SWAT, WMD response teams, or high-risk warrant squads, where they provide immediate medical support during critical incidents while maintaining full police authority. This dual-role enhances officer safety, improves casualty survivability, and supports life-saving care for civilians, suspects, and law enforcement personnel during high-risk deployments.

The GVPD Chaplain Program provides vital emotional and spiritual support to officers, staff, and community members. Chaplains serve as compassionate listeners and moral guides, helping individuals cope with stressful and traumatic situations. This program fosters stronger community relationships, promotes mental well-being, and enhances the department’s overall resilience. By offering comfort and guidance during difficult times, the chaplain program helps build trust and unity within Golden Valley, ensuring that both residents and officers feel supported and cared for.

The GVPD Patrol Officers Unit plays a vital role in maintaining safety and order within the community. Patrol services encompass a wide range of functions, including crime prevention, crime detection and apprehension, traffic enforcement, and accident response. Officers actively engage with residents through community outreach programs, fostering strong relationships and trust. They also work diligently to ensure safe roadways by enforcing traffic laws and investigating accidents. Beyond law enforcement, the patrol unit collaborates with other City departments to address quality-of-life issues, promote public safety initiatives, and support community events. Their comprehensive approach helps create a secure and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors of Golden Valley.

School Resource Officers (SROs) are sworn police officers assigned to schools to enhance safety and security. They serve as both a deterrent to crime and a resource for students, staff, and the community. SROs play a crucial role in maintaining a positive school climate and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the school community.  Duties include: 

• investigating criminal activity on school grounds, responding to emergencies, and enforcing state and local laws (law enforcement) 
• maintaining a visible presence to deter potential threats and ensure the safety of students and staff (safety and security) 
• working to build trust and positive relationships with students, teachers, and the community; acting as role models; and providing law-related education (community outreach and education)  
• crisis intervention, de-escalation, and emergency response, including active shooter situations (crisis response) 
• working closely with school administrators, counselors, and other staff members to address issues and develop effective safety plans (collaboration) 

The GVPD partners with Hennepin County's SWAT (Specialized Assault & Warrant Team ESU). This team serves 45 cities across 600 square miles and caters to a population of approximately 1.2 million residents. Our collaboration with this highly trained unit, specializing in high-risk operations such as warrant service, active shooter response, criminal barricaded subjects, hostage rescues, and high-risk arrests, enhances our ability to respond effectively to intricate and dangerous incidents.  

This ensures community safety and officer preparedness. Additional services include Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) and a Crisis Negotiations Team, all of whom are dedicated to protecting and serving our diverse community through collaboration, skill, and professionalism. 

The Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Tactical Team is a highly specialized unit within the GVPD, trained and equipped to respond to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats. The team operates at the intersection of tactical law enforcement and hazardous materials response, providing rapid, coordinated, and safe mitigation of high-risk events that pose a threat to public safety and national security.