Golden Valley police chief resigns amid sustained allegations of misconduct
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Golden Valley Police Chief Virgil Green has resigned amid sustained allegations of misconduct in two separate investigative reports released Friday, city officials say.
The first investigation determined that Green violated city policy and state law when he released body camera footage recorded by officers responding to a school fight.
According to an investigative report, Green showed the video to school officials and to a KSTP-TV reporter. Data practices law allows exceptions for releasing such information, “if the law enforcement agency determines that the access will aid the law enforcement process, promote public safety, or dispel widespread rumor or unrest.”
However, the investigation determined the chief's reasons didn't meet that standard.
“Chief Green said that his intent from the outset and his reason for showing the BWC video to school district officials and releasing it to KSTP was to be transparent with the School District and public,” reads a memorandum from Soldo Consulting, a Woodbury-based firm that performed the investigation. “He never intended to violate any city policy or state statute.”
The other found three sustained allegations that Green interfered with an internal investigation. Documents say Green's actions included intimidation and improper communication about the matter. Green also said it was not his intent to interfere.
“Chief Green joined us at a critical time, and we thank him for all he did for the City of Golden Valley, its police force and the community in his time here,” said City Manager Noah Schuchman. “We will be sharing details regarding the search for a new Chief of Police soon. I want to thank Assistant Chiefs White and Perez for their leadership and commitment over the past few months.”
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