Golden Valley mayor raises concerns regarding search for new police chief

Golden Valley Mayor Shep Harris raised several concerns during Tuesday’s City Council meeting about the search for the community’s new police chief.

“To put it mildly, I am very disappointed how this search has spun out of control,” Harris said.

Golden Valley has been trying for months to fill its police chief position by searching for candidates from across the country.

“I have come to realize that there are a handful of situations of inappropriate interference by community members, certain police officials and a finalist candidate which have tainted and prejudiced the application stage, the community panel stage, the open house and the final interview/selection stage,” Harris said. “These incidents have intentionally reduced the number and quality of potential local applicants and have been viewed by community members and panelists as intimidating, provocative, harassing and threatening.”

READ: Golden Valley mayor statement regarding police chief search

Harris specifically cited one of the examples — when a Golden Valley police officer delivered a letter from the police union to the search panel on Friday, right before interim Chief Scott Nadeau’s interview.

“To myself and another panelist, the timing and manner of delivery was intimidating, provocative and threatening,” Harris said.

“Shame on Mayor Harris for his inflammatory comments not based on facts. These city employees and officers — who serve their community to keep it safe — deserve better from their mayor,” said Jim Mortenson, executive director of Law Enforcement Labor Services, the union that represents some members of the Golden Valley Police Department.

The union shared with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS what they say is the letter given the search panel that endorses Nadeau.

READ: Union response endorsing Nadeau

Nadeau gave his resignation letter to the city on Wednesday, the day after the council meeting. It goes into effect on March 16th.  

Nadeau spoke to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS on Thursday by phone about what played out this week.

Nadeau disputed the mayor’s allegations saying they aren’t “supported by evidence.”

The interim chief added the search process has been “transparent and community-centered” during numerous interviews and candidate forums in Golden Valley.

Nadeau added he was disappointed in how the search process ended, as he had hoped to lead the department who had felt previously they weren’t supported.

“The claims the mayor presented tonight — it’s highly concerning. It shows some people aren’t on board, obviously,” Councilmember Maurice Harris said during Tuesday’s meeting.

Golden Valley officials told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the city manager and other staff on Monday will interview the other finalist for the position: Virgil Green.

The city provided more information to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS about Green’s 38-year background in law enforcement in Oklahoma and Arkansas, and he currently serves as head of security at a convention center.

Read Virgil Green’s complete bio. Read Virgil Green’s resume.