Golden Valley police chief placed on paid leave

The decision comes as the city reviews a complaint lodged against Virgil Green.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
June 1, 2025 at 3:24PM
Golden Valley Police Chief Virgil Green sits for a portrait at his desk Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Golden Valley Police Station in Golden Valley, Minn. The city recently placed Green on paid administrative leave following a complaint. (Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The city of Golden Valley has placed Police Chief Virgil Green on paid administrative leave pending review of a complaint, a city spokeswoman confirmed Sunday.

Assistant chiefs Alice White and Rudy Perez will lead the department in Green’s absence. The spokeswoman said state law prevents the department from sharing more details about the complaint.

Green became Golden Valley’s first Black police chief in 2022. He arrived at a challenging time as the department was losing officers after an external investigation found a culture of racism.

Green recently told the Minnesota Star Tribune that he has sought to increase engagement among residents, officers and business owners. City leaders also created a police accountability commission during his tenure.

about the writer

about the writer

Eva Herscowitz

Reporter

Eva Herscowitz covers Dakota and Scott counties for the Star Tribune.

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