Plymouth City Manager Dave Callister has announced that Mike Goldstein will head the City of Plymouth’s new Public Safety Department. Goldstein has served as the Plymouth police chief since 2004. As public safety director, Goldstein will oversee both police and fire services. The appointment is effective May 1.

In his new role, Goldstein will be responsible for the overall administration, strategic planning and financial oversight of the Public Safety Department.

Goldstein recently marked his 25th year with the Plymouth Police Department. He was hired as a police officer in 1990, promoted to sergeant in 1994, named lieutenant in 2001, moved up to captain in 2003 and was appointed police chief in 2004.

Goldstein holds a master’s in public safety education and administration from the University of St. Thomas.

“I am honored to accept this position and am excited to begin working in this new role,” Goldstein said. “This new direction offers us an opportunity to create an incredible Public Safety Department due to the talented and dedicated personnel we have onboard.”

Last year, Goldstein was among the first group of law enforcement professionals certified by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association as a Master Practitioner, the highest certification level in the association’s new credentialing program.

The Plymouth City Council approved the creation of a Public Safety Department at its April 28 meeting. The move consolidates the Police and Fire departments under the new umbrella Public Safety Department.

Callister said the strategic restructuring is aimed at better positioning Plymouth to meet the current demands of a growing community, as well as future needs once Plymouth is fully developed. The change is anticipated to add internal administrative efficiencies and is expected to enhance police and fire services provided to the public.