 In 1978, Golden faced an Internal Affairs Investigation and a disciplinary proceeding for losing his service weapon, which he claimed was a result of his mother discarding the firearm along with an old train set while he was away "on a vacation cruise".According to Golden, he suffered a career-ending injury in 1981; while witnessing a suspected drug deal, he chased the suspect, was struck by a car, and suffered a broken arm and ligament damage to his legs.Golden has said that he retired the following year and received a three-quarters disability pension.