7/27/22 - Changes Are Coming To The Grand Raids Police Department

The Grand Rapids Police Department introduces new plans for their department and training on the changes will begin soon.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WXMI) - GRPS Police Chief Eric Winstrom presented his departmental review and recommendations for policy changes.  

General details were given at the Grand Rapids City Commission’s "Committee of the Whole" meeting on Tuesday. 

“Our community has been through significant trauma over the last several years with the pandemic, and with the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya. Everyone has felt that. I have heard those who call for defunding or abolition of the Police Department and I have heard from a majority of residents and businesses that desire better police presence. The pathway to change is through the immediate community-informed steps I outlined today and the community-engaged steps for ongoing change and reform that will come through our strategic planning process,” said Winstrom.

Chief Winstrom says, among other things, the new strategy focuses on creating respect between the community and police.

He says the department is updating its "Use of Force" policy to focus on de-escalation practices.  

They also are adding a "Sanctity of Human Life" policy, stating officers will act with regard for preserving human life for all people in police interactions. 

2022 07 26 Police Chief Review and Recommendations 

The city of Grand Rapids says they will again plan to hold a Commission Night Out.  

First Ward: Tuesday, Aug. 23
Third Ward: Tuesday, Sept. 20
Second Ward: Tuesday, Oct. 18

Officials are still working on determining where the meetings will be held.  Each session will include an organized discussion period at 5:30 p.m. before the official Commission Meeting at 7 p.m.