Police chief reports declines in auto theft and robbery; committee discusses community-informed training and oversight

Grand Rapids Police Chief Mark Wikstrom presented June crime statistics to the Public Safety Committee, reporting declines in auto thefts and robberies and describing multiple departmental reforms and community programs implemented since 2022.

Wikstrom said recent trends on auto theft and robbery are “headed in the right direction” and highlighted that detectives had cleared six homicide cases this year. He also described a range of operational changes the department has undertaken, from updated use-of-force and de-escalation policies to expanded behavioral-health partnerships and technology upgrades.

The chief reviewed a multi-year list of changes: the department updated its surveillance policy prior to 2022; launched a co-response pilot with Network 180 (one clinician) in 2022 and later renewed and expanded that contract; the city added civilian oversight language to a collective bargaining agreement; the 911 center gained text-to-911 capability; the department pursued CALEA accreditation; it obtained newer body-worn cameras and taser technology; and the department added virtual-reality trainers and new recruiting efforts including partnerships with Grand Rapids Community College.

Wikstrom described behavioral-health investments: the core response team now includes three full-time clinicians after adding a second full-time clinician in February 2024 and a third to cover night shifts, and the department has used a crisis stabilization unit to divert people in crisis to services. “We continue to utilize this vital part of the behavioral health crisis center to provide those in crisis a near immediate path to services and better outcomes,” the chief said.

The Office of Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA) and the Office of Equity Engagement presented the Community Informed Training (CIT) program, led by Brandon Davis and community affairs analyst Gil Harvey. Davis described CIT as a three-step process — listen, develop and train — that brings community members into curriculum design so trainings are culturally relevant to the neighborhoods being served. Davis said 220 participants — a mix of staff and community members — have taken part in CIT modules. Harvey described sessions addressing youth encounters, de-escalation and interactions with seniors, and she said the deaf and hard-of-hearing community helped write the department’s policy for interactions with deaf residents.

Committee members praised the program but said awareness of CIT remains low across the broader community. Several commissioners urged more outreach, suggested posting training schedules to 311 and social media, and requested the department and OPA produce a multi-pronged plan to increase participation. “More people should be here,” Davis said describing participant feedback; commissioners and staff agreed to coordinate another outreach push.

Members also asked about complaint and oversight procedures. Davis explained that complaints may be filed with OPA or directly with the police department; OPA monitors investigations and can audit findings, and for certain categories — notably use of force — community members can appeal internal affairs’ decisions to a civilian appeals board. “You can file a complaint with OPA, and we will help you navigate the process,” Davis said.

Discussion at the committee acknowledged progress while also noting community fatigue and skepticism that long‑standing issues have not been fully addressed. Commissioners and staff discussed expanding programs such as co-response, community officer programs and Cure Violence prevention partnerships, and the mayor and city manager said they would continue to pursue broader outreach and operational changes.

The committee did not take a formal vote on new police policy at the meeting; the session focused on review, status updates and direction to improve outreach for CIT and community engagement.