Kentwood police chief highlights tech upgrades and rising calls in 2025 annual report; three firefighters sworn in

Chief Lohman presented the Kentwood Police Department's 2025 annual report on June 16, telling the City Commission the department handled just under 18,000 calls for service last year and continues to expand technology and training.

Lohman highlighted several initiatives: Axon body-worn cameras with AI-assisted draft transcription (he said the system uses only body-cam audio and officers must review and finalize reports); in-car camera upgrades with license-plate reader capability; virtual-reality training for de-escalation and decision-making; a growing drone program (110 calls for service) and a two-unit K-9 program. He reported broad community engagement through events such as National Night Out and volunteer hours valued at roughly $120,000.

On staffing and accountability, Lohman said the department conducted nearly 10,000 hours of training for roughly 70 officers, hired 13 employees last year (including promotion of cadets), and completed about 42 background investigations; the department is staffed at 74 officers currently with a target of 86 when millage funding allows. Use-of-force incidents numbered 128, only three Taser deployments, and most internal investigations resulted in training or minor discipline.

Before the report was received, the clerk swore in three new fire department hires introduced by the fire chief: Braden Heisma, Jacob Thompson and Alex (self-identified as Alex Hunsis). Each briefly thanked commissioners and family members in attendance.

Commissioners asked about the Axon AI transcription workflow (Lohman said it transcribes body-cam audio only and officers must listen and confirm before submission) and volunteer recruitment. The commission voted to receive and file the 2025 police report.