Downtown neighbors recently had the opportunity to meet new Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom, ask him questions and learn more about his experience and vision for public safety in Downtown. Thank you to those of you who took the time to join us.
Q&A with the Chief:
- What about reckless motorcyclists?
- The Chief understands this is a top issue for Downtowners.
- He has met with leaders of the motorcycle groups to discuss ways in which all parties can be held accountable and public safety can be upheld.
- What can be done to address homelessness in our city?
- Being homeless is not a crime.
- Chief Winstrom views the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) as a model that other cities should look at to address issues that take several institutions to solve.
- Can we have more beat cops on patrol? I used to know the police by name…
- This is a staffing and recruitment issue. GRPD does not have enough officers right now to make this possible, but it is on the Chief’s list of goals to accomplish.
- He aspires to move toward a community policing model.
- His goal is for Grand Rapids to be the Gold Standard for policing in a mid-sized city.
- Sometimes it seems like the police are not doing anything…
- Police officers enforce the law in several small ways.
- Most “law enforcement” does not require drastic actions.
- How is morale in the force? What can neighbors do to improve it?
- Morale is understandably low right now. The Chief meets with officers every day to build positivity and reinforce values focused on the community.
- There is a long way to go. If you see an officer, tell them you appreciate them. They are human too. We all suffer from the trauma and stress of incidents such as police-involved shootings.
- Are there other ways to address traffic stops?
- Policies are currently being reviewed and reevaluated.
- Right now, GRPD will have two officers in every car.
- They will also review foot pursuit policies.
- The Chief specifically expressed interest in exploring the potential to implement a sanctity of life policy.
- What are your goals for our city as the Police Chief?
- Chief Winstrom highlighted several key goals, while acknowledging the Department’s priorities will continue to evolve in the light of the April 4 officer involved shooting and resulting events yet to come:
- Increase actual safety and perceived safety of community members
- Implement Community Policing
- Put police on the streets so that you recognize your officers
- Build trust between community members and the police.
- Chief Winstrom highlighted several key goals, while acknowledging the Department’s priorities will continue to evolve in the light of the April 4 officer involved shooting and resulting events yet to come:
Surveying Neighbors on Public Safety Needs
Before the meeting was held, neighbors were asked to provide feedback in a survey sent through the weekly newsletter.
Results from the Survey:
- Resident respondents generally feel safe in the Downtown neighborhood, which includes Heartside, the Near Westside, and Monroe North areas.
- The top concerns cited were motorcycle nuisance (especially about pedestrian safety), homelessness, and a desire to see more engagement from the Police Department.
- Most respondents identified as white, over the age of 65, and male.
- Why This Matters: if this does not represent you, we need your voice! Please take the survey, even though the event has taken place. Having input from all identities within the community is key to creating an inclusive city for all.
We will continue to work alongside community institutions for a safe, strong community that values all members. This was a great interaction between City leadership and City residents – one that I hope we can repeat with other leaders in the future.