City launches robust search for next police chief

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids today announced the next phase of its search for a permanent Chief of Police. Earlier this year, when City Manager Mark Washington appointed Joseph Trigg to serve as interim police chief, he also committed to conducting a robust recruitment process to identify the City’s next permanent leader of the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Following a competitive RFP process, Washington has selected Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. to lead the recruitment. The firm, led by Gary Peterson, was recommended by a review team consisting of internal employees and three citizen members of the City’s Public Safety Committee. Public Sector also led the City’s previous two police chief searches, which resulted in the appointments of former chiefs Eric Payne and Eric Winstrom.

Washington said the process for the finalists will be transparent, competitive, and include meaningful opportunities for community and employee engagement.

“The search for our next police chief is one of the most important leadership decisions I will make,” Washington said. “As we’ve done with past chief searches, I am committed to a process that is thorough, community-informed, and designed to attract exceptional candidates who share our commitment to safety, trust and neighborhood policing. We will ensure residents and City staff have ample opportunities to meet the finalists and share their perspectives.”

The job posting is expected to open Friday, May 8 with onsite interviews tentatively scheduled to take place the week of June 15.

Throughout the finalist selection process, the search firm will support robust engagement opportunities for both the public and City employees. Washington emphasized that all feedback gathered during the process will be thoughtfully considered before he makes the final appointment.

“I appreciate the engagement of our community partners, employees and Public Safety Committee members who are helping to shape this process,” Washington said. “Selecting the right leader is crucial to continuing to build trust and strengthening our public safety strategies for years to come.”

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