Canine Program Benchmarking Study

In response to the City Commission's request, the City Manager directed the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA) to undertake a benchmarking analysis of peer jurisdictions and nationally recognized professional associations related to the Grand Rapids Police Department's (GRPD) canine policy, MOP 6-8.1. The review identifies areas where written policy could be clarified or strengthened to better align with peer-city practices and nationally recognized sources, particularly in how canine operations integrate with the department's broader force-governance, accountability, and community-protection frameworks. 

This report is a policy-level benchmarking study, it is not a legal opinion.