Officer Involved Shooting Investigative Process

City of Grand Rapids Administrative Policy 15-02 requires that all officer-involved shootings be investigated by the Michigan State Police. In accordance with this policy, and to ensure independence, the criminal investigation in every officer-involved shooting is conducted by the Michigan State Police rather than the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Once the Michigan State Police complete their investigation, their findings are submitted to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office. The Prosecutor’s Office reviews the evidence and determines whether criminal charges are warranted.

Separately, the Grand Rapids Police Department conducts an internal administrative investigation to determine whether the involved officers complied with department policies and procedures. After the internal review is completed, the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability independently reviews the available evidence, evaluates the department’s internal investigation, and conducts a comprehensive audit of the process and findings.

The Office of Oversight and Public Accountability will publicly release the results of its audit—redacted only as required by law—as promptly as possible.

This layered process is designed to promote fairness, reduce actual or perceived conflicts of interest, and strengthen public confidence in the review of officer-involved shootings. The City of Grand Rapids remains committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that policing in our community meets the highest professional standards while preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations.