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OPA's Policy and Strategic Plan

OPA's Policy

How Was OPA's Policy Created?

  • OPA began developing its Internal Operations and Manual of Procedures in 2019.
  • OPA hosted community workgroup sessions which included representation from community members, community organizations and City personnel.
  • In addition to various training, books, and administrative documents, OPA considered over 20 different civilian oversight models from around the country.

What Does OPA's Policy Do?

  • Formalizes the authority, jurisdiction, and oversight functions of OPA with regard to:
    • The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD)
    • The Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD)
    • The Grand Rapids Police Civilian Appeals Board (CAB)
  • Establishes analytical frameworks for:
    • Auditing GRPD's Internal Affairs investigations and officer-involved shootings.
    • Conducting supplemental investigations at the request of CAB.
  • Provides an overview of community engagement activities, restorative justice events, and data-driven initiatives.
  • Institutes intradepartmental information management and records retention policies.

OPA's Strategic Plan

Draft Strategic Plan

Through targeted change, accountability, restorative justice, empowerment and engagement the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA) will help create and improve just outcomes and respectful relationships between public safety and community.

Read our Draft Strategic Plan (PDF).

Strategic Launch

We created a Strategic Launch to guide OPA operations. The Strategic Launch of OPA was divided into seven phases:

  1. Research and Analysis
  2. Collaborative Design
  3. Strategic Engagement
  4. Strategic Plan Finalization
  5. Creation of Operational Policies and Procedures
  6. Internal and External Education
  7. Official Launch of OPA

To learn more about our Strategic Launch, review the documents below. 

TRUE Action – Reimagining Policing in Grand Rapids

On June 10, 2020, City Manager Washington announced action items that detail a renewed commitment to accountability, reform, and equitable change.

These initiatives Incorporate the Six Pillars of 21st Century Policing:

  • Building Trust and Legitimacy
  • Policy and Oversight
  • Technology and Social Media
  • Community Policing and Crime Reduction
  • Training and Education
  • Officer Wellness and Safety

The 19 Adopted Reform Initiatives align with the City’s Strategic Plan and embody the City’s Values of accountability, collaboration, customer service, equity, innovation, and sustainability.  There are now additional reform initiatives under consideration.

 

We are committed to being T.R.U.E. to our police reform efforts and to working to ensure just outcomes. 

T.R.U.E. – Transparent, Responsible, United, and Equitable.

Transparent: Make documents and data available to the community so it can easily see what we do and why

Responsible: Provide space for internal and external accountability

United: Partner with the community to work toward lasting improvements

Equitable:  Intentionally remove and prevent unjust practices created by systematic and institutional injustice

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