Chief Winstrom reviews three years of departmental progress

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – At today’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Chief Eric Winstrom summarized the reforms and improvements made at the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) since he assumed leadership more than three years ago; changes that impact policy, procedure, training, recruiting, and most importantly, culture.

“I don’t think there is any aspect of the department that has not changed for the better,” Winstrom said. “It has gone beyond the issues I identified and presented in my review to the City Commission in July 2022. Aspiring to excellence is evident at all levels of the department.”

Winstrom praised the dedication of GRPD officers and civilian staff, noting that many are leading innovative programs and community engagement efforts aimed at improving public safety and trust.

"I inherited a department with more than 150 years of service to this community," Winstrom said. "My focus, and the focus of everyone in the Grand Rapids Police Deparment, has been on making this department better and our community safer."

Key changes highlighted in Chief Winstrom’s report include a renewed focus on the sanctity of human life in all police responses and a commitment to grounding policy, procedure and training in constitutional policing principles. The department has strengthened its policies and training on de-escalation, response to resistance and use of force, and introduced updated subject control and crowd control techniques to improve outcomes for both officers and the public.

He told the Commission that transparency efforts have expanded through hundreds of community meetings, increased media engagement and ongoing work to reduce the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) backlog. The department has also civilianized select roles to diversify perspectives and return more sworn officers to street patrol.

To enhance training, GRPD incorporated virtual-reality tools for scenario-based exercises. The co-response team has grown with additional clinicians, and the victim services unit has been expanded to support follow-up care.

He also reported that recruitment efforts have focused on attracting both new and experienced officers who reflect the community’s diversity and values.

Winstrom acknowledged that public safety is community-wide endeavor and the ongoing feedback and collaboration he has received over the past 36 months has been integral in the progress his department has made.

"These improvements would not have been possible without the active participation of our neighborhoods, local businesses, the Public Safety Committee, and numerous other individuals and organizations," Winstrom stated. "While the majority of this feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive, we've also had tough, candid conversations around expectations and the challenges inherent in evolving public safety. Some individuals have expressed disappointment, and I believe in facing these hard conversations head-on, as they are crucial for true progress and building lasting trust."

Winstrom noted that these conversations are ongoing and invited the public to attend the upcoming Commission Night Out on October 21, where GRPD and the Office of Public Accountability will co-host a critical engagement activity. This event will provide another vital opportunity for the community to come together and continue exploring how we can further our shared vision of a Grand Rapids where everyone is safe, and feels safe, at all times.

Chief Winstrom’s presentation can be viewed in its entirety on the City’s YouTube channel.