In June, 2020 the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA) developed 10 recommended action steps to improve community-police relations.
These recommendations are in partnership with the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) and the Office of Equity and Engagement (OEE).
OPA will increase accountability by reviewing and releasing a comprehensive report and recommendations regarding the status of all prior community/police relations studies, recommendations, and commitments. This report will be released within the next 30 days.
Chief Payne and Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA) will work together to establish a Community Police Advisory Council will be created by June 6, 2020.
The City Manager, Police Chief, OPA, and OEE will host a Digital Town Hall to listen to community concerns, seek innovative solutions, and help identify gaps in our plan and report to be released that was mentioned earlier. Dates to be released week of 6/8/20.
OPA and OEE to host events led by subject matter experts regarding processing and healing from trauma and vicarious trauma related to racism and use of force. Dates to be released early next week.
OPA will create a Safety and Accountability Ambassador Program designed to train and equip community with the tools to promote safety and accountability.
OPA and OEE to partner with community groups to identify and share strategies and learning opportunities for those who want to support justice and equity and to ally with communities of color.
OPA will work with community to review GRPD policies and practices with a focus on equity and innovation and recommend improvements.
OEE will increase and enhance training related to equity, justice, implicit bias and other related topics for City Staff.
OPA to complete a strategic plan and implement additional strategies to increase restorative justice programming, elevating community voice, and public safety engagement.
OEE, OPA, Economic Development, and Our Communities Children to work with the business community to increase summer job opportunities for youth.