As part of its continued commitment to improving community and police relations, the City will host four community meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 18 and 19, to discuss the final results of the Race-Based Study of Traffic Stops by the Grand Rapids Police Department.Lamberth Consulting will discuss the method behind the traffic stop study, what data was collected, detail the final results and make comparisons with the 2004 study. Potential recommendations drawn from the study may also be discussed. Residents can also give input and have questions answered by representatives from the Police Department and Lamberth Consulting. “I encourage residents to stop by one of the open houses to ask questions and engage with Lamberth Consulting about the results drawn from the Traffic Stop Study,” Sundstrom said. “This welcomed examination of the department will give us the information we need to improve and be more responsive to the needs of the community. If issues are shown to exist, we will enthusiastically do whatever is needed to resolve and improve our service.”In January 2015, the City Manager submitted 12 major recommendations to the City Commission in response to significant citizen feedback regarding the need to improve the relationship between the Police Department and the community. The recommendations by the City Manager were approved by the City Commission for adoption as a plan of action to provide solutions, counter measures, and follow up to those key issues to address the citizens’ important concerns.“The men and women of the Grand Rapids Police Department are committed to this community and have willingly and enthusiastically welcomed the transformation of this department to implement the recommendations in early 2015,” Chief Rahinsky said. “If the study shows that officers do show racial bias during traffic stops, we want to know and will take steps to rectify the situation.” Traffic Stop Study community meetings will be held on the following dates/times/locations
Tuesday, April 18
5:30 p.m.LINC UP Gallery 1167 Madison Ave SE
7:30 p.m.The Edge Urban Fellowship 735 Ritzema Ct SW
Wednesday, April 19
4:00 p.m. Michigan First Credit Union 1815 Breton Rd. SE
5:30 p.m Rockford Construction 601 First St NW 7
7:30 p.m. GRPS University 1400 Fuller Ave NE