Office of Oversight and Public Accountability - Grand Rapids

Know your rights. Know your power.

The City of Grand Rapids Office of Oversight and Public Accountability is offering Know Your Rights trainings designed to equip our community with the information, confidence, and tools needed to navigate real-life situations.

Whether it’s understanding your rights during interactions or knowing how accountability works in our city, this training is for you.

Check the flyer for dates, times, and location details and make plans to join us. Bring a friend and stay informed.

The City of Grand Rapids has partnered with The Wisdom Center, 1333 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, to offer free counseling and mental health services throughout the Month of April to community members who would like support in processing officer involved shootings. Community members may schedule an appointment by calling The Wisdom Center at 616-419-8103.

Additionally, The City has released statements in response to Prosecutor Becker’s decision in the most recent Officer involved shooting. A link to the statement is available in the comments.

Both the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability and the City of Grand Rapids Office of Equity and Engagement remain committed to elevating resident voice in city operations and staying connected to the community we serve.

This week, that commitment was on full display as we participated in the SAFE Taskforce’s First Annual Community Event. SAFE (Safe Alliances For Everyone) is an anti-violence initiative dedicated to reducing violence in our communities. A special shoutout to OPA’s Civilian Violence Prevention & Intervention Manager, Latesha Lipscomb, who serves as the liaison to SAFE and did an incredible job creating a space for meaningful connection between community members and city leaders.

Additionally, members of OPA and OEE had the opportunity to attend the Mayor’s State of the City Address. It was a great time connecting with so many residents and partners who care deeply about our city.

We’re excited about what’s ahead for Grand Rapids and grateful to be part of the work that continues to move our community forward.

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.

Below is a chart outlining the roles and responsibilities of each entity involved in this process.

The City of Grand Rapids has partnered with the Wisdom Center to offer free counseling and mental health services throughout the Month of March to community members who would like support in processing officer involved shootings.

Community members may schedule an appointment by calling The Wisdom Center at 616-419-8103.

In the interest of accountability and transparency, it is important to note that OPA has received a complaint regarding actions taken by GRPD on June 13, 2025 in the Boston Square Neighborhood. OPA’s Official Statement is attached below.

🚨 LAST DAY TO PRE-REGISTER! 🚨

Don’t miss your chance to clear your record and open the door to new employment, housing, and education opportunities! Today is the final day to pre-register for the 4th Annual Clean Slate GR Expungement Fair happening Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Kroc Center.

✅ Free ICHAT
✅ Free Fingerprinting & Consultation
✅ Attorneys on Site
✅ File Your Expungement Petition

📍 Open to ALL Michigan residents!
🚫 We cannot process out-of-state or federal convictions.

🔗 Register now at https://t.ly/RJlfC or scan the code on the flyer below!

Let’s make a clean start—your future is worth it!

Clean Slate GR Learn about how we help community members remove eligible criminal convictions through a process called expungement.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Clean Slate GR: Expungement Fair is happening on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, and you don’t want to miss it!
Location:
The KROC Center
2500 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Time:
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
If you or someone you know is looking for a fresh start, this event is for YOU!
Our Clean Slate GR is here to help eligible individuals begin the process of clearing their criminal record through expungement—a powerful step toward better employment opportunities, housing access, and a renewed sense of freedom.
What to Expect:
• FREE legal assistance with expungement applications
• On-site consultations with attorneys and legal professionals
• Community resources, support services
• Food Trucks on sight, and a welcoming, judgment-free environment

Who Should Attend?
Anyone interested in exploring expungement eligibility or getting support through the process. Whether you’re just beginning or ready to file, we’re here to walk with you.
Pre-registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome! You can pre-register using the link below
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/.../Clean-Slate-GR...
There is an opportunity to volunteer for this event as well. Please sign up with the link below if you are interested.
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/.../Clean-Slate-GR...
Let’s help our community members take that next step toward a clean slate.
Spread the word—share this post and bring a friend!

“It Takes a Village” – a new, collaborative, and community-supported summer youth violence reduction program. This initiative provides recreational, creative, and educational opportunities for youth to help them stay constructively engaged. This program aims to lower violent crime among youth in Grand Rapids by providing positive activities during the summer weekend evenings.

This program has been developed in consultation with multiple City departments and with the support of several community partners. Through August 31, LifeQuest, Grand Rapids Urban League, Grand Rapids Public Schools and Grand Valley State University are offering programming to Grand Rapids youth (ages 12 to 17) on Fridays and Saturdays during summer weekend evenings.

Participants can choose between two sites offering specialized programming to suit a variety of teen interests. More information is provided on the flyers!

Office of Oversight and Public Accountability - Grand Rapids and its community partners will host the third annual Project Clean Slate Expungement Fair!

Details:
Sat. May, 4 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Salvation Army Kroc Center
2500 Division Ave. S

Pre-registration is required. Registration is now open through April 19: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Departments/Office-of-Oversight-and-Public-Accountability/Project-Clean-Slate

The site contains information on event expectations, expungement eligibility, benefits of attending, a participant pre-registration form, and a volunteer sign-up form. Those attending this event must use the Alger St. SE entrance for parking.