Community Safety Resources

GRPD Citizen Police Academy

Want to know more about the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD)? Want an inside look at aspects of law enforcement most have never seen? Join the Citizen Police Academy. Students get first-hand exposure to the police department, personnel, and equipment. They’re able to put themselves in officers’ shoes in the weekly classes. Happens in the fall. Application usually open in late summer. Link: Citizen Police Academy

Community Informed Law Enforcement Training

Community Informed Law Enforcement Training (CIT) is a joint initiative between Grand Rapids’ Office of Oversight and Public Accountability and the Grand Rapids Police Department that allows the community to submit ideas or proposals for trainings it would like law enforcement to participate in. Ideas or Proposals are accepted year-round. Preference will be given to submissions in unity with OPA’s Values and Strategic Priorities. Link: Community Informed Law Enforcement Training

GRPD Explorer’s Program

Police Explorers is a police career education program that gives young adults (14-20 years old) a chance to learn about policing. The program prepares participants to become responsible, caring citizens. Throughout the program, explorers learn from GRPD police officers. They build positive relationships with officers and gain valuable insight into policing.  Link: Police Explorers

GRPD Youth Police Academy 

Are you a high school student interested in learning more about how police officers serve our community? If the answer is yes, consider applying for the GRPD Youth Police Academy. Apply for the Youth Police Academy

OnBase with GRPD

This is a free program offered by the Grand Rapids Police Department and Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation for children between the ages of 9 and 12 years old.  Kids learn the basic skills of baseball while being coached by officers from GRPD, area coaches, and volunteers. The objective is to mentor youth, build relationships, and have fun! After the clinic dates, all participants are invited to play in the Parks & Rec summer baseball league on a team sponsored by GRPD. Link:  Register for OnBase with GRPD

Coffee With A Cop

Check with your neighborhood association in Grand Rapids as they are usually scheduled with them periodically through the year.

• Safe & Connected Communities Sub-Committee – Helpful information for immigrant communities.

• Silent Observer – Report an anonymous tip on silentobserver.org or by calling (616) 774-2345.