Grand Rapids Appoints A New Chief Of Police
Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington will formally introduce the new Grand Rapids Police Chief. City Manager Mark Washington made his selection following a national search which began 3 months ago.
Eric Winstrom, a commander of the Chicago Police Department, has been tapped to serve as Grand Rapids’ next police chief.
Washington stated in a press release,
“The City is fortunate to hire someone as qualified and talented as Eric Winstrom to serve as our next police chief who is a certified law enforcement officer and attorney. I look forward to working with him to continue to advance policing and to continue our journey to strengthen trust between the community and our police department.”
Winstrom comes to Grand Rapids having served in the Chicago Police Department for over 20 years in various positions including patrol, tactical, investigative, and administrative positions.
He last served as an executive on the CPD Leadership Team and led the Area 5 Detective Division where he oversaw a staff of 200, including 40 homicide detectives.
The new Grand Rapids Police Chief holds a BS in Administration of Justice from Rutgers University and a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School.
Winstrom is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and is a court-recognized expert on police policy, use of force, criminal investigations, and the Fourth Amendment.
Winstrom said,
"As chief, I will embrace opportunities to have open, honest communication with all stakeholders in Grand Rapids. I have a great appreciation for Grand Rapids. My wife, my eight- and ten-year-olds, and I are excited about relocating to West Michigan.”