GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Violence in Grand Rapids became the focus for city leaders Friday morning.
Grand Rapids police chief Kevin Belk, area clergy and other community leaders held a press conference to discuss an initiative to stop the violence. The recent uptick in crime, including eight murders in a one month period, sparked the conversation.
“Public are the polic,e and the police are the police,” Belk said. He and other leaders said it’s a ‘community effort’ in curbing the violence and reaching those who are at-risk.
The chief said his department could use more resources to fight crime. At the same time, he said the department has beefed up its patrols efforts, and he’s instructed his special response team to increase their presence in problem areas.
The conversation doesn’t end at the press conference. Pastor Jermone Glenn said there will be a community meeting to discuss viable solutions (to stop the violence) at Messiah Missionary Baptist at 8 a.m. He said everyone is welcome to attend and give input.
