GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A resigning member of the city of Grand Rapids’ Public Safety Committee told officials she didn’t understand the purpose of the committee. The resigning member stated that it didn’t appear that the committee had any “authority or clout.”

In a document dated March 13, former Public Safety Committee member Chris Cameron announced her resignation from the committee citing time constraints.

“Give the Public Safety Committee a bit more to do.”

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Cameron’s statements come as the city’s police force has one of its former officers going to trial this week for murder and was criticized by a state politician for allowing a “Cops” style TV show on the department to be produced.

“I would like to suggest that you give the Public Safety Committee a bit more to do,” Cameron stated. “I can’t really understand what our purpose is as all we do is listen to presentations (which are very interesting) and make comments or ask questions. It doesn’t appear we have any authority or clout.”

The nine-member board is made up of volunteers.

The Grand Rapids Public Safety Committee makes recommendations to the city on “most things related to public safety,” according to the city website. It is a nine-member board of volunteer city residents.

In 2022, when there were three shootings in the downtown Grand Rapids area, media reports said that police leaders were to discuss the issue at the Public Safety Committee meeting.

A city spokesman said the Public Safety Committee was important in a statement to Michigan News Source.

“The City Commission’s Public Safety Committee plays a critical role in shaping public safety policy and operations in Grand Rapids,” the city stated. “City Commissioners who serve on the Committee are voting members, authorized to set public hearings, make motions and advance items to the full City Commission for deliberation or action. Public members do not vote but actively participate in discussions and their perspectives are highly valued. This structure ensures the Committee serves as both a space for authentic community input and a functional conduit for legislative action. The Public Safety Committee work is integral to ensuring the safety of all Grand Rapidians. For instance, the voting members of the City’s Public Safety committee can and have set public hearings regarding the acquisition of new technology and can disallow the use of surveillance equipment based on a violation of the policy. In addition, over the last several years, the Committee has played a critical role in providing policy recommendations to the City Commission on topics such as the City’s use of drones, our nuisance ordinance, and ongoing discussions regarding wildlife management in our urban environment. Advising public members of the committee give feedback on items that are voted on but have also advised on police and fire strategic plans which included impartial policing components as well as the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability’s strategic plan. Additionally, their input has been used by City Staff to improve operation on numerous issues including implementational of the Cure Violence program, the use and deployment of scales for traffic enforcement, myriad violence reductions efforts and the continued success of our Homeless Outreach Team.”

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The second-degree murder trial for a former Grand Rapids police officer in the case of Patrick Lyoya begins this week. Lyoya was shot and killed in 2022 by then police officer Christopher Schurr after a traffic stop turned into a violent struggle.

Criticism of the police department.

On April 9, State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) criticized the police department for allowing a film crew to follow it around for a TV series called, “All Access PD: Grand Rapids.”

“First of all it’s absolutely disgusting that GRPD has a time to make a tv show given all the work we have to do in this city,” Grant said on her Facebook post. “Guys please don’t give this show any of your time. Please don’t add to the ratings or the drama. Just before summertime they drop some dumb sh*t like this knowing that every sumner [sic] we brace ourselves for an uptick in violence that “no one can seem to explain”. Now with this show we have people calling folks snitches, murderers, and everything else. Putting lives at risk and inciting further division in our community. Let’s focus on the police officer that should be on the stand soon and not give them what they want. I’m appalled that more leaders aren’t holding them accountable for this vile [expletive deleted]. Do something better with your tax payer paid time GRPD!!!”