Meet the 4 Finalists Vying to Be Grand Rapids’ Next Police Chief

The Grand Rapids Police Department has been without a police chief since Eric Winstrom took another job down in Florida.

Get our free mobile app

In his four years with GRPD Winstrom dealt with some intense situations, the most notable being the fatal officer-involved shooting of Patrick Lyoya just weeks after he took office in 2022.

During his official exit interview, Winstrom shared that he felt a lack of support from certain city leaders.

He also shared that his family home was targeted several times by people with graffit and bricks.

I had the chance to interact with Winstrom a lot during his time in Grand Rapids and could tell that he truly cared about the people in this city and was doing everything he could do in his power to reduce crime, violence and help bridge the divide between the community and GRPD.

While the city is looking for a new police chief Interim Police Chief Joseph "Joe" Trigg who has been with the department for the past 25 years has stepped into the department's top role.

He is also one of the four finalists the city has narrowed down to be the next chief of police.

Grand Rapids Names Four Finalists In Search For The Next Police Chief

These are the four finalist and their credentials that are being considered to be Grand Rapids' next police chief.

Mark Bliss

Credit: Grand Rapids Police Department

Bliss is a deputy chief with the Detroit Police Department. He has spent more than 25 years in law enforcement and currently leads Detroit's crime strategies bureau. Bliss holds a master's degree in criminal justice.

Rafael Diaz

Credit: Grand Rapids Police Department

Diaz is a captain with Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Current service history extends more than 27 years. He is also a licensed attorney. Diaz has led Kalamazoo's professional standards and criminal investigation divisions. He also plays a role with the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team. Diaz served as a judge advocate in the Michigan National Guard.

Read More: Can You Get In Trouble For Calling GRPD If You're Drunk Or High?

Eve Stephens

Credit: Grand Rapids Police Department

A former chief of police for University of Texas at Austin. She spent more than 25 years in law enforcement, including time as a commander with the Austin Police Department. She holds a Master of Public Safety from the University of Virginia.

Joseph Trigg

Credit: Grand Rapids Police Department

Trigg is current deputy chief of police for Grand Rapids. He has been serving as interim chief since the departure of Chief Winstrom at the beginning of March. He's spent more than 25 years with the Grand Rapids Police Department, starting as a patrol officer and working his way up through the command structure.

The city is asking for community input and if you have any questions you would like to ask the candidates you can submit your question here.

Read More: PETA Asks Grand Rapids Police to End K-9 Program