After a seven month nationwide search for a new police chief, the city of Grand Rapids has appointed from within. Grand Rapids Police Deputy Chief Eric Payne has been named to the departments top position.
City Manager Mark Washington announced his selection of Payne at a press conference held at the Grand Rapids Police Department on Friday July 12, 2019.
Payne, the city’s first black police chief, is a 32 year veteran with the GRPD. He was born in Dowagiac, Michigan and graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in criminal justice.
Before becoming deputy chief, Payne was captain of the Investigative Division, which includes the Detective, Vice and Forensic Services units. He previously served as captain of the South Service Area and the department’s Crisis Negotiation Team. He also served as administrative lieutenant for the South Service Area and as a patrol watch commander. He began his career as a patrol officer, hostage negotiator and field training officer.
Payne says his three top priorities are improving safety, community policing and transparency.
He will officially take over as chief on July 22, replacing former Chief David Rahinsky who retired in December and relieve Deputy Chief David Kiddle, who has been serving as interim police chief.
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