GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - More than 30 years after his journey with Grand Rapids Police first started as a patrol officer, Eric Payne has now officially been sworn in as the chief.
City Manager Mark Washington chose Payne, the sole internal candidate, for the position earlier this month. Payne was selected after a national search was conducted; he was among three finalists for the position.
"I picked you because you're the type of person that's able to bring this community together," Washington said during the promotion ceremony. "I look forward to a day where the only person who fears a person in blue is a person who is about to commit a crime."
Payne, who is the city's first African American police chief, has already expressed that community policing will be a focal point of his leadership.
"He has navigated change; he has clearly expressed a willingness to alternative approaches to addressing behaviors, including violent behaviors," said 2nd Ward Commissioner Ruth Kelly, during the ceremony.
"I believe you may be just the right person, at just the right time," Kelly said to Payne.
Payne began his career as a patrol officer and spent much of his career patrolling the southeast side of town.
"I want officers to build relationships. I've done it. I know it can be done," Payne said. "I will go out in every part of this city and meet with people and discuss with them what they want their police department to look like."
Payne said the department will also be taking a break from studies, and instead, refer back to old studies to see how the department has evolved and what work still needs to be done. He said he hopes to share more policing data with the community.
City Clerk Joel Hondorp administered the oath of office, which was followed by a community gathering. The event happened at 5:30 p.m. at Grand Rapids City Hall. Community leaders like Kent County Sheriff Michele LaJoye-Young and Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, City Commissioners Joe Jones and Nathaniel Moody and Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack were all in attendance. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss was out of town for a mayoral conference.
WATCH THE OATH OF OFFICE HERE:
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