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GRPD chief to attend White House policing session

Hilary Farrell

A west Michigan police chief plans to pitch a diversity in policing initiative to the White House this month.

Grand Rapids Police Chief David Rahinsky will be in Washington D.C. on Thursday, June 30, to participate in the White House 21 st Century Policing Briefing.

The session brings law enforcement leaders and senior administration officials together to talk about ways to build confidence and public trust in policing agencies.

Rahinsky says he plans to suggest a national diversity recruitment initiative to help agencies better reflect their local communities and “encourage people to help us effect change from within”.

He says the idea would be similar to armed forces recruitment programs, and could be a “game changer” for law enforcement agencies.

Building interest in a policing career, particularly among minority youth, has been emphasized by both Rahinsky and other city officials as a key focus locally.

Initiatives include the GRPD’s Explorer program and the Youth Police Academy.

Hilary is a General Assignment and Enterprise reporter for WGVU Public Media. She joined WGVU in September 2014 after several years of experience as a local news reporter, anchor and photojournalist in Midland, Saginaw and Bay counties. She's also worked as a financial and business reporter and audio field producer.
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