Tag Archives: Kentwood Police Department

Wyoming, Kentwood officers join others to help spread some holiday cheer

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

On a brisk, cold Tuesday morning, representatives from about 17 area first responders and law enforcement agencies — including Wyoming and Kentwood — helped Santa Claus by delivering about 500 new toys to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

“This is just awesome to have this opportunity to spread some holiday cheer especially among some children who may not be able to be home,” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Officer Chad Lynn.

The Toy Express to the children’s hospital was made possible through a grant from the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), a national nonprofit organization that provides financial relief to the families of first responders who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. The event was spearheaded by the Grandville Police Department, which wrote the grant request to FRCF.

Wyoming police officers Chad Lynn and Devin Quintard and Kentwood officers Jamie Karwowski and Jeff Augustyn help deliver presents to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“On the second Wednesday of the month, local first responders come out and turn their lights on for the children [at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital],” said Grandville Chief Paul Anglim, who had served with the Wyoming Public Safety Department for 27 years.

 

“It was just a natural extension of the Project Night Lights since the group was already formed.”

Project Night Lights is a program of Silent Observer, a non-profit established in 1972 to help solve and prevent serious crime in the Grand Rapids area.

“Silent Observer is so appreciative of this donation and is thrilled that Grandville Police Department and the FRCF are recognizing Silent Obersrver’s efforts involving Project Night Lights and all the First Responders who give up their time, month after month, to show their love and support of the patients at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital,” said Silent Observer Executive Director Chris Cameron.

 

The parade went from the Grand Rapids Community College’s parking garage off of Ransom Avenue and made its way up to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital on Lake Michigan Drive. Officers then unloaded the toys to carts which were wheeled inside to the hospital.

“We’re so pleased to have donations like this from the generosity of the community,” said Kelly Dyer, president of Spectrum Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundations.  “The generosity is simply amazing. It has been such a challenging year for everyone, and we are grateful for those who make time for this kind of thing.”

It’s all about bringing a little bit of joy, she added with a smile.

Grandville Chief Paul Anglim (WKTV)

“Making a child feel normal while managing a challenging situation like being in the hospital is what it’s all about.  Bringing a little bit of joy…that’s what we’re trying to do here.”

Glenn Colbert, a former Kentwood Police officer who is now manager of security at Spectrum Health, agreed with Dyer, adding he felt it was a great opportunity to showcase the public outreach many officers do for the community.

“We are happy to have this opportunity to partner with our fellow law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel by supporting the children in the hospital,” said Matt Brinkman, director of security at Spectrum Health.

 

Along with Grandville, Wyoming and Kentwood police departments, other law enforcement and first responder agencies that participated in the Toy Express event were Spectrum Security Police, Grandville Fire, Michigan State Police. Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Rapids Police, Walker Police, East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety, Rockford Department of Public Safety, Grand Rapids Community College Police, Plainfield Township Fire, American Medical Response, Life EMS, Lowell Police, and Grand Valley State University Police.

  • Kentwood officer Jamie Karwowski and Jeff Augustyn help unload toys.
  • Kentwood Officer Jamie Karwowski hands a present to Officer Jeff Augustyn
  • Wyoming Officer Chad Lynn helps to unload a truck
  • Wyoming Officer Chad Lynn and Kentwood Officer Jeff Augustyn help with the toys
  • Wyoming Officer Chad Lynn places boxes full of toys on a cart
  • All of the law enforcement officers who helped on Dec. 7

Kentwood Police Department receives honor from Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission

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The Kentwood Place Department’s Traffic Services Bureau launched a safety campaign during the 2019-20 school year partially focused on Kentwood, Kelloggsville, and Forest Hills school buses when students were boarding and departing. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced last week that the Kentwood Police Department has received the 2020 Outstanding Traffic Achievement Award from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission in recognition of its school safety campaign.

The GTSAC honors organizations, programs and individuals for outstanding contributions to traffic safety, according to supplied material. The virtual awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 27.

“We are grateful to the state for this high honor, which is a reflection of our department’s ongoing commitment to increasing traffic safety and our Traffic Services Bureau’s hard work to help make school zones safer for students and drivers,” Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts said in supplied material.

The Traffic Services Bureau includes one sergeant, three traffic specialists and one police cadet. The team’s primary responsibility is to enforce traffic laws. Other services include abandoned vehicle follow-ups, salvaged vehicle inspections, traffic engineering studies, speed monitoring and accident investigations.

The police department’s Traffic Services Bureau launched a safety campaign during the 2019-20 school year that provided dedicated personnel to monitor and enforce residential speed limits near schools on 60th Street SE and whether drivers stopped for Kentwood, Kelloggsville, and Forest Hills school buses when students were boarding and departing.

The police department had received complaints about drivers speeding in properly posted school zones and not stopping for buses when their red flashers were on, according to supplied material.

The initiative started in October 2019 and ended early in March 2020 due to school closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 184 personnel hours were dedicated to the five-month campaign, which yielded 428 school speed zone violations and 31 school bus violations.

This enforcement resulted in an 800 percent increase for school speed zone violations and a 300 percent jump in school bus violations from the previous school year. Fifty-one school speed zone violations and 10 school bus violations were issued in 2018-19.

During the first month of the campaign, 93 school speed zone violations were issued. That number peaked at 104 in February 2020 before dropping to 31 in the final month.

“This was a successful effort that changed behaviors and garnered positive feedback from our community, with many parents stopping to thank our officers,” Chief Roberts said.

The safety campaign encompassed Kentwood, Kelloggsville and Forest Hills schools. It resumed in October 2020 and went through December, resulting in four school speed violations and eight school bus violations.

More information about the Kentwood Police Department is available at kentwood.us/police.

Kentwood Police Chief Roberts details force’s accountability, community involvement on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

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City of Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts, as part of a discussion on WKTV Journal In Focus, talked about the changes in police vehicle camera technology — which at one point was dashboard cameras and VCRs in the trunk. (WKTV) 

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Police Department prides itself on not only its transparency and accountably but also its community interaction and involvement. So, when Kentwood’s top police official, Chief Richard Roberts, visited WKTV Journal In Focus recently the conversation ranged from plans for expanded officer body camera use to working with local employees to help local restaurants and patrons.

In early March, the City of Kentwood announced its police department would equip its entire force with body cameras in an effort to enhance both accountably and transparency during community interactions. Chief Roberts detailed the program, its needs and goals, training and department protocol for use, and how body cameras are equally good for the community as they are for police officers.

(For a previous WKTV Journal In Focus interviews with Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker and Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young which included discussion of the use of law enforcement body cameras, visit Becker’s discussion here and LaJoye-Young’s discussion here.)

Additionally, in our interview with Chief Roberts, he discussed programs such as pop-up events in support of local restaurants and customers, as well as the planned Kentwood Police Youth Academy.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Kentwood police, Lacks Enterprises team up again to support local restaurants, community

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The City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., last week held another pop-up event, and thanks to a $1,000 donation from Lacks, the pair were able to surprise about 100 customers at two local restaurants by helping to pay for lunch. Here, Off. Jeff Augustyn is with workers and a customer at El Ganadero Mexican Grille. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In December of last year, the City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc. — both understanding the importance to the community of small businesses, including local eateries, in this time of COVID-19 dining restrictions — partnered to help both two Kentwood restaurants and their customers.

The two partners, last week held another pop-up event, and thanks to a $1,000 donation from Lacks, the Kentwood Police Department were able to surprise about 100 customers of El Ganadero Mexican Grille and Mr. Burger with $10 toward their lunch orders “as a thank-you for supporting local restaurants,” according to a statement from the city.

El Ganadero Mexican Grille is located at 4208 Division Ave. SE, and Mr. Burger is at 1750 44th St. SE.

Kentwood police Chief Richard Roberts, in the WKTV studios for an interview last week, spoke of the program and it being part of a wider effort by the police and the city to support the residential, workforce and business community.

“We’ve been partnering with some great businesses in our city,” Chief Roberts said to WKTV. “One  of our great partners, Lacks Enterprises, they have so many people who live in our community, work in their manufacturing, they like to give back. And they like to give back though the police department, through a partnership — it is a great way to partner for the community.”

The event was the second in the Police Department’s local business showcase series to “support Kentwood businesses and create positive experiences with the community during these difficult times,” according to the city statement.

“Lacks Enterprises believes you need a lot of different components to make a community a place for people to live and raise their families,” Jim Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks, said to WKTV at one of the pop-up event sites in  December. “But the real backbone of this community is the small businesses. Without that you would not have all the other things that make the community what it is today.”

The series highlights businesses within Kentwood — both those donating to restaurants to create similar pop-up events and the local businesses supported by the donations. Local businesses interested in participating, either by donating or by being possibly involved with the pop-up events, can call Sergeant Tim Wierenga at 616-656-6561.

“We just wanted to give our small businesses a little support,” Sgt. Wierenga said to WKTV at the first pop-up event. “What we’d like to see of this is (to continue) showcasing our business community and showcasing the city that we love. We would love for this to develop into something more. … We’d love to have some more showcase events.”

Kentwood police to use body cameras as part of ongoing ‘commitment to accountability and transparency’

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An example of a police body camera. (Charleston, S.C., Police Department)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood has announced that the Kentwood Police Department is introducing a body camera program that will include the training and outfitting of all officers with the new technology.

While the department has had in-car cameras since 2000 and some body cameras since 2016, the new program, according to a March 22 statement, is “an effort to enhance accountability and transparency.”

The Kentwood City Commission recently approved a five-year contract with Axon, the largest body camera provider in the U.S., for the equipment and technology. The annual cost for the equipment and technology will be $117,000, according to the statement.

Kentwood Police Department Chief Richard Roberts. (Supplied)

“The Kentwood Police Department has consistently placed great emphasis on community engagement, accountability and transparency,” Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts said in supplied material. “With the implementation of this technology, we can build on those efforts to continue to serve our community with excellence and grow trust. We know the trust of our community can only be earned by impartiality and fairness in daily policing functions and outreach to engage and educate the community.”

The Kentwood Police Department has 71 sworn officers serving a community of approximately 51,000 residents “through a variety of programs and community engagement efforts.”

The body camera program, according to the statement, is part of the department’s “longtime commitment to accountability and transparency in order to achieve its mission to reduce serious crime, increase traffic safety and serve the community with excellence.”

The department plans to have all the department’s officers trained and issue them body cameras by the end of May.

“This technology is beneficial for our community and our police officers,” Chief Roberts said. “It serves as another tool to ensure the safety and security of our community and the residents we serve. The Kentwood Police Department appreciates Mayor Kepley and the city commissioners in supporting the department’s goal in implementing this technology.”

KPD joins eight other Kent County agencies that have implemented or are in the process of implementing body cameras.

A tradition of community engagement

The Kentwood Police Department, according to the statement, utilizes a variety of programs and engagement efforts to “strengthen relationships with the community, address immediate needs and ensure safety.”

Operation P.R.I.C.E. was launched in 2014 by the Kentwood Police Department in an effort to curb retail theft along the 28th Street corridor. (Supplied)

The department uses resident satisfaction surveys and continually reviews its policies, procedures, tactics and techniques to ensure all align with federal and state legal standards, as well as best practices in the profession. These include trainings several times a year on multiple tactics and techniques for various types of interactions with community members, and annual review of agency practices.

Among its existing and on-going efforts are:

— A data-driven approach to crime and traffic safety program that integrates location-based crime and traffic data to establish effective and efficient methods for deploying law enforcement and other resources. The goal is to reduce the incidence of crime, crashes and traffic violations in the community.

— An interactive crime mapping portal that further fosters awareness of crimes and builds trust through transparency. Data is automated daily, allowing residents to stay up to date with incidents that occur in their neighborhoods.

— A school resource officer program that is a partnership between KPD, the community and schools to reduce crime, increase security and promote a positive role model between youth and law enforcement. KPD has three dedicated certified police officers assigned to specific school districts in the city.

— Operation P.R.I.C.E., the Preventing Retail Theft Through Initiative, Collaboration and Enforcement, which since 2014 has helped local businesses decrease incidents of retail fraud.

— Drug Take Back program, which provides community members with a free and secure location to safely dispose of unused and/or unwanted prescription medications. This reduces potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose.

— Participation in community events such as National Night Out, Touch-A-Truck and Trunk-or-Treat to “build meaningful relationships with residents.” Officers also attend Neighborhood Watch meetings to provide crime and safety information and strengthen community relations.

More information about the Kentwood Police Department is available at kentwood.us/police.

Hoping it’s just a start, Kentwood police and Lacks team up to support local business, take-out dining community

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Sgt. Tim Wierenga, Kentwood Police Department, explaining how the effort started. (WKTV video)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., both understand the importance of small businesses, including local eateries, to the community. And that is as true in normal times as it is in this time of COVID-19 dining restrictions.

So the Kentwood police community services team, led by Sgt. Tim Wierenga, had this idea to “showcase” local small business, to not only offer monetary support to eateries — on Dec. 16, Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria — but to provide a little holiday surprise to customers by paying for their take-out meal.

And Lacks was more than happy to support the cause, with a $1,000 donation to the initial “business showcase” pop-up event, with the money being split $500 each at the two eateries.

im Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks Enterprises, Inc. (WKTV)

“Lacks Enterprises believes you need a lot of different components to make a community a place for people to live and raise their families,” Jim Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks, said to WKTV that night at Daniele’s. “Kentwood is a fantastic community and we think it has all those components. It has excellent law enforcement, you’ve got great schools, you’ve got businesses like Lacks. But the real backbone of this community is the small businesses. Without that you would not have all the other things that make the community what it is today.”

The Kentwood police department and Lacks Enterprises welcome customers at Daniele’s Pizzeria … and a little surprise awaits them. (City of Kentwood)

A representative of both the Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., spread holiday cheer and supported local restaurants at both Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria on Dec. 16, where unbeknownst to customers coming in for take-out orders at the eateries had their meals paid for.

Al-Bos is located at 2930 Shaffer Ave. SE, and Daniele’s Pizzeria at 1429 60th St. SE, both in Kentwood.

At Daniele’s Pizzeria, a customer got a little more than he ordered — like a free order. (City of Kentwood)

This week’s pop-up event is, hopefully, also just the beginning of what the police department hopes to be “a local business showcase series to support Kentwood businesses and create positive experiences with community members during these difficult times,” according to a supplied statement.

Throughout the local business showcase series, the department will use donations to highlight businesses within Kentwood — both those donating to the restaurants to create similar pop-up events and the local businesses supported by the donations.

“We just wanted to give our small businesses a little support,” Sgt. Wierenga said to WKTV. “What we’d like to see of this is (to continue) showcasing our business community and showcasing the city that we love. We would love for this to develop into something more. … We’d love to have some more show case events.”

Kentwood police Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos. (City of Kentwood)

Sgt. Wierenga was at Daniele’s Pizzeria and Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos, with representatives of Lacks also at each.

Local businesses interested in participating can call Sgt. Wierenga at 616-656-6561.

Retired Kentwood Police Officer Kelly Baldwin remembered after battle with cancer

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Kelly Baldwin, retired Kentwood Police Officer. (Kentwood Police Department)

By Kentwood Police Department


The Kentwood Police Department and the local community are mourning the loss of retired Officer Kelly Baldwin who passed away on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Her engaging smile and energetic laugh were well known throughout the local law enforcement community and Kelly’s difficult fight inspired many. She will truly be missed.

 
Kelly retired from the department Dec. 20, 2019, after serving the Department and community for 20 years.


Kelly’s assignments during her career at the Kentwood Police Department include Patrol Officer and Detective. She quickly developed into an incredible investigator, and her talents and expertise in this area benefited not only the Kentwood Police Department but other agencies over the last 13 years of her career. She also demonstrated an incredible drive to solve cases and was always a seeker of justice for the victims.


Her true character was evident by her daily display of thoughtfulness and generosity to everyone she came in contact with. A few examples include the purchase of a memorial headstone for a family of a dog that was killed during a home invasion, hiring an exterminator to treat for bed bugs at a sexual assault victim’s home, and collecting money to purchase Christmas gifts for two young boys whose mother was murdered by their father just before Christmas.

Kelly leaves behind her husband and four children. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, from 3–5 p.m., and 7–9 p.m., at Cook Funeral Home, 4235 Prairie St SW, Grandville. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, at Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St SW, Wyoming. There will be visitation from 10–11 a.m., prior to the service.

Kentwood Police issue amber alert for four-year-old

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  • Faith Cyndora Martinez
  • Pettra Aliesha Yahya

By Kentwood Police

UPDATE — At approximately 3:40 pm today, Pettra Yahya and her daughter, Faith Martinez, were located at their home. Both of them were safe and uninjured. A citizen who saw the Amber Alert recognized Yahya’s vehicle at Bowen Park in Kentwood, and contacted the police. When the police arrived, witnesses told them that a woman matching the description of Yahya was last seen pushing a stroller towards her home. Police then went to Yahya’s house and made contact with her.

Yahya’s mother took Martinez, and her other three children, home with her. Yahya was taken to a local hospital for a mental evaluation. The Kentwood Detective Bureau and Child Protective Services are continuing to investigate this situation.

Original Press Release: The Kentwood Police Department has issued an Amber Alert for a 4-year-old named Faith Cyndora Martinez.  

Faith is a light-skinned, black female.  She is approximately three feet tall, and weights about 40 pounds.  She has long curly brown hair and brown eyes.  

Faith was last seen with her mother, Pettra Aliesha Yahya. Yahya is a 30-year-old, black female. According to police, Yahya has made threats to harm herself and Faith. Yahya is driving a 2005 red Buick Rendezvous.  The license plate for the vehicle is EBD 2873.  

Anyone who sees these individuals, or vehicle, is asked to call 911 or the Kentwood Police Department at 616-698-6580.

Kentwood Police Department visited by Detroit Tigers winter caravan

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Members of the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan paid a special visit to the City of Kentwood Police Department on Friday, Jan. 25. Supplied/City of Kentwood)

By City of Kentwood

The Detroit Tigers visited the Kentwood Police Department on Friday, Jan. 25 to celebrate the department’s 50th Anniversary.

Detroit Tigers Manager Ron Gardenhire and players presented a special jersey to Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

Tigers players and coaches presented Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen with a framed jersey after joining police officers in training for a private lunch.

The visit was part of the Tigers Winter Caravan, where players and coaches make stops around the Detroit metro area and other parts of the state leading up to the annual TigerFest at Comerica Park. The tour allows fans unable to make it to TigerFest a chance to see some of their favorite players in person before the season.

Detroit Tigers Manager Ron Gardenhire with Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

“We were honored to be included in the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan in recognition of our 50th anniversary,” Chief Hillen said. “The Kentwood Police Department has been dedicated to serving the residents of our community with excellence since 1968. We are always humbled by the incredible outpouring of support shown to our officers and staff.
“It is with great pride we continue our efforts to make Kentwood a great place to live and work for the next 50 years.”

Now in its 51st year, the Kentwood Police Department operates with 71 sworn officers who serve a growing population of approximately 51,000 residents through several innovative programs and community engagement efforts.

Of special note is the Department’s Data-Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety, or DDACTS, program. DDACTS is an operational model that uses the integration of location-based crime and traffic data to establish effective and efficient methods for deploying law enforcement and other resources. The goal is to reduce the incidence of crime, crashes and traffic violations in the community.

DDACTS helps the Department further refine patrol efforts on specific areas based upon a temporal analysis of crime. This narrows down the days and times of crashes and criminal activity, allowing for a more effective presence and deployment of resources.

In 2016, the Department started a School Resource Officer Program as a collaborative effort between the community, schools and law enforcement to provide proactive law enforcement. Currently, the Department has two dedicated certified police officers assigned to specific school districts in the City. By working with educators, students and parents, officers work to reduce crime, increase security and promote a positive role model between youth and law enforcement.

Operation P.R.I.C.E., which stands for Preventing Retail Theft Through Initiative, Collaboration and Enforcement, has had a proven track record in helping local businesses decrease incidents of retail fraud since it was started by the Department in 2014.

As part of the program, Kentwood Police educate store employees on how they can discourage shoplifting and how to identify potential crime, as well as what to do when a shoplifter is caught. The partnership between police and store owners also provides increased police presence in stores and on the streets.

 
For many years, Kentwood Police has partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration on its Drug Take Back program. Recognizing the need for community members to have a secure location to safely dispose of unused and/or unwanted prescription medications, the Department offers a free and anonymous drop-off location in the lobby, located at 4742 Walma Ave SE. Providing a secure location for proper medication disposal helps keep the community safe by helping to prevent potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose.

Beyond the Department’s programs, events such as National Night Out, Touch-A-Truck and Trunk-or-Treat are just a few of the activities that the Kentwood Police Department engages in to stay connected and build meaningful relationships within the community.

The Kentwood Police Department’s mission is to reduce serious crime, increase traffic safety, and serve our community with excellence.

More information about the Kentwood Police Department is available online at kentwood.us.

Kentwood police help retailers prevent holiday thefts with Operation P.R.I.C.E. 

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Operation P.R.I.C.E. was launched in 2014 by the Kentwood Police Department in an effort to curb retail theft along the 28th Street corridor.

By City of Kentwood 

 

In preparation of the holiday shopping season, when incidents of shoplifting and retail fraud often spikes, the Kentwood Police Department is again partnering with local store owners to prevent retail theft with Operation P.R.I.C.E., an educational program that has helped area retailers reduce crime during the holidays since 2014.

 

As part of the program, Kentwood police educate store employees on how they can discourage shoplifting and how to identify potential crime, as well as what to do when a shoplifter is caught. The partnership between police and store owners also provides increased police presence in stores and on the streets.

 

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2018 National Retail Security Survey, shoplifting was the top source of inventory shrinkage for the fourth year in a row, outpacing employee theft.

 

Operation P.R.I.C.E., which stands for Preventing Retail Theft Through Initiative, Collaboration and Enforcement, has had a proven track record in helping local businesses decrease incidents of retail fraud.

 

Kentwood Police Chief Tom Hillen says the key to the program’s success is the focus on collaborating with business owners and employees.

 

Kentwood Chief Thomas Hillen. (Supplied)

“At the end of the day, we are working toward the same goal: reducing crime in our community,” Hillen said. “By proactively engaging with business owners and employees, and having open communication early on, we are able to equip them with knowledge and skills needed to help prevent crime. Being able to increase police presence at their shops also helps discourage theft.”

 

This year, Operation P.R.I.C.E. will run from Nov. 24 through Jan. 4. During this time, participating retailers will have posters and signs displayed declaring their partnership with the Kentwood Police Department. Shoppers will also see police officers in and around the community’s prime retail destinations, such as Woodland Mall.

 

Woodland Mall in Kentwood.

“Operation P.R.I.C.E. has been well-received by retailers and shoppers at Woodland Mall,” said Tony DeLuccia, Woodland Mall general manager. “Beyond the increased police presence in and around the mall, store owners have appreciated the education police provide on how to spot potential shoplifters to keep theft down during the busy holiday season.

 

“We’ve found the proactive approach of the program combined with the mutual respect between officers and retailers to be empowering for employees. The personal connections made with officers help employees feel more comfortable calling for assistance when they notice suspicious activity.”

 

Operation P.R.I.C.E. was launched in 2014 by the Kentwood Police Department in an effort to curb retail theft along the 28th Street corridor.

 

The program has since grown beyond 28th Street in recent years, extending to 29th Street and doubling in participating businesses to more than 70 the past two years. Initially, calls for police services increased, resulting in more retail fraud arrests as store owners and employees used police as a resource. More recently, police have seen retail theft during the holidays on a downward trend.

 

“The apparent decline in retail theft during the holiday season is a result of proactive policing activities from the P.R.I.C.E. task force,” Hillen said. “Retailers are becoming familiar with how to file a police report, how to spot theft and what legal actions they can take. These education efforts along with the visibility of retailers’ partnerships with us are helping deter potential offenders.”

 

WKTV takes a look at Kentwood’s Police Volunteer, and why you should join

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Local Faces, Newscast, Volunteers,

 

By Zac Sgro

ken@wktv.org 

 

In a recent interview with Kentwood City Police Department Deputy Chief Richard Roberts, and local resident Pam Schichtel, WKTV Journal found out more about the department’s volunteer program as part of our November WKTV Journal newscast.

 

As a way to give back to the community they love so much, Kentwood residents volunteer thousands of hours annually to the program in order to keep the city safe. Schichtel tells us why she volunteers.

 

Deputy Chief Roberts and the rest of his department are grateful for the assistance given to them by these citizens and hope to see more involvement in the program in order to better serve the community with excellence. He tells us what the volunteers do and how people can join the team.

 

WKTV Journal airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos. For more information regarding the police volunteer program please click here.

 

Next Kentwood’s Drug Take Back Day set for Saturday, Oct. 27

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Kentwood will hold its drug take back day later this month. (WKTV)

 

By Kentwood Police Department

 

On Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Kentwood Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its 16th opportunity in 8 years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

 

Bring your pills for disposal to the Kentwood Police Department at 4742 Walma Ave SE Kentwood, MI 49512. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

 

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet.

 

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

 

According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.2 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

 

The last Drug Take Back Day brought in nearly 1 million pounds of unused or expired prescription medication. According to the DEA, this is the largest amount collected since the national program began in 2010.

 

The total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the program’s inception is 4,982 tons.

 

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 27 Take Back Day event, please contact Vicki Highland at highlandv@kentwood.us or 616-656-6571.

 

More information about National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is available at takebackday.dea.gov.

 

City of Kentwood Police Department offers summer safety tips

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Crime Prevention, How-To's, Recreation, ,

The Kentwood Police Department wants you to keep cool this summer, and one was is to avoid crime and confrontations.

 

City of Kentwood

 

With summer soon upon us, the Kentwood Police Department is offering tips to help protect residents and their property. According to Police Chief Tom Hillen, crime incidents and arrests rise during the summer months.

 

Tom Hillen (Supplied)

“As the school year comes to an end and the temperature rises, we typically see an increase in criminal activity as more people spend time outside,” Hillen said. “We want to remind Kentwood residents of some precautionary steps they can take to deter crime and protect their families and properties.”

 

Because theft is a crime of opportunity, Kentwood police recommends residents stay alert and follow basic crime prevention measures. Unlocked doors, open windows and open garage doors all provide a temptation to steal visible valuables. By closing garage doors and windows, locking car doors and concealing valuables, residents can help eliminate opportunities for criminals.

 

The Police Department also experiences a rise in disorderly conduct calls and arrests, which are related to any behavior that creates a threat or disturbance to others, such as a loud argument or altercation. Hillen says the increase in this type of behavior could be related to how heat can affect irritability.

 

“When the temperatures spike, so can people’s tempers. Immense heat can add to people’s feelings of stress and irritability — and make them snap. A solution to this is simple: get cool,” Hillen said. “Residents can visit the mall or see a movie where they can relax in an air-conditioned space.”

 

If families seek to cool down from the summer heat in water, Kentwood police encourages them to keep water safety precautions in mind. Enclose pools, ensure pool gates are locked and do not let young children near any body of water unsupervised.

 

Other disorderly conduct incidents could be about loud noises or other nuisances.

 

While enjoying the warm weather, residents are reminded to be courteous of neighbors, and to be aware of curfew ordinances for children.

 

In the City of Kentwood, anyone under the age of 12 years old must not be in any public place after 10 p.m.; for children older than 12 and younger than 16, the curfew is 11 p.m.; and for minors ages 16 or 17, the curfew is midnight.

 

“As always, ‘If you see something, say something.’ Together we can help prevent crime, so all can have a safe and enjoyable summer,” Hillen said.

 

For more information about Kentwood Police Department, visit here.

 

Kentwood Police seeking assistance in identifying suspect in home invasions

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, ,

The coat the possible suspect could be wearing.

A series of home invasions in the area of 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue have the Kentwood Police Department asking for the community’s help to identify and locate the suspect(s) who may be responsible.

 

According to a recently released police report, the suspect is an unknown male who may be wearing the jacket seen in the accompanying photos.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-698-6580 or Silent Observer at 800-774-2345.

 

In addition, the Kentwood Police Department is also reminding its citizens to keep their doors locked, exterior lights on and their garage doors shut at night and to call the local police department if they see or hear anything suspicious.

Local police departments remind public to lock their car doors when left unattended

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The Wyoming Department of Public Safety and the Kentwood Police Department are together reminding the public to secure their vehicles when left unattended. Both agencies report several larcenies from vehicles in different neighborhoods between May 30 and June 7. The larcenies occurred between the hours of 1 and 6 a.m. In Kentwood the thefts occurred around the area of Princeton Estates and the surrounding neighborhood. In Wyoming, the thefts occurred in the Chateau Hills neighborhood and in the neighborhood along Valleyridge Avenue SW.

 

Reports indicate that the suspect looked for unlocked cars that were parked on the street, in driveways, and in open garages. The suspect took cash, new or high-end electronics, and medication. Many cars were ransacked with no items taken.

 

Multiple reports indicate that the suspect is a male of slim build, and an approximate height of 5’10”. In some reports it is mentioned that the suspect may have been carrying a red backpack or riding a bicycle.

 

Both Departments want to remind the public of these simple safety tips to keep your valuables safe:

 

First and foremost, lock your vehicle when it is left unattended
Hide or keep valuables out of sight
Remove portable electronic devices such as smart phones and GPS navigation systems Please report suspicious activity when it is occurring

 

The Departments will continue with their investigations. Anyone with information in regards to these larcenies are asked to contact the either the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300, the Kentwood Police Department at 616.698.6580, or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Local woman faces felony charge for threatening Islamic Center in Kentwood

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UPDATE: On Wednesday, Jan. 4, Kari Moss was arraigned on a “False Report or Threat of Terrorism” charge at the 62-B District Court in Kentwood. Bound was set at $500,000. Moss is lodged at the Kent County Jail awaiting her preliminary hearing.

 

A 33-year-old woman is expected to be arraigned on the charge of a false report or threat of terrorism today after making threats at the At-Tawheed Islamic Center located in Kentwood.

 

According to a report from the Kentwood Police Department, at around 8:46 a.m. Jan. 2, Kentwood Police units responded to a call at the At-Tawheed Islamic Center, located at 3357 East Paris Ave. SE. A woman was outside the center, demanding money from visitors, while claiming she was armed with a weapon. According to police, she was making addition threats against the facility.

 

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the female and she was taken into custody, according to the report. The Michigan State Police bomb Squad unit assisted with a search of the woman’s belongings and vehicle. According to police, no weapons were located.

 

The charge of false report or threat of terrorism is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Body found in Kentwood identified as missing person

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Willie Donald Crawford

A body found in the 3100 block of 52nd Street in Kentwood has been identified as the missing person Willie Crawford.

 

Crawford, who had dementia, went missing form his home in the area of Eastern Avenue and 52nd Street on Dec. 3. Kentwood Police had sought information on Crawford’s whereabouts.

 

On Jan. 3, according to a police report, the Kentwood Police Department received a call about a body in the a small ravine in 3100 block of 52nd Street. The body was discovered by a person walking on the sidewalk. The body was taken to the Kent County Coroner’s Office.

 

Today, Jan. 4, an autopsy was performed and the body was identified as Crawford. There was no trauma to the body and the Coroner’s Office has listed his cause of death as exposure.

 

The Kentwood Police Department ended the release by stating that “our sympathies go out to Mr. Crawford’s family.”

Kentwood Police still searching for missing endangered resident

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The Kentwood Police Department is continuing its search for resident Willie Donald Crawford, who was first reported missing in early December.

 

Crawford, 81, was last seen Dec. 3 near his home on 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue in Kentwood. Citizens have reported seeing him in the area of Division Avenue/Cherry Street and also in the Grandville Avenue/Hall Street in Grand Rapids. Crawford’s family reports him as having the beginning stages of dementia.  Kentwood Police reported the family is concerned for his safety due to his age.

 

Crawford is a black male and is approximately 6 feet and 150 pounds. He has a full gray beard, gray/black hair and brown eyes. According to the Kentwood Police, he was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans, brown hiking books and a black baseball hat.

 

Anyone having any information regarding Crawford or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-698-6589 or your local law enforcement organization.

Keeping the holidays bright and safe: a few tips from local law enforcement

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , , , ,

If using a live tree, make sure it is well watered.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

There is a lot of joy during the holidays — and some holiday heartbreaks as well from gifts being stolen to candles turning into fires.

 

But according to the Kentwood Police Department and the Wyoming Public Safety Department, there are quite a few things you can do to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holidays without ending up in the emergency room or either of the police departments.

 

“First and foremost, be aware,” said Kentwood Police’s Capt. Bryan Litwin. “If you are going to a holiday party, don’t post it on social media.

 

“You post that you are going to a friend’s house for a party and someone you don’t know sees that and decides to go check out your place.”

 

In fact, many are aware that most people purchase expensive gifts for the holidays — including potential burglars. Always keep your house and garage doors and windows locked. If you are traveling, make sure that your neighbor is aware or have someone check on the house while you are gone. If you live in Kentwood, contact the Kentwood Police Department which offers free vacation check services.

 

“And be careful positing on social media that you got this great gift for Christmas,” Litwin said. “Even with privacy settings, something can be forward to a friend of a friend of a friend you don’t know.”

 

While out driving, make sure to stay alert, off the phones, and slow down. “Just don’t be a in rush,” Litwin said. In Michigan, it is a civil infraction to text and drive. Other driving recommendations are keeping at least one car length for each 10 mph of speed between your car and the car ahead and stop sooner than you think.

 

Candle flames should not exceed the container.

Holiday parties are a lot of fun and it seems like they roll right into each other until suddenly its New Year’s Eve. With all the food, there is drink. There are a lot of options these days for people to find rides to and from places, designated driver, taxi and Uber, which has helped to keep the roads safer, Litwin said. With both Christmas and New Year’s on a weekend, departments like Wyoming and Kentwood will have extra patrols out. “Alcohol does reduce reaction time and with the weather to boot, things can happen,” Litwin said.

 

During the holidays, there is also an uptick in fires, according to officials from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Fire Services. The City of Wyoming does have regulations on candles and Christmas trees in public places. At home, fire officials recommend to be aware of your surroundings such as not leaving matches or lighters out for children to find. A few tips:

 

Candles: Make sure the container is appropriate and the flame does not exceed it. Extinguish candles before leaving a room and make sure flammable items, such as trees, are not nearby. A safe alternative is flameless candles.

 

Be aware of how many cords you are plugging in.

Fireplace: When emptying the ashes out of a fireplace, make sure to put the ashes in a non-combustable container outside, not in the garage. Often, residents will put the ashes in a bag and set it in their garage not realizing the ashes are still hot and catch their garage on fire, said Wyoming fire service officials.

 

Trees: If you are using a live tree, make sure to keep it well watered. Ensure that your tree is secured tightly in a stable base and is positioned away from a fireplace or heat source. Make sure cords are plugged in correctly and be aware of the number of extra lights you are adding as it can tax an electrical system.

Kentwood takes back… drugs as part of a national campaign

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Health, , , , ,

Kentwood Police Dept.On Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Kentwood Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 12th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to Kentwood Police Department at 4742 Walma Ave SE, Kentwood. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharp objects, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

 

For those in the Wyoming area, Metro Health Hospital also will be hosting a Take Back program Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at its lobby, 590 Byron Center Ave. SW. The hospital will be accepting mercury thermometers as well. For those who bring in a thermometer, you will receive a digital one while supplies last. For more information on the Metro Health Take Back, visit metrohealt.net.

 

Last April, Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 11 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds—about 3,200 tons—of pills.

 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

 

For more information on the about the disposal of prescription and over-the-counter drugs or about the Kentwood Take Back Day event, contact Vicki Highland at 616-656-6571.

 

Recyclekent.org offers a number of resources on recycling for a variety materials such as medical equipment and supplies such as needles.

 

Needles: The recyclekent.org website recently added a program called Safe Sharps, where residents can sign up at the Kent County Health Department. For more information, visit recyclekent.org/material/sharps/. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) also has a list places to take needles. Click here for the list.

 

Medical equipment: Recyclekent.org has a list of places that either recycle or dispose of the equipment or you can donate medical equipment to them. For a complete list, click here. One place that does take medical equipment is Spring Lake’s International Aid. For more about that organization, visit internationalaid.org.

 

Eye glasses: The Grand Rapids Lions Club has several locations where you can drop off old eyeglasses. For a complete list, click here.

Kentwood police continues investigation on Sept. 17 hit-and-run

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Hard News, , , ,

Kentwood Police Dept.

The Kentwood Police Department continues its investigation into a hit-and-run that took place Sept. 17.

 

At around 1:17 a.m., a 26-year-old maile, identified as Jeremy Carlson, was peddling his bicycle westbound on 26th Street. According to police, Carlson started to cross Broadmoor Avenue and was struck by a car traveling northbound on Broadmoor Avenue. The vehicle then continued traveling north on Broadmoor Avenue after striking Carlson.

 

On Friday, the Kentwood Police Department released more information about the suspect’s car stating it is believed to be a 1999-2003 Mitsubishi Galant and is dark silver to medium gray. According to police, there is damage to the passenger side of the vehicle.

 

Police are also interested in speaking to the driver of a yellow vehicles that was reportedly following th Galant and may have witness the crash or have information on the Galant.

 

Carlson is currently at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation. According to police, he did not suffer from any broken bones, but is recovering from a head injury.

 

Anyone with information about the crash, the Mitsubishi Galant in question or the yellow vehicle, are asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-698-6580 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Kentwood Police Department investigates vandalism and destruction of property

Crime Prevention

Kentwood Police Dept.Update: Vandalism 44th and Walma Area, City of Kentwood Over the past several days, the Kentwood Police Department has been investigating several vandalism/malicious destruction of property (MDOP) complaints near the 44th and Walma area.

On Thursday 3/26/15, Investigators were able to pursue several leads which lead to the possible identification of the perpetrators.

Thursday night, investigators conducted two search warrants and several interviews. They have identified two suspects and have recovered the weapons involved in the vandalism/MDOP. The weapons involved were CO2 propelled BB Guns that were fashioned to resemble semi-automatic handguns. Our investigation is continuing.

The suspects have not been charged at this time and therefore, cannot be identified. Both suspects are under the age of 18 and reside in the Kent County area. No arrests have been made at this time.

Investigators will meet with the Kent County Prosecutors Office in the near future to discuss charges stemming from these incidents.