Four questions with the police chief
Daniel Lindstrom was named director of public safety and chief of police slightly more than a year ago. He brings to Grand Valley extensive experience with the FBI, most recently as assistant special agent in charge in Los Angeles.
Lindstrom is ready to welcome students back to campus. Below, he discusses what he's learned about Lakers and the university over the past year.
Daniel Lindstrom, director of public safety and chief of police, talks to GVPD officers in the Alumni House and Visitor Center. (Cory Morse)
What are your priorities for GVPD in the coming year?
I have several priorities for the coming year. First is staffing. We currently have six police officer vacancies, so recruiting qualified officers remains one of our highest priorities. We hope to have three of those positions filled by the start of the academic year. Hiring police officers is a rigorous process, requiring extensive background investigations, 17 weeks of academy training for new officers and several months of field training before they are ready to serve independently.
My second priority is reorganizing the Department of Public Safety to better align personnel with key operational functions and responsibilities. As part of that effort, employees will have both primary and secondary areas of responsibility, creating greater ownership of programs, improving continuity of operations, and reducing single points of failure.
Ultimately, these efforts are about providing the highest level of service and safety for our campus community.
What have you learned about Grand Valley in the past year?
GVSU is a special place. The people truly make the difference. I have been impressed by the collaborative culture, where people are willing to share ideas, work across departments and consider different perspectives. That spirit of collaboration leads to better decisions and strengthens our ability to serve the university community.
What would you like new students to know about GVPD?
Our No. 1 priority is keeping our campus community safe. We view ourselves as educators as much as law enforcement professionals, and we are committed to building relationships with our students. We want every student to know they can approach us with questions, concerns or simply for assistance. Our goal is to help students make informed decisions that keep them and others around them safe while enjoying everything Grand Valley has to offer.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I have always enjoyed traveling and have been fortunate to experience many parts of the world. Now that I call Michigan home, I am looking forward to exploring the state, from its beautiful beaches and parks to its many outdoor recreation opportunities.