GVSU expands police services at Grand Rapids campuses

Grand Valley has added sworn law enforcement officials to its Grand Rapids campuses to serve with security staff already in place. 

Grand Valley Police Chief Brandon DeHaan said as the footprint of the university has grown in Grand Rapids so has the need for additional staff members.

"The addition of sworn officers downtown will help us to continue to provide a safe and secure environment at our Grand Rapids campuses and for the Grand Valley community," DeHaan said.

Officials from Grand Valley and the City of Grand Rapids signed an agreement August 28 that allows the university to utilize the Grand Rapids Police Department Communication Center during an emergency. 

GRPD will have the ability to dispatch officers from GVPD. The agreement is similar to the one Grand Valley has with Ottawa County Dispatch for emergencies in Allendale.

Grand Rapids officers include Capt. Kourosh Khatir, assistant director of Public Safety for Grand Rapids campuses, and officer JP West.

DeHaan said another officer will join the Grand Rapids staff in December.