MLive Editorial: Grand Rapids leaders should move swiftly to heal police, minority relations

There are no easy answers to solving the troubling lack of trust that exists between Grand Rapids police and residents in some neighborhoods, especially citizens of color. But it is time for the city commission to take action before the tinderbox of escalating tensions bubbles over, as it has in other cities. Perceived racial disparities, along with evidence suggesting intentional discrimination have eroded community trust. A study found black drivers are twice as likely to be stopped by Grand Rapids police. In December, emotions ran high at a city commission meeting after an 11-year-old girl was briefly handcuffed and put in a police car during a stabbing investigation. There was a similar scene nine months earlier, after video showed five young black boys being detained by police at gunpoint. In both cases, police followed protocol, however those detained were innocent. In this current environment, anything inflammatory can ignite a firestorm. The city has allocated $1 million in this year's budget to improve relations between citizens and police. We are halfway through the fiscal year, but almost nothing has been done with the funds. We are calling on the city commission to quickly put that money to work. The community needs to see measured, responsible efforts, including the four additional lieutenant positions Chief David Rahinsky wants to ensure senior officers are present at dynamic quickly, evolving scenes. The lieutenants would also serve as community liaisons. Law-abiding citizens should not fear harassment or unfair treatment from police officers. And the police should be able to do their jobs — protecting the public — without feeling like they are the enemy because of the misconduct of some bad actors. This simmering trust issue requires deliberate and consistent attention to prevent a challenging situation from escalating into a full-blown crisis.