Grand Rapids Reporter

The Grand Rapids Police Department has named Eric Winstrom the city police chief.

Replacing Police Chief Eric Payne, Winstrom assumed his new role on March 7 after Payne's March 4 retirement.

“The city is fortunate to hire someone as qualified and talented as Eric Winstrom to serve as our next police chief who is a certified law enforcement officer and attorney," City Manager Mark Washington said, according to the release. "I look forward to working with him to continue to advance policing and to continue our journey to strengthen trust between the community and our police department."

Washington selected Winstrom after an extensive search. Washington narrowed the candidates down to three finalists and selected Winstrom after a six-interview panel in front of 50 members of the community with public commentary following the event.

“I am very pleased with the candidates we attracted from across the state and country and the community-engaged and transparent process that was undertaken to select Commander Winstrom,” Washington said, according to the release. “I am thankful for the hundreds of members of the community that took the time to provide feedback, as well as elevate their questions and concerns with each candidate. I used that input to directly discuss areas of community concerns with Commander Winstrom prior to selecting him and it only solidified my belief that he is the ideal candidate to help us achieve the goals we’ve established for the department and the community."

Winstrom served the Chicago Police Department for over 20 years in various positions.

“By talking together and discussing our differences and points of view, we can come away with a better understanding of how our actions and attitudes can affect those around us, and how we can all make positive changes,” Winstrom said, according to the press release. "As chief, I will embrace opportunities to have open, honest communication with all stakeholders in Grand Rapids."