“This program strengthens our effort to continue building one of the friendliest, safest and attractive cities in America.”
-Joe Elliot, Downtown Alliance Board Member
Safety Ambassadors pose with Kristopher Larson of DGRI during the program launch announcement /Courtesy of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
More uniformed workers will be making an appearance in and around downtown and no, it's not more parking meter readers. These trained professionals in teal colored uniforms are Grand Rapids' new Safety Ambassadors. The program was launched by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) on September 25 with the intent to bolster public safety in Grand Rapids downtown.
Safety Ambassadors will be available to residents, workers and visitors seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. They are social outreach professionals trained to handle public nuisance issues in a proactive and respectful manner. Unarmed and equipped with radios, they will be on foot, bicycle or segway.
"The Ambassador program is a creative way to address the nuisance issues, ensure we maximize existing – and often limited – public safety resources, and ultimately provide a better experience and environment for everyone downtown,” says executive director of Dwelling Place, Denny Sturtevant.
Other cities across the country such as Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Boston and Denver are already seeing success with the implementation of similar programs. The funding of some $300,000 a year will come from the Downtown Development Authority's non-tax revenue fund.
Safety Ambassadors are educated in local policies and ordinances and are available to assist individuals with questions and concerns. They will also assist the Grand Rapids Police Department through observation and communication.
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