Larry Johnson
Chief of Staff
Public Safety/School Security1331 Franklin S.E. 49506
Phone: (616) 819-2100
Fax: (616) 819-2017

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Grand Rapids Public Schools District Department of Public Safety to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and Productive Members of society. We also believe that all students have a right to attend a school in which they can learn without fear of crime or violence. All GRPS Department of Public Safety & Security personnel are charged with ensuring that school campuses are free of crime, while treating all persons with dignity and respect.

Brief Department Information

The Grand Rapids Public School District currently enrolls approximately 22,000 students who attend school. The Public Safety Department has approximately 15 certifiable; 25 non-sworn personnel; 5 Sergeants; 2 secretaries; training and compliance officers and the Director of Public Safety.

Day Operations

The Grand Rapids Public School Public Safety/School Security, currently employees 41 school officers, including certifiable police officers (MCOLES). The department operates 20 hours daily, five days a week throughout the school year. Officers respond to crimes in and around some 75 building enforcing criminal laws and ordinances of the State of Michigan and the City of Grand Rapids. Officers handle a variety of criminal investigations including child abuse, drug possession and distribution, assault, burglary, theft, weapons possession and parking violations. Officers provide crowd control at athletic events and other school functions.