GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — History shows that Los Angeles Police Department officers got away with beating Rodkey King in 1991 and what former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin went to prison for in 2020. However, Grand Rapids Police Department Deputy Chief Joseph Trigg shows that those few don’t represent the whole.
“Despite heavy criticism, over the last couple of years, my career has been filled with positive engagements,” said Trigg.
Trigg is the highest-ranking person of color at GRPD. He has worked there for 23 years.
“I knew I was going into a profession where not a lot of men and women looked like me,” said Trigg. “I think it runs years and years deep of mistrust that goes way back.”
Trigg said his presence in his role on the force can be disarming to Black and brown communities. He said it could shift some of their views about the police.
“I think my reputation and the fact that someone like me is second in charge, I think people feel like that they can approach me,” said Trigg.