Stay Informed on Updates and Public Engagement Opportunities
As the Grand Haven community evolves, so do the demands on the Department of Public Safety. Calls for service are increasing in both number and complexity, while outdated equipment, staffing shortages, and development pressures strain resources.
Protecting what matters starts with you.
About
the Ask…
To ensure the continued safety and well-being of the community, the City is proposing a dedicated 2 mill tax levy. These funds would directly support Public Safety operations—strengthening response capabilities, upgrading essential equipment, and ensuring officers have the resources they need to serve and protect the community.
Planned Use of Funds:
Essential Facility Upgrades
Construct a dedicated decontamination area to
enhance firefighter health and safety.
Perform necessary repairs to the apparatus bay to
ensure operational readiness.
Remediate environmental hazards, including mold
and asbestos.
Renovate interior spaces to improve functionality
and address space constraints.
Support for Operating Budget
Reduce reliance on the General Fund, allowing for
the reallocation of resources to other critical
community projects and services.
Modernization of Equipment
Replace outdated and non-compliant firefighting
gear to meet current safety standards.
Purchase a new fire engine to ensure reliable
emergency response capabilities.
Community Involvement and Value
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Special Events & Community Education
The Grand Haven Department of Public Safety (GHDPS) provides comprehensive support for over 63 community events annually. This includes overseeing traffic control orders, conducting event planning and safety reviews, managing road closures, and providing on-site patrols to ensure public safety and smooth event operations.
In addition to event support, GHDPS actively promotes public education by coordinating and delivering a range of annual safety and preparedness programs at local schools, businesses, and community institutions.
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School Involvement
The Grand Haven Department of Public Safety (GHDPS) provides dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) services to eight schools within the City, fostering a safe and supportive learning environment through daily presence and relationship-building with students and staff.
In addition to SRO responsibilities, GHDPS officers lead the TEAM (Teaching, Educating, and Mentoring) program, delivering structured educational sessions to 3rd, 6th, and 8th-grade students. This program focuses on promoting positive decision-making, safety awareness, and constructive community engagement among youth.
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Special Assignments & Certifications
In addition to responding to calls for service, managing community events, and providing supplemental support, the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety (GHDPS) is committed to maintaining a high standard of professional readiness through continuous training and certification.
Department personnel must regularly train to retain instructor-level certification in a wide range of specialized disciplines that directly enhance public safety and community well-being. These areas include, but are not limited to: Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE), Control Tactics and Use of Force, TASER and Less Lethal (SAGE) Instruction, Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Techniques, CPR/AED and Life-Saving Medical Response, Water and Ice Rescue Operations, Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) Calibration, Accident Reconstruction, Forensic Interviewing, Firearms and Defensive Tactics Instruction, Fire Investigation and Code Inspection.
These certifications enable GHDPS to deliver advanced, in-house training and community education, ensuring both personnel readiness and enhanced service delivery to the public.
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Building Department
The Grand Haven Department of Public Safety (GHDPS) manages and operates the City’s Building Department, encompassing all aspects of permitting, plan review, code enforcement, and building inspections. Additionally, the Department administers the City’s rental registration programs, ensuring compliance with local regulations and promoting safe, well-maintained rental properties within the community.
The Challenge…
Over the years, the Department has experienced a steady increase in call volume and service demand due to population growth, expanded community needs, and the growing complexity of emergency response situations. Despite this sustained rise in demand, the Department has not seen a corresponding increase in staffing levels, resulting in a growing strain on current personnel and resources.
This imbalance has created significant operational challenges. The Department is increasingly required to do more with the same—or in some cases, fewer—resources, which can lead to longer response times, increased workload per Officer, and heightened risks to both personnel and the public.
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