“I believe we have a strong k-9 policy.”
So strong deputy police chief P.J. Baker said the Grand Rapids K-9 program is endorsed by the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
“Less than five percent of police agencies globally receive CALEA accreditation.”
After video showed a police dog knock down and bite Da’Quain Johnson before he was shot and killed by police in February, Office of Oversight and Public Accountably director Brandon Davis had nine policy recommendations for the K-9 unit.
“We still stand by the recommendations we made.”
Of the nine recommendations, deputy chief Baker says the K-9 team already follows most and agrees a K-9 bite should be considered use of force.
“This study is correct. Nowhere in our policy does it specifically say a K-nine apprehension is a use of force.”
Baker says dogs helped apprehend 84 suspects between 2021 and 2025.
“The dog was sent and physically bit somebody.
City Commissioner Marshall Kilgore said he hopes the briefing on K-9 policy will reassure his constituents.
“Some neighbors who I represent have called for doing away with the K-9 team. I’m hoping the level of transparency will allow folks to receive a more full picture.”
