Battle Creek police chief named candidate for Grand Rapids police chief
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In the search for a new police chief for Grand Rapids, Battle Creek Chief of Police Jim Blocker was named a candidate.
Blocker is a candidate in addition to retired Milwaukee Police Inspector Jutiki Jackson and Chicago Police Commander Eric Winstrom, announced City Manager Mark Washington.
A public event to meet the candidates is scheduled for Jan. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the 9th Floor City Commission Chambers in City Hall: 300 Monroe Ave. N.W.
The event is expected to be streamed on the city's Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Candidates are anticipated to provide comment and answer questions. Questions for the candidates can be asked in person at the event, through the livestream chats on Facebook and YouTube, or submitted ahead of time by Jan. 17 at 5:30 p.m.
Those without internet can ask questions ahead of time by calling 616-456-3000.
“I look forward to community members meeting the finalists on January 19 and asking questions that are important to them," Washington said.
About Battle Creek Police Chief Blocker:
Blocker was the 18th chief of police for the Battle Creek Police Department.
He served in the police department for 25 years in different positions:
- Patrol officer.
- Community police officer.
- Member of the SWAT team.
- Detective and executive officer.
Blocker also currently serves in other areas:
- Michigan Governor's Mental Health Diversion Council.
- Executive Board Chair of Battle Creek Y Family Center.
- Grace Health Board.
- Paul Harris Fellow.
- Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Commission.
Blocker was also a past vice-chair of Summit Point Board.
Currently, Blocker is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army in the Michigan Army National Guard. He is assigned as the 210th Military Police Battalion Commanding Officer.
About Milwaukee Police Inspector Jutiki Jackson:
Jackson spent 26 years with the Milwaukee Police Department.
He spent 10 years as a police officer and was promoted to sergeant, lieutenant and captain as a 7th district commander.
He was promoted to inspector in 2016 and became a member of the police chief's executive command team.
He currently holds leadership as a security director for the National Basketball Association.
About Chicago Police Commander Eric Winstrom:
Winstrom has served the Chicago Police Department for over 20 years in different positions.
Winstrom is currently an executive on the Chicago Police Department Leadership Team and leads the Area 5 Detective Division.
Some of his previous assignments included:
- Teaching at the Chicago Police Academy.
- Being a supervising attorney in the legal affairs division.
- Serving as captain of the 9th District Station.
“These finalists have proven senior executive law enforcement experience and reflect the community’s desired qualities,” Washington said. “They are outstanding leaders that have devoted their careers to keeping communities safe while demonstrating a commitment to collaboration, accountability, transparency, and building trust with the community.”
