KCSO said their investigation began after Amazon reported that third-party delivery drivers were being paid to deliver packages but were instead stealing portions of the deliveries. According to KCSO, these drivers are known as "Amazon Flex drivers," and they are not employed by Amazon but are instead independent contractors.
Read more at WZZM13
A key driver behind the update is the high number of properties that do not meet current standards. Under the existing code, 63% of parcels are considered non-conforming. With the changes in place, 99% of parcels will meet the updated standards.
Read more at Fox 17
Three minors hit a police car early Monday, just before 3 a.m. They were driving a stolen Kia. Talk about a run-in with the law. Despite early morning incident, auto thefts in Grand Rapids are down 43%
Read more at Fox 17
After hearing public input about the proposed purchase of drones in 2023, city leaders landed on a policy outlining what drones can and can’t be used for.
Under the policy, drones can’t be used for “random or routine” surveillance, personal use or to “harass, intimidate or discriminate against any individual or group.” The drones can’t be equipped with weapons or facial recognition capabilities, and can’t use artificial intelligence. They can be flown up to 400 feet.
Jennifer Kalczuk, the GRPD public information officer, said drone usage by Grand Rapids police is “purpose-driven” and “drones are not operating without a very specific reason.”
Read more at The Rapidian
Housing-related zoning amendments recommended by GR Planning Commission
The amendments— parsed into five categories— primarily serve to increase housing supply, in accordance with a recent update to the city's Housing Needs Assessment, which states a need for 14,106 new housing units by 2027 (an average of 2,831 per year, a pace not currently being met).
Read more at Fox17
The Grand Rapids Police Department recently implemented drones, purchasing eight for $100,000 in August and holding town halls across the city throughout the summer to discuss their use.
Read more at Spartan News Room
Cross and his co-defendants are linked to more than 30 burglaries across metro Grand Rapids as well as a dozen car thefts, according to court records and investigators. Businesses targeted include marijuana dispensaries and liquor stores.
Read more at WoodTV8
Kent County law enforcement searching for organizers of illegal car, motorcycle meet-ups
Numerous clubs in West Michigan host organized events where enthusiasts can admire and share their love for cars. These types of events are legal and peaceful.
It becomes a problem when attendees meet in droves and park their cars in public intersections, creating a public safety hazard.
Read more at WZZM 13
New rules crack down on aggressive panhandling in Grand Rapids
City leaders say the new ordinances are about making downtown safer for everyone and helping business owners.
“In the city of Grand Rapids, it would be a misdemeanor to harass someone who’s in the middle of a transaction, or commercial transaction, where they really feel that is rising to the level of intimidation and they can’t really get away,” Deputy City Manager Kate Berens said.
If convicted, violators could face up to 90 days in jail.
Read more at WoodTV 8
