The Saturday, April 5 demonstration was part of a national day of action entitled “Hands Off!” Shortly before the rally got underway, a community organizer was taken into custody by Grand Rapids police officers who had a warrant out for their arrest.

Over 1,000 events were planned en-masse across the country, with the Grand Rapids rally organized by Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids, which is part of a national organization that advocates progressive politics. Michigan demonstrations were organized in Holland, Big Rapids and Muskegon, among other cities. A Lansing rally also took place at the State Capitol.

The Grand Rapids gathering included speeches, a poetry reading and activists flyering for a variety of community groups. Protesters then took to the city’s sidewalks, chanting, “This is what democracy looks like.”

Before the event began, GRPD officers arrested Emerson Wolfe, the co-chair of Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids (PSGR). According to Wolfe, they were apprehended for a warrant that was issued after an International Women’s Day march last month. Wolfe helped facilitate the demonstration and claimed the warrant was issued for failing to obey an officer’s order, a misdemeanor. 

According to a GRPD spokesperson, officers did not seek out Wolfe but placed them under arrest after they “approached a sergeant who was meeting with event organizers.”

Wolfe was held in custody at the Kent County Jail for a short period of time, but returned to the gathering following their release. They spoke to the crowd, commenting on their arrest.

“Instead of helping us (safely protest), the Grand Rapids Police Department decided to repress our movement and arrest me as a figurehead,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe encouraged community members to “fight back” by engaging in actions that support immigrants, unions, the transgender community and the Black power movement.

Protesters, including community member Savannah Harrington, also expressed upset over what they feel is a disenfranchisement of rights for transgender and immigrant populations. Harrington was glad to see people taking action in Grand Rapids and across the country, despite what she described as the Trump administration’s attempt to stifle dissent.

“The Trump administration has tried its darndest to incite fear in the general public, making them feel like they’re not allowed to have free speech or protest,” Harrington said. “The fact that people are standing up despite that is reflective of who we are as a society.”

Grand Valley State University student Dorian Fedewa took part in the protest. He has attended previous city demonstrations and feels community members are increasingly compelled to join rallies. 

Fedewa noted the “Hands Off” gathering and similar actions have the ability to foster solidarity in times that many deem “hopeless.”

“That feeling of solidarity helps give people hope and also helps show the leaders of Grand Rapids (and) the police department that we’re not going to put up with repression and oppression,” Fedewa said.

Community member Susie Krupp said she’s felt downhearted by the state of political affairs in the United States. Yet, she voiced her excitement about the nationwide demonstrations and is hoping for “dramatic” political change.

“I really hope and feel like this could be the tide that changes things,” Krupp said.

Editorial Revision 3/27- The original article wrongly stated that GVPD Interim Chief Leah Heaton claimed officers’ arrival time of 16 minutes was acceptable. Officers’ arrival time to the scene is unknown.

An Ottawa County commissioner brought a concealed firearm onto Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus earlier this month. Although administration and staff were notified quickly, the University’s response time to the incident is questionable, despite a firm policy that prohibits such behavior.

Commissioner Joe Moss was one of many community members who traveled to GVSU on Thursday, March 13, to hear a speech given by Chloe Cole, an anti-trans activist. During the time Moss was on campus for the event, which was held by the GVSU chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), multiple complaints were made to University administration and the campus police department stating that Moss was carrying a concealed firearm, which violates the University’s Weapons Policy. 

Those who reported Moss to GVPD said the University did not act quickly enough, nor appropriately, in addressing the policy violation. Although University leadership, including public safety officials, claim immediate action was taken, Moss remained on university property for over half an hour before he was told by a GVSU official to leave campus. 

The incident raises questions about how GVPD procedure is set up to respond to reports of weapons on campus, even if they aren’t active threats.

The GVSU Weapons Policy says no person, other than University police or authorized personnel, shall possess any firearm or weapon. Moss, who does not fit any of the aforementioned exemptions, did not notify University officials before he brought the firearm on campus, according to GVPD Interim Chief Leah Heaton.

When the Lanthorn reached out to Moss, he noted that he wasn’t aware of the incident and had no comment.

Moss, along with fellow Commissioner Sylvia Rhodea, founded Ottawa Impact, a far-right advocacy organization and political action committee, in 2021. The group has taken firm stances on gun rights, sided with anti-LGBTQ proposals and slashed funds to the county’s Department of Public Health.

During board of commissioners’ meetings at the county’s Fillmore Complex, Moss frequently carries a pistol on his hip. While going door-to-door on the campaign trail in 2022, homeowners reported to police they observed Moss’ holstered gun and felt threatened. On March 19, 2024, Moss also posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, a photo of a GLOCK G17 pistol, asserting “it’s not always easy to conceal a full-size (GLOCK G17), but it’s a wonderful firearm.”

It was at least the second visit Moss has made to GVSU since the beginning of this year, with his attendance at the TPUSA event being his most recent known trip to the University. However, this is the first documented time he violated the campus weapons policy.

Moss visited GVSU in February to scrutinize “Pétalos De Cambio,” a painting that has since been removed from campus by University leadership, as some community members felt the artwork was blasphemous to Catholicism. 

After Cole’s talk on March 17, Moss and Rhodea exited the Russell H. Kirkhof Center just before 7 p.m., according to witnesses, where a transgender rights vigil was taking place to protest the TPUSA event. 

During the Cole event, there had previously been officers stationed near the outside demonstration, but they had left by the time Moss and other attendees went outside.

Moss hung around the clock tower, and engaged in conversation with students and community members. However, while he was doing so, a number of local residents noticed what they perceived to be a firearm peeking out under the hem of Moss’ jacket.

In photos time-stamped at 7:08 p.m., Moss is pictured interacting with students with a concealed firearm on his right hip.

Heather Martin, of Zeeland Township and parent of a GVSU student, said she was near the University’s Cook Carillon clock tower when her friend Sheila Dettloff, of Holland Township, said, “‘Oh, look, he’s carrying.’”

“I turned and I said, ‘Oh, that’s not good,’” Martin described. “We turned back to the top of the stairs where campus security had been during the whole thing. But everybody had already filed out and sort of dispersed.”

There was no security nearby, Martin said, as stationed security dispersed after the Cole event.

She said she went into the Kirkhof Center and reported it to an administrator she was familiar with: Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center Director DL McKinney.

“When I turned around, they (security) weren’t where they had been, but I saw the director of the LGBTQ Center who I know enough to go speak to, and I said, ‘Hold on. I know someone,’” Martin said. “I went to the top of the stairs and approached them (McKinney) and said, ‘Hi, remember me? Tell me, is open carry allowed on campus?’ They did a deer in the headlights and said, ‘Who?’ I said, ‘Commissioner Moss is at the bottom of the staircase, facing the clock tower, and you can clearly see it on his hip. After I spoke to them (McKinney), I came back to the bottom of the stairs.”

Meanwhile, Dettloff took photos to document what she saw — Moss with a gun on his right hip. The photos were time-stamped at 7:14 p.m.

That was the first of three attempts by vigil attendees to alert University staff and police of the policy violation. 

Charlie Zickus, of Allendale, was attending the vigil with his wife Meegan, a lawyer and biology ethics professor at GVSU. He also noticed the concealed firearm and took photos, time-stamped at 7:21 p.m.

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“Charlie took the pictures, and I went back and was kind of standing there because he and I were trying to figure out, ‘Okay, who has called, who hasn’t and where are we at here?’” Meegan Zickus said. “Some girls nearby said, ‘Oh my God, that man has a gun.’ I said, ‘Okay, guys, it’s okay. It’s under control. We’ve reported it. If you need to leave, then just get up and go, but you don’t need to be worried.’”

Charlie Zickus and lawyer Pete Walsh, of Grand Rapids, reported the situation to two student workers at Kirkhof’s 2020 Information Desk at about 7:20 p.m.

An ONN reporter has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to determine if the second report led to authorities being alerted.

Charlie Zickus then observed Moss walk west to Campus Drive with a group of people. Meegan Zickus said a GVSU officer pulled in, but was quite a ways away from Kirkhof and the clock tower, so they walked over to him.

“’Hey, we need to make a report of somebody with a gun on campus,’” Meegan Zickus told the officer. “He (the officer) took the report. He never called anybody, didn’t do a thing and was like, ‘Well, the most we can do is trespass him and tell him that he has to leave if he has it (a firearm).'”

The police report, the third attempt to notify staff and administration, was filed as of 7:25 p.m., according to the result of a Freedom of Information Act request.

Meegan Zickus said the officer made no move to approach Moss. At this time, Moss and the group he was with drifted further away from Kirkhof and the clock tower.

“He (the officer) didn’t even ask for a description of what he (Moss) was wearing or anything,” she said. “He just took the report, and was like, ‘Well, it’s technically not against the law.’ Pete and I were like, ‘Well, you better check on that, because you got two lawyers standing here, and we’re pretty sure that Grand Valley says we have a weapons-free campus.’ The cop was like, ‘No, no, that’s our policy, but all we do is trespass them and tell them to leave.'”

Pete Walsh, a retired attorney who attended the vigil with a group of community members, stated that while he found University police to be respectful of their concerns, he was perplexed by their response time.

“We thought it was reported,” said Walsh. “We stood around outside and no police officer showed up for like 10-15 minutes.”

Meanwhile, McKinney contacted Vice President of Student Affairs Jenny Hall-Jones, as McKinney felt a higher-level administrator should approach Moss. Hall-Jones approached Moss, who at this point was leaving of his own accord at about 7:30. 

Hall-Jones declined a request for comment by the Lanthorn. 

Martin said she was in the parking lot when she observed Moss reach his vehicle nearby at 7:36 p.m., which she noted in a text to Dettloff.

The incident report states at 7:41 p.m. that Moss had already left the clock tower by the time GVPD personnel arrived. According to Heaton, she does not have an exact time of the officers’ arrival.

Heaton claimed the arrival time was acceptable, considering the situation didn’t escalate into a direct threat, despite the three separate reports. Due to the incident not warranting an emergency response, according to Heaton, GVPD personnel obeyed all traffic laws on their route to the clock tower.

“We didn’t have any reports of the weapon being pointed or anything to escalate to an emergency response,” Heaton said. “At this point, we were responding to what is a Grand Valley policy violation.”

A University statement, which was forwarded to Lanthorn staff by the Assistant Vice President of University Communications Chris Knape, vouched for GVPD’s handling of the incident.

“Safety on our campus is our top priority,” read the statement. “GVSU has a policy prohibiting weapons on campus, and as happened in this case, the University took immediate action to assure conformance with our policy when made aware of a violation. At no time was the University aware of the person posing a threat.”

GVPD considers Hall-Jones’ interaction with Moss to be an enforcement of policy, as the commissioner left after talking with a University official. Heaton said the incident is considered “closed.” Had Moss remained on campus and not complied, the act would have been considered a trespassing violation.

“It was enforced because he was approached, informed and asked to leave,” Heaton said. “That (interaction) kind of ends that contact.”

Heaton said now that a warning is on record, the matter could be treated differently if Moss were to violate the policy again. 

Dettloff said she believed Moss to be deliberate in bringing the concealed firearm to campus. 

“For him to be an elected official who should have known (the policy), and to still do it anyway tells me that he had a motivation, and that he was trying to send a message,” she said.

Meegan Zickus said a number of community members she was with are long-term concealed pistol license (CPL) holders. However, those with licenses had all left their firearms at home, and Zickus felt that Moss shouldn’t have been treated any differently due to his commissioner title.

“Just because someone’s elected doesn’t mean they get to skirt the rules that are in place,” Zickus said.

According to Michigan law, concealed firearms are only prohibited in campus dormitories or classrooms. The legislation leaves gaps on campus, prompting many universities, including GVSU to adopt “weapons-free” policies on campuses. 

GVSU’s Student Senate voted against allowing concealed firearms on campus in November 2015. The University’s Weapons Policy has largely been the same since the senate’s decision. The policy is based on legal precedent, both in Michigan, and federally.

However, a case is currently facing the U.S. Supreme Court that could possibly challenge the ability of higher education institutions to enforce their own weapons bans. Wade v. University of Michigan is challenging UMich’s on-campus weapons ban. The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the university’s firearm ban, and the Michigan Supreme Court denied the appeal. The case is being further disputed by SCOTUS. If the Court were to rule in favor of Joshua Wade, colleges and universities nationwide, including GVSU, would be forced to reevaluate their policies.

Steven Dulan, the attorney representing Wade, is part of the Michigan Coalition for the Responsible Gun Owners’ board of directors. Dulan believes GVSU is on “extremely weak ground” with its policy, much like UMich, although the latter is afforded certain protections compared to GVSU because it is chartered in the Michigan Constitution. 

“The legality of (campus firearm bans) is questionable because it’s being litigated right now,” said Dulan. “I honestly feel that most of the colleges and universities are on extremely thin ice legally because the state statute just says clearly that (you) cannot carry concealed in a dorm or a classroom.”

Dulan added that he feels the University’s policy is “sort of hollow,” and that he doesn’t think it has “any teeth.” 

Touching on the implications of carrying in places of education, Meegan Zickus expressed that she previously had students who had witnessed the 2021 school shooting at Oxford High School.

“(Students) were freaking out, and you know that’s where the issue is,” Zickus said. “If people aren’t clear on the rules, then it causes an alarm in the students.”

Zickus said she doesn’t believe the University’s procedure for handling weapons reports is well known among students and community members. 

“I’d like there to be some type of clear policy that this is what we do when somebody reports a person with a gun on campus, and I don’t feel there’s a clear policy,” Zickus said. “We all had to go looking for the rules.”

Zickus believes the policy and procedure, which from her perspective aren’t fully fleshed out, are cause for alarm if an emergency situation were to occur at GVSU.

“When you don’t take something seriously then all of a sudden it becomes an issue when there is an (emergency),” Zickus stated.

While DeHaan has officially stepped down as police chief, he will continue working as a civilian consultant for the University and advise the Grand Valley Police Department until his June 1 retirement date. As of March 2, GVPD Captain Leah Heaton has assumed the role of interim chief until the University hires a replacement for DeHaan.

DeHaan received his law enforcement license in 1983 and worked as a part-time officer for GVPD while obtaining a bachelor’s degree at the University. He joined the force as a full-time officer in 1987, became a sergeant in 1997 and a captain in 2004. DeHaan was named GVPD chief in 2017. 

“I truly had a great opportunity to work with some great colleagues over the course of many years,” DeHaan said. “That’s not only on the law enforcement side but on the academic and service (sides) as well.”

DeHaan expressed that while he’s had the opportunity to work in various areas of law enforcement, being able to work in a university setting has been the most valuable to him.

“Rarely do you have the opportunity to see the fruits of your labor, but equally as much be part of an organization (with) this much growth and dynamic change over the expanse of one’s work career,” DeHaan stated.

According to DeHaan, GVPD took numerous steps forward during his tenure as chief, including the installation of an extensive, multi-million dollar security camera system on campus. In addition, in 2023, the department received national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), and became the first college police department in the state of Michigan to do so.

DeHaan said that looking back on his career accomplishments, he is ultimately most proud of the GVPD staff as a whole.

“They (GVPD staff) show up every day,” DeHaan. “They’re here and they’re willing to serve and help this community.”

Heaton echoed a similar message of gratitude, this time toward DeHaan’s expertise and knowledge at the University.

“(DeHaan is) nothing short of great,” Heaton said. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for him. There are some things as the chief (that) he has extensive knowledge in. That’s (his knowledge) helping me to finish up as the year (comes to an end). It’s nice for him to be able to stay around and help with those sorts of things.”

The University will be conducting a national search over the summer, and is aiming to field DeHaan’s replacement by the Fall 2025 semester. 

“Everyone’s wishing him the best,” Heaton said. “We hope to get a new, great chief in, but it’s gonna be some big, tall shoes to fill.”

Officers arrested two individuals in front of the Kirkhof Center who were suspected of stealing from the Allendale Campus’ Laker Store. During the arrest, there was an altercation between one of the suspects and officers that resulted in the suspect being on the ground. The conflict spurred many students to take to social media, seeking clarification about what had occurred.

According to Assistant Director of Public Safety Captain Kourosh Khatir, officers were dispatched at 11:00 a.m. after receiving a call about property being taken from the Laker Store. Two potential suspects were followed around the Laker Store by store personnel, who felt the suspects might have been engaging in suspicious activity. The two subjects, one male and one female, were then stopped by officers in front of the Kirkhof Center. A scuffle occurred as the male suspect was being detained, in which some eyewitnesses claim he was tasered.

The larceny suspects were taken into custody, identified and then released. The male suspect was found to be a juvenile who was not a GVSU student. Details about what may have happened during the scuffle and what item(s) were stolen have not yet been released to the public, as the investigation is still ongoing. It has not been confirmed whether the suspects are guilty or innocent. The suspects’ names will remain anonymous until a verdict is reached.

Students began posting about what had happened on social media soon after the incident, primarily using the anonymous chat app YikYak. There has yet to be any formal communication by the University addressing the matter.

Larceny is one of the most pertinent issues on college campuses. Data from GVSU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report revealed that larcenies on campus have tripled at the University since 2021. Between Thursday, Feb. 13 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, there were three separate instances of larceny. On Friday, Feb. 21, a series of vehicle break-ins also occurred across the Allendale Campus. Assistant Director of Public Safety Leah Heaton advised that students keep their personal belongings on their person or within view at all times. Heaton also recommended recording serial numbers of personal electronic devices, which could be helpful in recovering stolen technology.

Some additional tips to prevent personal belongings from being stolen include:

• Have a unique way to identify your belongings, such as a keychain 
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash and freeze a credit card immediately if your wallet is stolen 
• Write your name on valuables for easier identification

“If you are a victim of a larceny, reporting to the police as soon as it (the larceny) occurs can assist police in developing any leads in the case,” Heaton said. 

Grand Valley State University’s Police Department sent out an email alert on Friday, Feb. 21 updating the campus community of the most recent incidents of vehicle-related crime at GVSU. Additional vehicle break-ins and two stolen vehicles have been added to a growing streak of vehicle-related crime at GVSU. Police believe the instances may be connected.

The Feb. 21 alert was a follow up to a similar notice sent to students on Tuesday, Feb. 11, warning the University community of multiple reports of vehicle-related crime. Throughout February, a total of three stolen vehicles, numerous break-ins and several attempted break-ins have been reported to GVPD. All incidents occurred in parking lots that serve on-campus residence halls. All of the crimes were allegedly committed not by students, but people from neighboring cities who came onto campus.

One stolen vehicle, two confirmed larcenies from vehicles, several overnight break-ins and multiple attempted break-ins occurred over the week of Feb. 3, which prompted the initial alert. Six vehicles also sustained damaged or broken windows throughout that week.

Almost all larceny reports associated with the first alert came from Lot D, a parking lot that serves North campus housing residents. A few initial reports also came from Lot P, which serves students on South campus and in the Honors College. According to the update, the most recent incidents of crime occurred in residential parking lots D, K, P and R on campus, expanding the previous scope of targeted lots. 

According to GVPD, individuals who commit vehicle-related thefts often travel to campus in stolen cars. GVPD has determined the suspects are now traveling in a vehicle without a license plate. A stolen vehicle used by a suspect broke down in Lot D on the Allendale Campus. The vehicle was recovered by GVPD, and its plates were traced back to Kentwood.

GVPD Captain Kourosh Khatir said vehicle larcenies are most often crimes of opportunity, committed when a vehicle is left unlocked. He said the vehicle that was stolen from campus had a spare key in the glove box.

“It’s amazing to me how many cars are left unlocked,” Khatir said. “Just lock the doors, make sure high value items are not in plain sight and if you see something suspicious, just give us (GVPD) a call.”

GVSU student Maddie Pope parks overnight in Lot D. She discovered her vehicle was broken into when she found one of its doors wide open.

“I walked to my car (and) my door was open,” Pope said. “I looked inside, and all my stuff from my middle console and dashboard were all over the seat.”

Fortunately for Pope, nothing was stolen from her vehicle. She said she plans to be more vigilant in the future.

“I definitely don’t want to be alone, walking at night knowing there’s people out there that are trying to cause harm,” Pope said. “(I am) also just making sure I’m locking my car and not leaving anything valuable in it.”

Khatir said there had been a significant drop in on-campus larcenies since October 2024, following a similar report that alerted students to be more vigilant about locking their vehicles. However, the last few weeks’ larceny spike seems to continue a larger trend in which larceny at the University has tripled since 2021. Khatir couldn’t definitively speak on what is driving the trend upward beyond the issues he’d previously mentioned.

“Perhaps word spread that you can just go into (lots) and (that) you’ll be successful (because) a lot of cars are left unlocked,” Khatir said.

In addition to sending out email alerts, GVPD is working with the University’s Housing and Residence Life to educate staff on preventative measures they can share with students living on campus.

“The biggest thing we can do is educate our campus community,” Khatir said. “Certainly, no spare keys should be in (vehicles).”

All vehicle theft incidents have taken place between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., according to GVPD. Khatir said the police department is considering enhancing security camera systems in affected areas.

No information regarding arrests was available at the time this article was published.

According to a GVSU Safety Notice that was sent to students, an armed robbery and fight involving a firearm was reported at an off-campus apartment complex on 48th Avenue. A male victim reported that he was approached by an unknown group of males who threatened the victim with a firearm, stealing his sunglasses. A vehicle, a Jeep SUV, sped away from the scene and was identified by police. A chase was initiated, but ended when the car entered Kent County. Deputies arrived on scene at the apartment complex to an active fight. The fight was broken up and a suspect attempted to hide, but was found and taken into custody. A firearm was found nearby and the suspect taken into custody is facing firearm charges. There were no injuries from the incident, and those involved weren’t GVSU students.

GVPD Chief Brandon DeHaan also mentioned the small apartment fire in Laker Village. According to DeHaan, no one was injured.

“Damage was minimal,” DeHaan said. “It started out as a cooking fire, which is common on campus. (Students should) always call emergency services, but (should also) make use of fire extinguishers in kitchen areas on campus.”

In addition, snow and ice conditions caused the University to go remote from Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Thursday, Jan. 23. DeHaan was quick to point out that making the decision to call off school is always based on moment-to-moment consideration.

“We knew it (the weather) was going to be a challenge,” DeHaan said. “Ultimately, we were able to make the right calls day by day to keep people safe. Part of this is (that) we’re in conversation with both campuses (Allendale and Pew).”

DeHaan said that making sure a vehicle is properly maintained, whether that be having enough gas, filling tires or owning an ice scraper can go a long way in making snow days a little easier. He also said it’s important to make sure students have proper gear when going out in the cold.

“Make sure you’re dressed appropriately, especially if you have to walk any distance,” DeHaan said. “Bring the right gloves, hat and jacket to keep (yourself) safe.”

As far as incidents during the snowstorms go, DeHaan said it is common for GVPD to receive calls about cars stuck in the snow. He mentioned that alternate routes of travel should be considered in extreme weather conditions.

“Take the bus if you absolutely have to travel,” DeHaan said. “The buses are always running, and even though you might not want to wait at a bus stop in this weather, you can get where you need to go, wherever it be Meijer or somewhere else.”

As far as other things to watch for on campus, DeHaan gave a piece of simple advice that can go a long way in helping students.

“Just always be aware of your surroundings,” he said. “Even if nothing is happening, bystander awareness is huge. If you see something, say something.”

The seemingly intuitive idea makes sense for students, especially when they’re at places with large crowds, such as parties or other gatherings. DeHaan mentioned that taking responsibility for friends can also help keep students aware. 

“When you go out at night, come home with the people you left with,” DeHaan said. “No one (should) get left behind.”

At Grand Valley State University, the Department of Public Safety and the Grand Valley Police Department (GVPD) are prioritizing staffing, addressing theft trends on campus and preparing students for a safe night out this Halloween.

GVPD is actively recruiting police officers this fall season, and have added a new team member to enhance social media outreach. They hope to further foster an online community between GVPD and GVSU students.

GVPD officers are also addressing the ongoing trend of theft on campus. The most common items stolen are unattended bikes, scooters and items found in unlocked cars. Assistant Director of Public Safety, Captain Leah Heaton, recommends taking all valuable items out of vehicles, keeping them locked and staying within view of your vehicle when possible.

Crime tends to increase around Halloween, which is common around holidays where alcohol is consumed en masse. On average, most crimes tend to occur in the evening, especially between 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., which happens to be when most people go out to celebrate Halloween. The most prominent type of criminal activity that occurs on Halloween night is property theft, since most people leave their homes unoccupied. According to Every Moment Counts Security, it is advised to leave the lights on, keep doors and windows locked and to store valuables out of sight when leaving home.

Besides advice on avoiding theft, GVPD also provides tips for students on how to be safe during the Halloween season. Heaton said that an increase in parties and alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to increased criminal activity. Regardless of the season, GVPD offers many safety tips to keep students’ nights out enjoyable and worry-free. 

“Students can stay safe during Halloween by making sure they have a plan for the night and not (leaving) friends behind,” Heaton said. “Let others know where you will be and have a safe driving plan for the night if you plan on drinking. If walking near roadways, have a light or reflector available so vehicles can see you.”

Another trend in criminality during the Halloween season is crimes regarding sexual violence. Between the months of August and November, 50% of sexual assault incidents occur across college campuses. Further, it is important to recognize the signs of a drink being tampered with. If a drink is excessively fizzy, has changes in taste or color, or appears foggy or cloudy, it may have been drugged.

Heaton advises students to protect themselves from the cold this coming Halloween, even if it doesn’t match their costumes.

“Dress for the weather, especially if you will be outside for periods of time,” Heaton said. “It may not look cool, but no coat over your costume in cold weather can lead to medical issues and a possible trip to the hospital.”

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is compiled and published each year, showcasing incident reports, data trends and safety policies for the University. This year’s report shows a distinct jump in larcenies, or the unlawful taking of another’s personal property, spanning from 2021 to 2023. The number of larcenies have increased each year by a significant amount, totaling nearly three times as many instances last year as the total from 2021.

The report states there were 31 total instances of larceny that took place on campus in 2021. For 2022, the report shows the number almost doubling, standing at 61 incidents. Last year, the number of on-campus larcenies peaked at 92, just short of three times as many as 2021. However, data for the current year is not yet available.

According to Assistant Director of Public Safety, Captain Kourosh Khatir, this trend is nothing new. According to Khatir, larcenies have always been an unfortunate reality on campus. However, Khatir pointed to a likely connection between the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase of the student population in the last three years.

“Larcenies are typically our highest call for service from a crime standpoint,” Khatir said. “It is difficult to assess why they have increased, but I suspect coming out of COVID-19, where we had minimal people on campus, to having our largest incoming class last year, to getting to normal campus population levels, the more people we have on campus the higher incidents of theft and other crimes we’ll encounter.”

Larcenies seem to occupy a special niche in criminal activity. Khatir said that while larcenies are not usually planned in advance, they can be easily executed if the suspect knows what to look for.

“As to why they are a problem, usually larcenies are a crime of opportunity,” Khatir said. “Items left unattended or not properly secured are unfortunately targeted.”

As for what students can do to avoid having their belongings taken from them, Khatir noted a few common sense suggestions.

“Keep valuable items locked up or under the watchful eye of trusted friends or others,” Khatir said  “Sometimes even our best efforts can (still) result in a theft occurring, but making your valuables hard to take can go a long way.”

While it remains up to the students to protect their own belongings, many feel it is unfortunate that larcenies have become so prevalent on campus. It is plausible that the return to a populated, bustling campus community has provided more ample circumstances for larcenies to take place.

GVSU’s 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report will not be released until next year, however it would not be out of the realm of possibility to see a further increase in on-campus larcenies.

GVPD does utilize technology to aid in the effort of future larceny prevention, as well as general campus safety and surveillance. 

“Over the years, we have invested heavily in our security camera system, which continues to aid significantly in catching suspects,” Khatir said.

Khatir said despite what the trends portray, GVPD’s goal is to always to help students avoid any potential danger, whether that is to their person or their belongings.

“We continually strive to educate the campus community regarding prevention methods, whether it is at parent (or) supporter and student orientation or other programming,” Khatir said. “We encourage folks to secure their items, and have a good description including serial numbers, if possible, to aid in recovery.” 

Captain Kourosh Khatir, the assistant director of public safety at the University, said the department’s preparations for the season’s first football game on Sept. 5 were largely successful.

“We have a comprehensive security plan for all of our football games and this year is no exception,” Khatir said. “The game went well from a security standpoint, (as) no major issues were reported.”

With the recent implementation of alcohol sales at sporting events, Khatir made sure to remind students that their own vigilance of substance consumption is the key to their safety.

“If you decide to drink, be responsible with alcohol and other drugs, and don’t engage if you are not of age,” Khatir said. “As always, it takes the whole campus community to keep everyone safe, it is not solely the responsibility of the police department.”

Khatir said this awareness of one’s surroundings can be applied to all situations, not just sporting events where alcohol consumption is present. He also reminded students that their belongings need to be cared for as well.

“Larcenies continue to be our number one call for service,” Khatir said. “Lock up your valuable items and make sure you have a trusted person watching your belongings should you be away from them for any length of time.”

From a statistical standpoint, Khatir explained there is no evidence that points toward a negative impact of alcohol sales on campus, at least as far as citations and incidents go. At the moment, alcohol sales have not seemed to contribute to any increased instances of unlawfulness on campus. 

“There was no discernible uptick in MIPs when comparing the beginning of the semester last year to the same timeframe this year,” Khatir said. “(There were) 16 for 2023, and 10 so far for 2024.”

With the semester still at its beginning, time will only tell as to the long-term impact of alcohol sales at on-campus athletic events.

Khatir noted that ample planning and consideration was made by GVSU administrators in regards to the sale of alcohol on campus.

“A lot of thought and effort goes into making decisions that have a campus-wide impact,” Khatir said. “GVPD stands ready to respond and, support the University’s mission, no matter the relevant alcohol policies decided by senior leadership.”

Chief Brandon DeHaan of the GVSU Department of Public Safety echoed many of Khatir’s sentiments, but also pointed out the positives associated with selling alcohol in the stadium, as compared to its overconsumption at tailgate parties.

“This will be our first full year of selling alcohol at the stadium,” DeHaan said. “Quite frankly, the concessions area we had was undersized for decades, considering the size of crowds we bring in. That really upped our game as far as our ability to sell all kinds of concessions down there.”

DeHaan said he places his trust in the faculty that planned and considered the sale of alcoholic beverages and new concession areas. 

“They (staff) created a point of sale in the upper deck area for alcohol,” DeHaan said. “That was an initiative that occurred over the summer and it really came out very nice.”

DeHaan said he supports the sale of alcohol on campus. He said selling alcohol on campus allows students to consume in a safer environment that can be monitored much more closely than previous parking lot tailgating allowed for.

“I have been supportive of the alcohol sales in our stadium for quite some time,” DeHaan said. “There has been some anecdotal evidence that has shown over the past decade or so at higher education institutions (that) the sale of alcohol in stadiums has reduced binge drinking in parking lots.”

DeHaan stated that in comparison, drinking at parking lot tailgate parties is more dangerous, mentioning the prevalence of overconsumption. He said the new regulations offer a safer option for students who wish to consume alcohol at athletic events.

“A lot of what we’ve seen in the past is that students would engage in binge drinking, consuming vast amounts of alcohol in very short amounts of time because they were unable to do so in the stadium,” DeHaan said. “(Considering the change), I’m hopeful this year will see the same type of positive activity (the reduction of binge drinking at tailgates) that other institutions of higher education have seen.”

Tailgating has not completely disappeared, however, and will likely remain a popular recreational activity and pregame ritual.

DeHaan also attributes public safety successes to the concession staff’s adherence to safety standards and state laws for serving alcohol. 

“All the servers have been tip-trained,” DeHaan said. “They have undergone specific training to ensure that we are not serving minors and those that are intoxicated. We have taken a lot of effective measures to prevent underage drinking and consumption.”

While the sale of alcoholic beverages at sporting events seems here to stay, the GVSU Department of Public Safety remains committed to ensuring the well-being of fans and students alike. According to DeHaan, there is a strong feeling among the department that safer consumption will go a long way toward accomplishing their goal. 

“Our fans appreciate the option,” DeHaan said. “It makes sense to consume alcohol over a longer period of time, instead of consuming vast amounts in a very short amount of time, which, quite frankly, can be very dangerous. I’m hopeful that overall, this will help reduce the negative behavior involved with binge drinking.”

The K-9 went through a four-week preparation program before arriving on campus. Director of Public Safety and GVPD Chief Brandon DeHaan said Scout’s training is a “continual process” and will not stop there, as GVPD will continue to do exercises with Scout throughout the year.

Scout’s skills will be utilized doing security sweeps at football games and other campus events where large crowds gather.

“(Scout) offers a piece of mind for members of our community,” DeHaan said. “We have this asset that can detect anything explosive. It’s a bonus for our community (that) we can deploy the dog quite rapidly.”

However, Scout cannot do his job alone. His handler, Officer Paul Weaver, has been an integral part of Scout’s training. Weaver highlighted everything he’s been doing to Scout up for success– including paying close attention to his own actions, and how they affect Scout.

Although Scout and Weaver have spent a lot of time together, Weaver said there is still much for Scout to learn.

“A lot of (the responsibility) is on the handler,” Weaver said. “We don’t accept ‘okay’, we want precision.” 

Weaver stressed the importance of giving Scout constant praise and rewards for his accomplishments. He noted the importance of ensuring Scout’s environment is enjoyable, which will lead the K-9 to perform at his best.

“We need him to enjoy being at work,” said Weaver.

Even beyond the workplace, constant relationship building between a K-9 unit and its handling officer is necessary. Officer Weaver and Scout continue to bond at home. Weaver said they’ve enjoyed a few vacations together and recently went on a camping trip. 

According to Weaver, Scout has been very successful and brings joy to everyone he works with.

“Every day I work is fun with him,” said Weaver. “Scout has a personality, but he is always alert. He’s very vigilant (and) he always impresses me.”

Scout replaced GVPD’s previous K-9 unit, Koda. Koda worked with her handler, Officer Kelsey Sietsema, for three years before they both moved out of state. Prior to the pair’s departure, Sietsema made a donation to help fund Scout’s transition to GVPD.

Despite being a specially trained police dog, DeHaan said Scout still enjoys dog treats and ear scratches. Students will be able to see Scout around campus, and are welcome to show him some love.