Grand Rapids, Mich. — Residents living near Market Avenue and I-196 in Grand Rapids should expect to hear gunshots over the next few weeks as the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) conducts its mandatory firearms training. The training will begin on Monday, March 17, and run through April 1.
According to a post on the GRPD’s official Facebook page, the training sessions will take place during two time frames each day— from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and again in the evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. During these hours, multiple shots may be fired in the area as officers work to improve their skills and preparedness.
The department is proactively notifying the public to prevent unnecessary alarm, as previous training sessions have prompted calls to 911 from concerned residents who mistook the gunshots for a real emergency. GRPD officials are urging people to remain aware of the training but to still call 911 if they hear gunshots they believe require police intervention.
“Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities,” the police department wrote in the Facebook post.
While the training is crucial for officers’ preparedness, the GRPD is emphasizing that the sound of gunfire is part of a controlled exercise, and there is no immediate threat to the community. However, residents who are uncertain about the source of the noise are encouraged to reach out to authorities for clarification.
The firearms training sessions are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to maintain the safety and effectiveness of its officers, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle various situations that may arise in the field.
