Grand Rapids Annual Surveillance Report Released Book your Consultation or Empowerment Session Today Book Now Grand Rapids Annual Surveillance Report Released The City of Grand Rapids released its first Annual Surveillance Report on April 23, 2024. This project came to be when the Grand Rapids NAACP joined forces with Mayers Solutions, LLC to lobby the city to change its surveillance technology policy. In a Fox 17 article Mayers said, “We want to get ahead and be proactive instead of being reactive and make sure that we get these safeguards put in the policy now and not after a Black person or a Brown person has been killed or brutalized by another Grand Rapids police officer.” Key Takeaways: First annual surveillance report for the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan (second largest city in Michigan next to Detroit) First time that the annual surveillance report was presented by the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability to the newly created Surveillance Oversight Committee (also called the Public Safety Committee), which has the power to discontinue the City’s use of surveillance technologies and services when there is evidence of violations of constitutional rights Besides the Grand Rapids Police Dept. (GRPD), other city entities like the Grand Rapids Fire Dept. are also using surveillance technology Download Now Report Findings Fire Department Related to municipal use of surveillance technologies and services, provides a framework for analyzing all: violations of constitutional rights (such as the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments) broken down by race, sex, age, and location; costs to purchase and/or use the technologies and services that year; and sources of funding for the purchase and/or use the technologies and services that year GRPD’s use of unmanned aerial drones will be covered in the next annual surveillance report Police Department Analysis of civil rights violations related to the GRPD body-worn camera deactivation in the tragic officer-involved shooting and death of Patrick Lyoya in 2022 will be included in the next annual surveillance report, which will be published towards the end of 2024 The City of Grand Rapids’ use of camera trailers throughout the city; especially in areas where gun violence was recently reported, was not covered in the first annual report but will be included in future annual surveillance reports Carve out language is needed in the law so that automated traffic enforcement mechanisms like GRPD’s use of license plate readers and the City of Grand Rapids’ use of speed light cameras and red-light cameras are not exempt from being included in future annual surveillance reports

Decertification, Public Trust & Fairness Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC. provides a strategic and actionable framework for increasing public trust and fairness in law enforcement through the mechanism of law enforcement decertification. Groundbreaking State Police Decertification Laws National Report Card Released Learn More Utilizing the C.A.T. Method® (Community Empowerment, Accountability, and Transparency), the report card packet examines how state Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Commissions [which are typically responsible for licensing and revoking the license of law enforcement officers in their states] can better engage with the public, provide data visibility, and implement legally sound standards for officer decertification. Watch: Application of Mayers II, Esq's Assessment to the Nashville and Davidson County Community Review Board Blog Watch: Mayers II, Esq. Discusses the Oversight of Surveillance Technology with Law Enforcement Leaders in Akron, OH Jun 29 Grand Rapids, MI Second Annual Surveillance Report Released May 19, 2025 Watch: Mayers II, Esq. Advocates for Surveillance Education in Michigan with Informational Video Apr 25, 2025 Schedule a Consultation

Learn more about the purchase and use of surveillance technologies, facial recognition systems, and artificial intelligence—and how to develop policies and laws for public safety. Surveillance & A.I. Technology Services If you’re interested in hosting a Teach-In or workshop to learn more about the purchase and use of surveillance technologies, facial recognition systems, and artificial intelligence—and how to develop policies and laws for public safety—contact Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC. New Online Tool Measures Community Voice in Surveillance Oversight Complete Scorecard The C.A.T. Method® Surveillance Oversight Scorecard is now online. This City Assessment Tool helps assess whether community members are meaningfully engaged and empowered in decisions about the purchase and use of surveillance technologies and services, including their intersections with federal law enforcement activities. The scorecard is designed to highlight gaps in transparency, accountability, and public oversight while helping inform stronger community-centered surveillance governance. Watch: Mayers II, Esq. Provides Insights on Automated Enforcement & Accountability during Kalamazoo, MI Police & Technology Conference Watch Carlton T. Mayers II, Esq.’s session from the Kalamazoo Police & Technology Conference on automated enforcement and how to effectively regulate it. Learn how your organization can develop these policies and laws for public safety. Download: ALPR One-pager Log-in to Download Grand Rapids Annual Surveillance Report Released Read Key Takeaways Blog Watch: Mayers II, Esq. Discusses the Oversight of Surveillance Technology with Law Enforcement Leaders in Akron, OH Jun 29 Grand Rapids, MI Second Annual Surveillance Report Released May 19, 2025 Watch: Mayers II, Esq. Advocates for Surveillance Education in Michigan with Informational Video Apr 25, 2025 Schedule a Consultation

Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC provides a custom-tailored approach to each community, will remain closely involved in every project and its success, and can collaborate and partner with all community stakeholders and interested parties to support public safety and accountability through more proactive, rather than reactive, strategies. Services Book your Consultation or Empowerment Session Book Now Home > Services Check Out The Areas Of Focus Understanding that not every community will have the same needs, Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC provides a custom-tailored approach to each community, will remain closely involved in every project and its success, and can collaborate and partner with all community stakeholders and interested parties to support public safety and ensure public trust & fairness through more proactive, rather than reactive, strategies. Carlton knows combined efforts from community members and those who represent and protect them, to break down their silos, will empower communities for current and future generations. Offering Exceptional Customized Assistance for Clients, such as: Amendatory Language Assistance Recommendations for the removal of, the addition of, and the amendment of language in legislation, collective bargaining agreements (union contracts), strategic plans, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and departmental policies, procedures, practices, and training materials based on assessments. New Language Assistance Development of initial language in legislation, collective bargaining agreements (union contracts), strategic plans, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and departmental policies, procedures, practices, and training materials based on assessments. Research and Assessments Assessments through research and analysis of legislation, collective bargaining agreements (union contracts), strategic plans, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and departmental policies, procedures, practices, and trainings. Resource Creation The development of educational and actionable materials based on assessments. Community Assistance Trainings, presentations, speaking engagements, workshops, developing & implementing strategic plans, grassroots & grasstops advocacy and campaigns And Providing Services With a Focus on Community Development Advising lawmakers and other stakeholders on model legislative language related to community safety reform, improving community-police relations, and public trust & fairness. Advising community members, law enforcement, news media outlets, non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, lawmakers and other government officials on the best practices and models for community safety, improving community-police relations, and public trust & fairness. Providing technical assistance to community members, law enforcement agencies, news media outlets, non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, lawmakers and other government officials by developing , strategizing , and implementing community mechanisms and processes related to state and/or local law enforcement agencies': Negotiations of collective bargaining agreements (police union contracts) Hiring and promotions of law enforcement officers Development and modification of departmental policies, procedures, and practices Discipline of law enforcement officers Training of law enforcement officers Data collection, analysis, and public reporting of law enforcement activities for police-civilian interactions What our partners are saying Mr. Mayers has provided training and consultation to our membership and local communities about Community Empowerment-Centered Policing Reform which has been a game changer for us in the Greater Grand Rapids community. President Cle Jackson (NAACP Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Branch) Contact First Name Last Name Email Message Like what you see? Get in touch to learn more. Send Thanks for submitting!

The C.A.T. Method ℠ empowers communities to identify, strategize, and implement long-term and constructive changes that support the professionalization and modernization of law enforcement practices, policies, and culture. Approach & Method Home > Services > Approach & Method Book your Consultation or Empowerment Session Book Now The Community Empowerment-Centered Approach and The C.A.T. Method® The Community Empowerment-Centered Approach empowers local community stakeholders to collaborate with each other for long-term solutions to address community safety challenges through the C.A.T. Method ® (which stands for Community Empowerment, Accountability, and Transparency). The C.A.T. Method ® helps communities to identify, strategize, and implement constructive changes that support the professionalization and modernization of law enforcement practices, policies, and culture. Learn More Community Empowerment Accountability Transparency See what Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC is about. Learn More

Interested in learning more about these proven effective methods to concerns within your neighborhood? Let's work together to implement the Mayers Strategic Solution's C.A.T. Method ℠ and create a positive environment for our children and the future. "The Process Reflects the Outcome" Book a Consultation + Connect Advancing Community Empowerment-Centered Policing Reform ® for Long-Term and Sustainable Solutions in Public Safety Through the C.A.T. Method ® Interested in learning more about these proven effective methods to concerns within your neighborhood? Let's work together to implement the Mayers Strategic Solution's C.A.T. Method ® and create a positive environment for our children and the future. Contact Us First Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Get in touch today to see how we can join forces to empower communities by identifying, strategizing, and implementing evidence-based solutions for effective public safety at the state and local levels.

Find out what Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC has been busy doing. Listen to podcasts, watch videos, and read publications to see how Carlton Mayers is implementing his proven methods to achieve effective change in communities all across the country. Events Home > Events 1/7 MNCOB Presentation Clip Play Video Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close

Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC works with state and local governments, law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations and community members on supporting public safety by improving community-police relations and curbing gun violence in BIPOC communities together. Accomplishments Home > About > Accomplishments Working Hand-In-Hand Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC works with state and local governments, law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations and community members on supporting public safety by improving community-police relations and curbing gun violence in Black, Indigenous, People Of Color communities together. State Resolutins Passed Illinois SAFE-T Act (H.B. 3653) Advised Illinois Legislative Black Caucus members and other government officials on the SAFE-T Act’s policing reforms, enacted in 2021. Learn More Wisconsin (S.B. 121 & Act 48) Advised the Speaker’s Task Force on Racial Disparities along with Republican and Democrat Wisconsin state lawmakers on policing reform legislation, enacted in 2021. Learn More Indiana (H.B. 1006) Advised Democrat Indiana state lawmakers on policing reform legislation, enacted in 2021. Learn More Maryland (H.B. 108) Advised a Democrat Maryland state lawmaker on policing reform legislation, enacted in 2021. Learn More Missouri (S.B. 53) Advised a Democrat Missouri state lawmaker and Missouri’s Legislative Black Caucus members on policing reforms, enacted in 2021. Learn More Sierra Club National Office Advised Sierra Club National Office on developing its public safety platform to create healthy communities. Learn More NAACP Indiana State Conference Authored NAACP Indiana State Conference’s Environmental and Climate Justice and Criminal Justice Committees' Resolution on Fossil Fuels, Police Reform, Community Empowerment and the Criminalization of Energy Critical Infrastructure, which was adopted by the NAACP National Office in 2021. Learn More Wisconsin (S.B. 122 & Act 49) Advised the Speaker’s Task Force on Racial Disparities along with Republican and Democrat Wisconsin state lawmakers on policing reform legislation, enacted in 2021. Learn More Wisconsin (S.B. 123 & Act 50) Advised the Speaker’s Task Force on Racial Disparities along with Republican and Democrat Wisconsin state lawmakers on policing reform legislation, enacted in 2021. Learn More Wisconsin (S.B. 124 & Act 51) Advised the Speaker’s Task Force on Racial Disparities along with Republican and Democrat Wisconsin state lawmakers on policing reform legislation, enacted in 2021. Learn More Wisconsin (Act 82) Advised the Speaker’s Task Force on Racial Disparities along with Republican and Democrat Wisconsin state lawmakers on policing reform legislation, enacted in 2021. Learn More Wisconsin (Act 75) Advised the Speaker’s Task Force on Racial Disparities along with Republican and Democrat Wisconsin state lawmakers on policing reform legislation, enacted in 2021. Learn More Recently Passed Resolutions and Policies Presentation on the Prosecutorial Open Database resolution at the Kalamazoo County Commission meeting that helped lead to the passing of the resolution In this video Carlton discusses how Open Databases will increase accountability and transparency, which will improve public trust and knowledge in government agencies. Carlton was the Campaign Manager for the Prosecutorial Open Database resolution and drafted the resolution in collaboration with the Committee for Criminal Justice Transparency, which includes the Kalamazoo County Public Defender's Office, ISAAC, (Truth, Healing, and Transformation), and NAACP Kalamazoo, Michigan Branch. Since this presentation the Kalamazoo County Commission has voted to pass the Prosecutorial Open Database resolution and its implementation is underway. Kalamazoo Resolution The Indiana NAACP Friday Evening Opening Session discusses with Carlton the Resolution ECJ Fossil Fuels, Police Reform, Community Empowerment and the Criminalization of Energy Critical Infrastructure. Carlton was the keynote speaker for the NAACP Indiana State Conference in 2020 and presented on the intersections between policing reform and environmental/climate justice, and how to reimagine public safety through Community Empowerment-centered policing reform. NAACP Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Branch related to the City of Grand Rapids' and the Grand Rapids Police Department's use of surveillance technologies and services. After the City of Grand Rapids' adoption of our proposed amendments, community members will now be empowered to be involved in, have knowledge of, and have decision-making authority over the purchase, acquisition, use, and deployment of surveillance technologies and services by all City entities. Learn More Grand Rapids Success NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Branch & City of Grand Rapids Press Conference on Administrative Policy Change "The proposed overhaul of the City’s Administrative Policy on the Acquisition and Use of Surveillance Equipment and Surveillance Services includes allowing residents to file complaints about misuse or overuse of surveillance technology and an audit process that could discontinue usage of the technology. It was outlined to city commissioners on December 7." See what Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC is about. Learn More As well as assisting with legislation creation, Carlton Mayers works earnestly with local activists and organizers to share his expertise on reforms related to improving community-police relations and curbing gun violence in the most affected neighborhoods.