John Wittkowski is a seasoned public safety professional with nearly three decades of law enforcement
experience and a deep commitment to community well-being. After earning degrees from Western
Michigan University, Aquinas College, and Michigan State University, he joined the Grand Rapids Police
Department in 1995, where he served for 28 years before retiring as a Police Sergeant in 2023.
Throughout his career, Wittkowski held a wide range of specialized roles, including Public Information
Officer, Crisis Negotiator and Mobile Crisis Response Coordinator. He became a recognized leader in
mental health and law enforcement, serving as a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainer and Behavioral
Health Liaison for more than two decades. His work coordinating Grand Rapids' Homeless Outreach
Team and Mobile Mental Health Response program reflected his belief that effective policing requires
compassion as much as authority.
Parallel to his police career, Wittkowski served as an adjunct professor at Ferris State University, Grand
Valley State University, and Grand Rapids Community College, teaching courses in criminal justice, public
policy, and sociology.
Since retiring from the GRPD, Wittkowski has continued his public service working for One Starfish
Foundation, assisting some of most vulnerable community members
Recognized with multiple departmental awards and commendations, Wittkowski has served on
numerous task forces and advisory boards addressing mental health, homelessness, elder abuse, human
trafficking, and opioid abuse.
