Key Takeaways from HBO’s All Access PD: Grand Rapids Series

the national spotlight and brought public trust in the department to an all-time low. This was a topic that needed to be addressed, and the Chief does address it head-on, though it could have gotten more attention during the episode. Overall, it is unique to see a police chief speaking so openly about the shortcomings of the force.

Actions Have ConsequencesThe episode follows the shooting of 15-year-old Amillier Penn, who was killed last summer. The effects of the Patrick Lyoya shooting rightfully sent a wave of mistrust of the police, and the All Access shows how this mistrust has made solving other crimes difficult. People aren’t willing to speak to the police like they used to as a result.

All Information Is HelpfulThe GRPD is resourceful, showing how they collected evidence from anywhere, from Ring doorbell footage to Snapchat messages. The number one thing the police want to do (and feel like the overall goal with this show) is to rebuild trust with the community by showing the efforts and ways that the community can help the GRPD with their investigations.

Purely from a concept standpoint, this experiment of a show is very interesting. How the public reacts to a show like this remains to be seen. The first episode is available to watch for free here and is also streaming on MAX.