City of Kalamazoo - April 14, 2026 Citizens Public Safety Review and Appeal Board

Updated about 2 hours ago

During the Citizens Public Safety Review and Appeal Board Meeting, the board discusses the potential relocation of their monthly meetings to the new Crosstown Parkway facility, highlighting its state-of-the-art technology and better parking. Chief Green and Inspector Mason present updates on the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS), including the annual report from the Office of Professional Standards. The report covers complaint investigations, use of force, and vehicle pursuits, showing a decrease in incidents attributed to improved training and technology. Public comments are invited, and a representative from Battle Creek expresses admiration for the board's work.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:02)
The meeting of the Citizens Public Safety Review and Appeal Board is called to order.

The chair of the meeting calls the Citizens Public Safety Review and Appeal Board meeting to order, marking the official start of the session.
Roll Call (00:00:13)
Roll call is taken to confirm the presence of board members.

The roll call is conducted, listing the names of board members present and noting any absences. Christopher Caldwell is present, Regina Miller has an excused absence, and Susan Stapleton is present.
Public Comments Announcement (00:00:51)
Public comments will be accepted during designated times as per the agenda.

Attendees are informed that public comments will be accepted during specific times indicated on the agenda. Community members wishing to comment over the phone are provided instructions on how to enter the queue.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:22)
Minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed and approved.

The minutes from the past meeting are presented for review. A motion to adopt the minutes is made, seconded, and approved without opposition.
Presentations from Office of Professional Standards (00:01:40)
Presentations by Chief Green and Inspector Mason on updates and annual report.

Chief Green and Inspector Mason present updates from the Office of Professional Standards, including information on KDPS and the annual report. They discuss renovations to the downtown facility and propose moving board meetings to a new location.
Discussion on Meeting Location Change (00:04:03)
Proposal to move monthly meetings to Crosstown Parkway facility is discussed.

The board discusses the proposal to relocate monthly meetings to the Crosstown Parkway facility by August, once renovations are complete. The new location is expected to offer better facilities and parking.
Motion to Approve Meeting Location Change (00:04:59)
A motion is made and approved to move the meeting location once available.

A motion is entertained and approved to relocate the monthly meetings to the Crosstown Parkway facility once it becomes available. The motion passes with no opposition.
Recruitment and Hiring Update (00:05:30)
Update on recruitment for public safety officers and hiring process.

An update is provided on the recruitment and hiring efforts for public safety officers. The process includes application, background checks, and training. The board is encouraged to spread the word to potential candidates.
Professional Standards Update by Inspector Mason (00:06:58)
Inspector Mason provides updates on professional standards and complaint investigations.

Inspector Chuck Mason discusses the PCR report, detailing the status of investigations, use of force incidents, and annual report findings. He highlights the number of complaints and the process for handling them.
Use of Force and Vehicle Pursuits Report (00:14:02)
Trends in use of force and vehicle pursuits are presented, showing a decrease in incidents.

Statistics on use of force and vehicle pursuits are presented, showing a decrease in incidents. The report attributes this to improved training, technology, and risk assessments by officers.
Annual Report Overview (00:18:48)
An overview of the professional standards annual report and meaningful review process.

The professional standards annual report is overviewed, including summaries of complaint investigations, use of force, and operational changes. The process of meaningful reviews by supervisors is explained, focusing on continuous improvement.
Chief's Remarks on Professional Standards (00:25:21)
Chief commends the staff and highlights improvements in handling complaints and use of force.

The Chief commends the professionalism and dedication of the staff, highlighting the decrease in use of force incidents and complaints. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and effective training.
Hiring Process and New Recruits (00:28:08)
Discussion on the rigorous hiring process and welcoming new recruits to the department.

The discussion focuses on the rigorous hiring process for public safety officers, the importance of selecting candidates with high moral character, and introducing new recruits. The department's efforts to maintain high standards are praised.
Public Comments (00:34:24)
Opportunity for public comments with rules for participation outlined.

The floor is opened for public comments, with a three-minute limit for each speaker. Instructions are provided for in-person and call-in participants, emphasizing that this is not a time for dialogue with the board or staff.
Public Comments (00:35:14)
Public comments were invited, with a speaker from Battle Creek expressing admiration for the board's operations and the police report's positive trends.

The meeting opened the floor to public comments. A speaker from Battle Creek, Michigan, expressed admiration for the board's operations and noted the positive trends in the police activity report. The speaker was impressed by the board's proceedings and expressed a desire to emulate similar practices in Battle Creek, particularly highlighting the decline in police activities as a favorable outcome.
Announcements of Upcoming Meetings (00:36:39)
The chair announced upcoming meetings and mentioned the transition to a new meeting facility.

Following the public comment section, the chair announced the schedule for upcoming meetings. It was mentioned that there will be a transition to a new facility once it is ready, which will host future meetings.
Adjournment (00:37:01)
A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and unanimously approved, concluding the meeting.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn. The motion was made and seconded by members present, and it was unanimously approved by all attendees, thereby officially concluding the proceedings.