City of Kalamazoo - May 13, 2025 Citizen Public Safety Review and Appeals Board Meeting

Updated 2 days ago

The board reviews two complaints alleging unprofessional conduct and assault and the police interaction of an incident on East Vine Street. Officers responded to a report involving the use of toy guns and threats made by a neighbor. The board scrutinizes the response of the officers involved, including Officer Matt Harris, and the appropriateness of their actions on the scene. The meeting includes testimonies from complainants and reviews of body camera footage, with the board deliberating on the findings and preparing recommendations for the city manager.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:03:48)
The meeting was called to order, and a roll call of members was conducted, noting excused absences.

The meeting began with a call to order and a roll call to confirm attendance. Jason Allen, Christopher Caldwell, Wally Ferra, Ashley Huber, Barbara Miller, Regina Miller, Susan Stapleton, Theresa Thrash, and Larry Tolbert were present. Ms. Himmel was excused due to an appeal hearing and conflict of interest.
Opening of Appeal Hearing (00:04:36)
The appeal hearing was opened for the citizens, public safety review, and appeal board to hear appeals.

The regular meeting agenda was closed, and the appeal hearing was officially opened. The citizens, public safety review, and appeal board prepared to hear the appeals related to PCR complaints. Each complaint would be addressed independently, with the appellant presenting first followed by the investigator.
Introduction to Appeals Process (00:04:55)
The process for handling the appeals was explained, including presentations by appellants and investigators.

The appeals process was outlined, with each complaint being handled individually. The appellant would present their case, followed by the investigator. Board members were reminded to have their appeal packets ready and were asked if they could render an unbiased opinion. It was noted that sustained allegations are not part of the appeal hearing and details of these would not be shared during the hearing.
Appellant Presentation for First Appeal (00:12:25)
The appellant, Ronald Gillum, presented his case regarding a complaint against an officer.

Ronald Gillum presented his appeal regarding a PCR complaint filed with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. He alleged that Officer Joel West assaulted him and acted unprofessionally. Questions were raised about the interaction, and Mr. Gillum clarified his position and concerns regarding the officer's conduct.
Investigator Presentation for First Appeal (00:26:57)
Inspector Chuck Mason presented the findings of the investigation into the complaint by Mr. Gillum.

Inspector Chuck Mason from the Office of Professional Standards presented the investigation findings regarding Mr. Gillum's complaint. The investigation included reviewing body-worn camera footage and applicable laws. It was found that the officer did not assault Mr. Gillum and the contact did not constitute a criminal act.
Public Hearing on Mr. Gillum's Appeal (00:44:51)
Mr. Gillum appeals the findings regarding an incident involving him and law enforcement.

The meeting discusses an appeal case brought by Mr. Gillum concerning an incident where he accuses a police officer of unprofessional behavior and physical contact. The appeal focuses on the officer's conduct during an altercation involving noise complaints and interactions with Mr. Gillum and his family. Mr. Gillum argues the officer acted inappropriately and challenges the findings of previous investigations.
Technical Difficulties Acknowledgment (00:46:12)
The meeting addresses technical issues affecting the presentation of Mr. Gillum's case.

It is acknowledged that there were technical issues during the presentation of Mr. Gillum's case, particularly with the sound on the livestream. Mr. Gillum is given the opportunity to restate his appeal due to these issues.
Mr. Henderson's Report on the Complaint (00:50:04)
Mr. Henderson provides a summary of the complaint and the investigation process.

Mr. Henderson presents a report on Mr. Gillum's complaint against the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. The report details the allegations of improper conduct by officers during an incident and the subsequent investigation process that led to the clearing of the officers involved. The case has been appealed by Mr. Gillum to the Citizen's Public Safety Review and Appeals Board for further review.
Mr. Gillum's Presentation of His Case (01:00:00)
Mr. Gillum presents his perspective and evidence regarding the incident with law enforcement.

Mr. Gillum provides a detailed account of the incident involving his family and police officers. He disputes the officers' actions and the findings of the initial investigation. Mr. Gillum presents video evidence and argues that the officers allowed a hostile situation to develop and used excessive force against his daughter. He stresses that the officers failed to de-escalate the situation and that the charges against his daughter were later dismissed.
Inspector Mason's Response to the Complaint (01:17:19)
Inspector Mason discusses the investigation findings and responds to Mr. Gillum's allegations.

Inspector Mason from the Office of Professional Standards provides a counter-narrative to Mr. Gillum's allegations. He explains the officers' actions during the incident, justifying their conduct as appropriate given the circumstances. Inspector Mason argues that the officers acted to remove trespassers and manage the situation according to procedure, and he challenges Mr. Gillum's interpretation of events.
Discussion of PSO Harris's Interaction with Mr. Gillum (01:20:40)
PSO Harris attempted to interview a juvenile involved in an incident. Discussion ensued about the use of language and officer conduct.

The discussion begins with PSO Harris's attempt to interview a juvenile involved in an incident. The juvenile's mother interjected, leading to a heated exchange. The conversation included questions about injuries and accusations of racial bias. The session also covered a brief interaction with Mr. Gillum, who was near the scene. The video and audio issues were noted, and there were several heated exchanges with strong language used. The officers tried to maintain their composure while separating the parties involved.
Officer Composure and Professional Standards (01:28:28)
Officers maintained composure despite insults and interference. The discussion evaluated their professionalism during the incident.

During the incident, Mr. Gillum subjected officers to insults and interference. The officers managed to maintain their composure and continued their investigation. The meeting discussed the impact of such behavior on officers' mental health, including anger and frustration. Despite not being ideal, PSO Harris's actions were not deemed a policy violation. The officers' overall behavior was considered professional given the circumstances.
Questions and Clarifications from the Board (01:30:31)
Board members asked questions about officer actions, incident escalation, and the handling of the situation by officers on the scene.

Board members posed various questions seeking clarification about the incident. They asked about the officers' actions to de-escalate the situation and the sequence of events. Questions were raised about the young woman involved in the tussle with officers, the charges against her, and the evidence supporting those charges. The handling of the situation by officers on the scene and the decision-making process were scrutinized.
Conclusion and Deliberation (01:41:37)
The hearing concluded with a statement about moving to a closed session for deliberation and recommendations.

The chairperson concluded the hearing by thanking those who presented and attended. It was stated that the board would now move to a closed session to deliberate on the matters discussed. A recommendation would be formulated and presented to the city manager based on the deliberations.