City of Kalamazoo - Citizen Public Safety Review and Appeals Board

City of Kalamazoo - Citizen Public Safety Review and Appeals Board - August 12, 2025 Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Board reviews the Public Citizen Report (PCR) covering January to July 2023, noting a lack of formal complaints in June. Inspector Chuck Mason provides updates from the Office of Professional Standards, mentioning Chief Green's absence due to a conference. The board also reflects on the success of National Night Out, highlighting community engagement and positive interactions between the public and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS). Additionally, KDPS's policy change regarding the suspension of mask use by officers in light of community concerns about ICE officers is acknowledged. The meeting concludes with board member comments and the announcement of upcoming meetings, including a closed training session.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:00:12)
The meeting of the Citizens Public Safety Review and Appeal Board was called to order and roll call was conducted with several members present.

The meeting began with a call to order and a roll call to ensure that there was a quorum. Members present included Jason Allen, Christopher Caldwell, Ashley Huber, Wally Ferra, Barbara Miller, Regina Miller, Susan Stapleton, Theresa Thrash, and Larry Tolbert. Ebony Hemel was excused.
Public Comments Instructions (00:01:02)
Instructions for the public to provide comments during the meeting were given, including call-in details for community members.

The chairperson announced that public comments would be accepted during designated times in the meeting. Community members could provide comments over the phone by calling in during the Citizen comments period.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:28)
A motion to accept the minutes from the previous meeting was made, seconded, and passed without opposition.

The chairperson asked for a motion to accept the minutes from the previous meeting. A motion was made and seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor and no opposition or abstentions.
Office of Professional Standards Report (00:01:51)
Inspector Chuck Mason provided updates on the Office of Professional Standards, including participation in National Night Out and a summary of the PCR report.

Inspector Chuck Mason stood in for Chief Green, who was at a conference. Mason discussed attending the National Night Out and participating in several community events with other city officials. He also presented the PCR report, covering January to July, noting that they are up to date except for one case from May. No formal complaints were filed in June.
Board Member Comments (00:10:13)
Board members shared experiences and feedback from attending National Night Out events, highlighting community engagement with public safety.

Several board members shared their positive experiences from attending National Night Out events. They noted significant public safety presence, meaningful discussions with community members, and the importance of community engagement. Members also praised the public safety department for their participation and interaction with the community.
General Public Comments (00:18:41)
An opportunity for general public comments was provided, but no comments were received either in person or via phone.

The chairperson opened the floor for general public comments, allowing speakers three minutes each. Instructions for calling in were given, but ultimately, there were no comments from the public either in person or by phone.
Adjournment (00:21:16)
The meeting adjourned after announcing upcoming meetings and expressing gratitude to a departing board member.

The chairperson announced the upcoming meeting dates and expressed gratitude to Member Tolbert for his dedicated service on the board. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed, and the meeting was adjourned.