KALAMAZOO, MI — More than 80 people called in to speak to Kalamazoo city commissioners during a meeting Monday, June 15, that stretched past 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. The majority of those speaking advocated for police reforms in the wake of demonstrations and in Kalamazoo that were met with a controversial response from local police.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety’s response to the crowds and demonstrations in the city, as well as downtown vandalism, occurring between May 30 and June 2 prompted a surge in calls for change to how policing is handled in Kalamazoo. The City Commission is taking notice.
Before the comments were played, commissioners took action to approve three resolutions related to police reforms.
Matt Milcarek, who served as a Kalamazoo city commissioner from 2015-17, criticized the handling of the situation — specifically regarding police using tear gas on people “indiscriminately."
Milcarek said he was there to see it happen.
“I can speak to what I saw, which was a very long period of time where our officers continually re-escalated via aggressive force, by shooting mace, at people who were not using physical aggression or escalating situations, by shooting tear gas at people," he said
There should be an apology from the people who got it wrong, Milcarek said.
“Frankly, if I was on that commission seat up there with you tonight, I would be calling for an immediate ban of the use of tear gas by our department because we’ve clearly proven we can’t handle the responsibility,” he said.
Another citizen suggested banning police from carrying weapons while on duty. Some called for resignations of police and city officials.
Others speaking Monday night, or early Tuesday morning, advocated some form of “defunding” police.
Nathan Smith, a Kalamazoo resident, said he was angry.
“I’m calling to politely ask you to defund the police," Smith said. “Take their money away and put it into programs that actually help your community.”
Money should be shifted away from purchasing things such as tear gas and pepper spray, he said. Smith criticized the tactics police used during the response to large crowds downtown, as well as addressing other issues being discussed nationwide regarding police brutality and racism.
“Defund the police," he said. “Take their money away and show them that they can’t do this. That they are not allowed to do this and there are repercussions.”
A small number of those commenting during the meeting spoke in support of police.
“I think people only call when they want to complain,” said Mary, a Kalamazoo resident whose last name could not be clearly understood in her recorded comment. “I think the Kalamazoo Public Safety Department does a good job. I think it’s a thankless job and I think people only say something about the department when they want to complain.
“I don’t think people contact the city when they’re pleased and they appreciate the protection and the services the department gives. I support Kalamazoo public safety."
The meeting also included an approximately 90-minute presentation by Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas, which included a question-and-answer session with commissioners.
Thomas highlighted many things she said the department is doing right or improving, while also acknowledging improvements could be made in some areas — such as communications and ensuring that every officer wears a body camera.
In total, there were 83 comments played during the meeting, Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain said. The meeting also included a few comments about other topics, including one about an X-train party and another about a dog park.
The public comments concluded just before 1 a.m., and the meeting ended at 1:36 a.m. Tuesday, more than 6 1/2 hours after it began at 7 p.m. Monday.
Watch the full meeting video here.
Commissioners took the time to highlight the importance of the issue as the meeting stretched into the early morning hours.
Commissioner Eric Cunningham said he supports defunding and dismantling, and examining police contracts. He wants to see police reforms and changes for racial equity.
“I support anything that is going to be the right path,” Cunningham said.
He stressed the need for accountability, and said that the issue will be taken seriously. Responding to calls from the community, he and other commissioners spoke in support of changes.
“Mentally prepare yourself,” Cunningham said to his colleagues near the end of the meeting. He said the effort to examine the systems in place for changes should not be limited to public safety.
“All of it should be on the table,” Cunningham said, from dismantling to adding more officers, and commissioners are responsible for making those decisions for the community.
Read more:
City of Kalamazoo takes action on police issues for accountability, citizen input
Outside investigator will review police use of tear gas on Kalamazoo protesters
What ‘defund the police’ means to advocates in Michigan
Recreational marijuana sales begin in Kalamazoo
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