Meeting Brief: January 14, 2025 City of Kalamazoo Citizens Public Safety Review and Appeals Board

With no pending hearing the board reviewed the 2024 annual Police Complaint Report and introduced James Henderson, the new Human Resources and Labor Relations Director for the city of Kalamazoo. The board also discussed various public safety initiatives, including a gun amnesty program that has successfully collected firearms, and the hiring of new cadets for the police and fire academy. A report is presented on the reduction of crime rates and the importance of community relations and transparency. The board members also address concerns about racial disparities in police interactions and the methodology of complaint tracking. The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming public safety events and an invitation for public comments.