In a recent public meeting, a mother voiced serious allegations against the Kentwood Police Department, claiming a violation of her civil and parental rights during an incident involving her children on July 25, 2024. Bridal Caswell and Cheyenne Steffen, officers from the department, are accused of colluding with Child Protective Services (CPS) to unlawfully restrict her access to her children without any court orders or evidence of harm.

The mother described a distressing scenario where her children were allegedly instructed by Officer Caswell to block her communication and disregard her authority as their parent. She characterized this as an abuse of power, stating that the officers effectively \"kidnapped\" her children by interfering with her custody rights without due process.

She emphasized that the law clearly protects parental rights, asserting that custody and communication can only be disrupted following a legitimate investigation indicating a risk of harm. The mother expressed her outrage over the officers' actions, which she believes not only violated her rights but also traumatized her children.

Furthermore, she raised concerns about the officers' conduct during the incident, claiming they muted their body cameras, which she argued obstructed transparency and accountability. Despite her attempts to access the footage through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, she reported being denied the opportunity to review it, prompting her to call for greater accountability within the police department.

The mother concluded her testimony by demanding that the officers involved be held accountable for their actions, advocating for a system that protects families rather than tearing them apart. Her statements have sparked discussions about the need for reform in law enforcement practices, particularly regarding the treatment of parental rights and the importance of transparency in police operations.