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Residents tell Bozeman commission beanbag rounds caused serious injuries; call for police transparency and training
Summary
Three residents urged the commission to review a recent Bozeman Police Department incident involving beanbag rounds that a commenter described as causing multiple gunshot wounds, calling for training, transparency and release of records and body-worn camera footage.
Three speakers during public comment urged the Bozeman City Commission to prioritize police training and transparency after a recent use-of-force incident downtown.
"This means that beanbags are actually deadly force, making them inappropriate as a way to distract someone," said Amy Kaye, who identified herself as a Gallatin County resident of more than 40 years. Kaye urged the commission to "prioritize the training of our police department so that the people of Bozeman can clearly make sure that the police and the police chief are qualified to do their jobs."
Sonny Carlson, who said he nearly lost his life in the incident, played or referenced a local news clip and asked that records and body-camera video be released; he described being shot multiple times during a confrontation in which police used beanbag shotgun rounds.
"I've been requesting conversation about injustice since June," said Anthony Smith, a Bozeman resident who also addressed the commission. "My request is that any of you that realize you are being ineffective or lack in the character needed to do your job, please step down."
Staff did not take action on the remarks during the meeting. The commission closed public comment and noted that individual concerns can be referred to the appropriate department for follow-up; no agenda item related to use of force, records release, or policy changes was before the commission on Tuesday, so no formal action could be taken that night.
Speakers asked the commission to seek clarity about whether nonlethal impact rounds were used, the number of rounds fired, and why officers used the method they did. Amy Kaye said witnesses reported three impacts to the head, spleen and knee, and asserted the force was life-threatening.
The city clerk’s office will be able to respond to public-record requests for body-worn camera footage and incident reports consistent with state public-records law; the commission noted that formal policy or training changes require a properly noticed agenda item for future meetings.
