A Milford resident told the Board of Selectmen on July 28 that he believes police used excessive force during his arrest at a courthouse demonstration and that his formal complaint was not handled properly, citing delays and the department’s failure to accept his video evidence at the time.

Joshua Beard told the board he had attempted to file a complaint and that captains “did not take my video recording and give it to the higher ups, including it in the complaints.” Beard said he tried to contact the police chief and felt the complaint process left him “pushed out.”

The chief responded to the board that the department had reviewed the complaint and forwarded it to the state for review of an excessive‑force allegation. “It was sent to the state…They reviewed it, and everything was approved. They did not find any fault,” the chief said. He added that the department sent a letter with findings and that the resident may pursue state appeal procedures if he disagrees with the outcome.

Beard also said he believed audio from his recording was not included with courthouse footage. The police representative said departmental staff had sought the resident’s phone recording; the resident said he had refused to surrender his phone. The chief and captains said they made attempts to contact the resident and that the case is closed at the department level while appeal options at the state remain available.

Why it matters: public confidence in complaint handling and evidence collection are central to police–community relations. The resident expressed frustration with scheduling and communication during the process, and the chief confirmed a department review and state review took place and was closed.

Next steps: the chief noted the resident can seek additional review through the state’s appeals process. The board acknowledged the complaint and recorded the resident’s concerns in the public meeting.

Ending: the board heard the complaint and the chief’s summary that the department and state review found no fault; the resident said he would pursue further options with the state.