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Public commenter urges investigation after local police use-of-force footage released
Summary
A public commenter asked the commission to investigate an officer and to follow Freedom of Information Act requirements after body-worn-camera footage showed force against a resident; the commenter said the city took nearly 20 months to release video to family members.
A public commenter asked the Bozeman City Commission on June 3 to open or support an investigation into a police officer and to improve records procedures after body-worn-camera footage was released in a high-profile case.
"I'm requesting that Officer Peterson be investigated for corruption and felony assault," said Anthony Smith, who told the commission he had reviewed body-camera footage and witness testimony related to the case of a man identified as Sonny Carlson. Smith said the footage showed witness accounts that Carlson never threatened officers and that one witness was threatened by guns pointed at her porch. He also told the commission that it took the city roughly 18–20 months to provide requested video footage to family members.
Smith asked the commission to require sworn statements in police reports and to follow federal Freedom of Information practices more consistently. "I am also wanting this city to follow the laws surrounding the Freedom of Information Act," he said. Smith urged a criminal inquiry and stronger transparency practices; commissioners did not take action during public comment but the remarks were entered into the public record and staff indicated they will follow up as appropriate with city attorney and police department officials.
The meeting record does not show a formal referral or vote by the commission; the city manager and staff did not provide an immediate investigatory update during the June 3 meeting.
