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Residents raise policing and homelessness concerns during public comment; city outlines complaint process
Summary
Two residents accused police of mistreatment and broader misconduct during public comment. City staff described the formal complaint process and provided contact information for filing complaints.
Two residents used the council’s public-comment portion to raise allegations about policing practices and to call for better treatment of people experiencing homelessness in Alamosa. City staff informed the public how to file formal complaints.
Philip Perry, who identified himself as a member of a veterans’ homeless coalition, described repeated negative encounters with police and said outreach and services for people living outside are inadequate. “I have been by this city treated like a piece of dog,” Perry said. He described witnessing drug activity and expressed the view that policing behavior was worsening conditions for people experiencing homelessness.
Bradley Bennett said he had witnessed and experienced police brutality and criticized the local justice system as biased. “I’ve witnessed police brutality, violating the people’s amendment rights. I’ve witnessed them beat on people. I’ve also been a victim,” Bennett told the council.
In response, City staff member Miss Sanchez reminded the public that the city maintains a formal complaint process for concerns about police behavior. “We do have a formal process where they can submit complaints that will be investigated. Those forms can be found on the website… or they can call the police department at 589-2548 to receive those forms,” Sanchez said during the meeting.
Councilors did not take formal action during the public-comment period; Sanchez said complaint submissions will be handled through the department’s established procedures.
