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Residents press Battle Creek commission on police conduct and FOIA transparency; commissioners say oversight board is completing training
Summary
During public comment on July 1, multiple residents accused a Battle Creek police officer of harassment, criticized the city attorney’s FOIA handling, and urged activation of the Citizens Police Review Board; Commissioner Lacoste said the review board has completed training, is finalizing bylaws and is conducting a sample investigation.
Several residents used the Battle Creek City Commission’s July 1 public-comment period to raise concerns about police conduct, the city’s handling of Freedom of Information Act requests and the effectiveness of the Citizens Police Review Board.
Monica Lee, identifying herself as a Battle Creek resident, said she filed a harassment complaint alleging repeated mistreatment of family members by a Battle Creek police officer she identified as Reese. Lee said the officer recently stopped her nephew and threatened to remove him from the vehicle and that she has audio recorded of the encounter. “That’s a bully to me and that’s not right,” Lee said, and she asked for the officer’s supervisor to follow up.
Autumn Smith told commissioners she had experienced difficulties obtaining public records and accused the city attorney’s office and FOIA coordinator of “playing games” with requests. “A citizen should not have to fight tooth and nail just to get basic public records,” Smith said, and alleged a pattern of obstruction in which records she believed to exist were initially denied and later discovered. Smith said she has sought remedies outside the city, including filing appeals and contacting outside agencies, and she urged the commission to enforce transparency.
Smith also said she is receiving information from inside the police department suggesting that several officers are unhappy with the leadership of Shannon Bagley; she recommended bringing complaints before the Citizens Police Review Board.
Commissioner Lacoste responded to questions about the review board, saying the board has completed extensive training, has developed bylaws and is working through a sample investigation so members understand how a full investigation would proceed. “Once that’s complete ... then we should be prepared to move forward with any analysis that was required based on any complaint that might be filed,” Lacoste said.
Other public commenters at the meeting raised related concerns about transparency and oversight. The comments generated no formal action during the meeting; commissioners and staff offered follow-up contact and stated that staff would follow up with individuals who raised complaints.
Sources: Public comments by Monica Lee and Autumn Smith; remarks by Commissioner Lacoste during commission comments, Battle Creek City Commission meeting, July 1, 2025.
