Residents press Battle Creek commission for accountability after officer conduct and record-keeping allegations

Several residents used the Oct. 21 public comment period to criticize the Battle Creek Police Department and to urge the commission to seek greater transparency and accountability.

Autumn Smith told the commission she and a retired department whistleblower had raised concerns about what she described as a "cover up" involving multiple officers and a case involving a former officer named Hunter Barnett. She said, "He pleaded his charges down to weapons possession while intoxicated with the charge of pointing a gun at someone was dismissed," and that Barnett "ended up having his CCW suspended and walked away with probation." Smith also alleged the department continued using the Signal messaging app to share what she called CJIS-sensitive information and stated, "Chief Shannon Bagley is not being honest with the public about what is going on inside his department." Those statements were presented as public comment and allegations; the commission did not take formal action on them during the meeting.

Other speakers raised related concerns about police responsiveness and scene management. Michelle Palmer described arriving at a motorcycle crash scene and said there was not an adequate perimeter, allowing family members and others to walk past the scene and the deceased before they were informed. She asked for a follow-up with the police department or city manager after the meeting.

Steve Koch described what he characterized as an inadequate response by officers at a reported incident outside the Secretary of State office, saying officers performed a "drive by" and initially did not follow up; he said a city staff member, Ted Dearing, later returned his call and a sergeant contacted him.

Commissioner Morris, speaking during commission comments, said recent events showed the city "has so much further to go" on community–police relations and added, "You do not have to antagonize grieving people to do your job." He said he hoped the department would obtain additional training and that accountability measures be pursued.

The transcript includes these allegations and requests for follow-up but does not include responses from Chief Shannon Bagley or a city investigation report. Residents and commissioners requested additional review and follow-up after the meeting.