Belgrade residents raise policing concerns at city meeting; chief says department will review complaints

Two residents used the public forum at the Belgrade City Council meeting to raise concerns about local police interactions and code enforcement, prompting a direct response from the police chief.

Regina Brown, who identified herself as living at 720 Northern Pacific Avenue, told the council she opposed any tax increases until the town's policing and code-enforcement practices change. Brown said officers and code enforcement had treated her differently than others, cited video evidence of an officer parked in a no-parking zone, described an August 19 incident involving trespass enforcement near railroad property, and said some residents feel intimidated. "People are feeling intimidated," Brown said. "Officers are not making the community safe. They're making people scared to go to work or drive around to go to the park." (Public forum)

Anthony Triplett, who identified himself as a general manager and supervisor for a Belgrade business, said multiple employees feel targeted after late shifts and described lost business revenue tied to customers who feel intimidated by officers parked outside establishments. "My employees deserve better. They deserve to leave work with dignity and respect and with the confidence that they are safe in their own town," Triplett said. (Public forum)

Belgrade Police Chief Dustin Lansing told the council he was disappointed to hear the allegations and said staff investigate complaints by reviewing body and vehicle camera video. "Our officers understand that no one scrutinizes them more harshly than I do," he said. Lansing said many of the complaints the department has received this year were "by and large, unfounded," and invited complainants to provide dates and details so the department can review specific incidents. (Chief response)

City Manager Neil Cardwell and the mayor expressed support for the chief’s willingness to investigate and reiterated the city’s obligation to look into allegations. Cardwell said staff take public feedback seriously and will pursue appropriate follow-up. The meeting record shows the chief reached out to one complainant after the forum but said he had not received a response.

Next steps: Chief Lansing requested that anyone with concerns supply dates and times so the department can review video and take further action if warranted. The council did not take a formal action on policing at this meeting; the public comments were recorded in the meeting minutes for potential follow-up.