Kentwood resident urges commission to investigate alleged police misconduct

A Kentwood resident told the City Commission on Nov. 18 that she has been harmed by what she described as misleading police testimony and a lack of follow-up by multiple agencies.

"Why has no one apologized to me? Why have officers never been held accountable or made to apologize?" asked Brandy Ritzma, who identified herself as a disabled Kentwood resident. Ritzma said officers had given testimony in court that did not match police reports or body-camera recordings and alleged coordination between Kentwood police and child protective services that she said resulted in an unjust CPS case.

Ritzma told commissioners she had provided recordings, court transcripts and other evidence but had seen no investigations of reported social-security theft, alleged altered filings, or the alleged false testimony. "I am asking again publicly for oversight, for action, and for answers," she said.

Mayor and commissioners did not announce an immediate investigatory step during the meeting. The mayor asked whether Ritzma’s email had been received and encouraged staff and commissioners to read her materials to determine next steps.

The public comment occurred at the start of the meeting during the non-agenda comment period. The commission took no formal action on the allegations during the session; the record shows commissioners acknowledged the complaint and the mayor asked staff to review the email Ritzma said she had submitted.