Resident tells Holland council officers ‘treated differently,’ says he filed complaint

A Holland resident told the City Council on Sept. 18 that Holland Police officers are treated differently from residents when they commit traffic infractions and urged city leadership to ensure officers are held to the same standards.

Theodore Robert said he is appealing a citation he received last month and that he filed a complaint after an encounter with on‑duty officers who, he said, were in plain clothes and committed civil infractions. Robert said he met with a sergeant he named as Santiago, recorded the meeting and believes the sergeant was not truthful about the department’s handling of officers’ misconduct. “They just get a talking to,” Robert said, arguing officers should be cited like other residents when not responding to an emergency.

Why it matters: The claim raises questions about the department’s discipline and accountability processes. Robert said he has video of the incident and has initiated a complaint; no formal response from police was presented on the record during the meeting.

Mayor Nathan Box acknowledged Robert’s comment and directed the statement to the city manager. The meeting record shows no immediate rebuttal or departmental response during the public‑comment period.

The comment was made during the time the council reserves for members of the public to address the council. The council did not take action on the complaint during the meeting; the speaker asked the city manager to follow up.

Next steps: The resident told the council he has filed a complaint and asked staff and elected officials to ensure complaints and any available video evidence are reviewed by the appropriate internal or external oversight process.