Billings civilian complaints data
| Submitted | Feb. 22, 2022 |
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Communications
From: Samuel Sinyangwe
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Montana Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:
A copy of all civilian complaints filed against Billings police officers from 2016-2021, including the date, description of the complaint, names and race of the subjects and officers involved, disposition of the complaint (sustained, unsustained, etc) and any discipline imposed as a result. If one or more aspects of this request is not available or disclosable, please provide all information that is available/disclosable.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days.
Sincerely,
Samuel Sinyangwe
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
To Whom it May Concern:
Thank you for your inquiry. The request has been forwarded to the department(s) best able to provide you a response.
Please allow up to 10 business days for a response.
Best regards,
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Denise R. Bohlman
City Clerk
bohlmand@billingsmt.gov<mailto:bohlmand@billingsmt.gov>
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1178 * Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8210 F 406.657.8390
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana's Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a "public record" pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City's record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
The information is public and on-line through our annual report.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Rich St. John
Chief of Police
Billings Police Department
stjohnr@billingsmt.gov<mailto:stjohnr@billingsmt.gov>
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 * Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8472 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana's Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a "public record" pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City's record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
From: Samuel Sinyangwe
Hi, thank you for directing me to the annual report. However, I am specifically requesting the individualized data/information on each complaint, not aggregate statistics. For example, can you provide a spreadsheet with a row for each complaint and columns for the requested information? Alternatively, you could send a photocopy of each complaint itself.
Thank you,
Sam
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
Hello Sam,
Chief St. John asked me to look at your request. I am the Captain of our Office of Professional Standards and I do not have any staff members. Since 2016 we have had over 800 complaints. I would estimate that your request is going to take me over 40 hours to fulfill since I will have to access each report to make you a copy. I won't have time to build you a spreadsheet and the reports will be redacted by our City Attorney's Office before they are sent to you. This will require them many labor hours as well so my estimate is that you are probably looking at between $500 and $800 to fulfill your request. I have many other responsibilities that are frankly a higher priority than your request so it could be several months before I can fulfill your request. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Capt. RD Harper
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Samuel Sinyangwe
Hi, thanks for responding. Please send me an invoice, I’ll move forward with paying the fees to obtain these records.
Thanks,
Sam
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
Hello Sam,
I will begin working on this project once payment has been received. If it takes less labor than what I have estimated we will issue a refund for overpayment. When I have accumulated the documents I will forward them to Deputy City Attorney Thomas Pardy for his review and redaction.
Thank you,
Captain Harper
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 * Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana's Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a "public record" pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City's record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
From: Samuel Sinyangwe
To Whom It May Concern:
Please find enclosed a check for $800.00 to satisfy the fee associated with the attached public records request.
Thank you.
City of Billings
Montana FOIA Office
PO Box 1178
210 North 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
We received your check. We will begin processing your request when manpower allows.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 • Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’s record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
Hello Sam,
I have an officer who is going to be on light duty scheduled to assist me with your request. I received the check but won't deposit it until work has begun on your project.
Thank you.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 * Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana's Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a "public record" pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City's record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
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image001
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
Your request is being worked on.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 * Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana's Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a "public record" pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City's record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
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image001
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
You are receiving a response now. Your request is being processed as and when manpower allows. We will advise when it is complete.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 * Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana's Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a "public record" pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City's record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
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image001
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
My employee is making progress on the request.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 • Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’s record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
I'm glad to report that my light duty officer continues to make progress fulfilling your request.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 * Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana's Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a "public record" pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City's record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
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image001
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
Hello,
The officer assigned to your project continues to make good progress. I will deposit your check when she has completed the project.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 * Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana's Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a "public record" pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City's record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
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image001
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
Hello,
The light duty officer has made good progress on the request having completed 2017, 2018 2019 and part of 2020. She is currently on maternity leave but trained another light duty officer on the redacting process. That officer is currently working on the request when time permits. As stated earlier, the City of Billings will not cash the check you issued until the work is completed.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 • Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’s record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
Progress is being made on your request.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 • Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’s record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
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image001
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
This task is nearly complete. What address would you like the package sent to upon completion?
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 • Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’s record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
From: Samuel Sinyangwe
Hi, please send it to:
Samuel Sinyangwe
1976 Preuss Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Thank you!
Sam
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
I anticipate mailing your package on 4-4-23.
Thank you.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 • Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’s record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
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image001
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
Hello,
This project was completed and was sent to our legal department for review and they have requested further redaction be done before releasing the information. Thank you for your patience.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 • Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’s record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Montana Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Feb. 22, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City of Billings - City Clerk
The information was mailed on today’s date.
[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]
Capt. RD Harper
Captain of Professional Standards
Billings Police Department
harperrd@billingsmt.gov
billingsmt.gov<https://www.ci.billings.mt.us>
P.O. Box 1554 • Billings, MT 59103
P 406.657.8436 F 406.657.8417
City of Billings email messages and attachments are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’s record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law. This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, please notify the sender immediately, do not forward the message to anyone, and delete all copies. Thank you.
