Beaumont Police Seek to Withhold Body Cam Footage of 2024 Officer Punching Incident

Department cites lack of redaction technology as reason to keep video from public

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:38pm

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The Beaumont Police Department is seeking to withhold body camera footage of a 2024 incident involving an officer accused of excessive force, arguing they lack the technology to properly redact sensitive information from the video.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions around public access to police body camera footage, especially in high-profile incidents of alleged misconduct. The department's stated inability to redact footage raises broader questions about transparency and accountability.

The details

In December 2024, Beaumont police officer Reginald Boseman III was recorded on video repeatedly punching a man, John Kowalski, who was pinned to the ground. Boseman claimed he used "reasonable but necessary force" after Kowalski became uncooperative and aggressive. The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office ultimately declined to prosecute the case. Over a year later, the Beaumont Police Department has formally asked the Texas Attorney General's office for permission to withhold the body camera footage, citing the lack of technology to redact sensitive information like medical details and a visible date of birth.

  • The incident occurred on the night of December 20, 2024.
  • In February 2026, the Beaumont Police Department sent a letter requesting to withhold the body camera footage.

The players

Reginald Boseman III

A Beaumont police officer who was involved in the 2024 incident and is accused of using excessive force.

John Kowalski

The man who was pinned to the ground and punched by Officer Boseman in the 2024 incident.

Beaumont Police Department

The law enforcement agency seeking to withhold the body camera footage from the 2024 incident, citing a lack of technology to properly redact sensitive information.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

The state official whose office will rule on whether the Beaumont Police Department can withhold the body camera footage from the public.

Jefferson County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutor's office that declined to pursue charges against Officer Boseman following the 2024 incident.

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What they’re saying

“We are aware of the video and it's being investigated.”

— Sgt. Haley Morrow, Beaumont Police Public Information Officer

“There's always two sides to a story and you cannot take everything from a 15-second video clip. I happen to know this police officer. His father was also a police officer. He is doing what is necessary to get the suspect to comply with his command.”

— Mike Getz, Ward 2 Councilman

“The police officers are trained to do that degree of force necessary to handle a situation. Usually it's just above one level above whatever the person that's been arrested or trying to be arrested is doing.”

— Mike Getz, Ward 2 Councilman

What’s next

As of publication, the Texas Attorney General's office has not yet ruled on the Beaumont Police Department's request to withhold the body camera footage from the 2024 incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around balancing public transparency and privacy concerns when it comes to police body camera footage, especially in high-profile incidents of alleged misconduct. The Beaumont Police Department's stated inability to properly redact sensitive information raises questions about their technological capabilities and the broader issue of public access to these records.