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City council approves higher special‑detail rate, authorizes new cruiser; police training video shown
Summary
The Newport City Council approved a $50 hourly rate for special police details and authorized purchase of a new cruiser after hearing repair cost data; council members also viewed body‑worn camera footage in a discussion about officer training and handling juveniles.
City councilors voted on Oct. 17 to approve a $50‑per‑hour rate for special officer details and authorized the police chief to purchase a new patrol cruiser, after a presentation by police leadership detailing repair costs and staffing considerations.
Chief Cassandra proposed the $50 hourly rate for special details, telling the council it reflected local market comparators and the training required of officers. “With the amount of training that we go through, $50 an hour is not unreasonable,” she said, citing local trade rates and saying residual money would go to the general fund.
Mr. Vincent moved to adopt the rate; Mr. Roberge seconded. The council approved the change by voice vote.
Later in the meeting Chief DeSanto presented vehicle repair histories and financing options and asked permission to replace a high‑mileage cruiser. He cited a Hays Ford repair estimate of $27,774 and discussed vehicle pricing and financing; the council approved the chief’s request to purchase a new cruiser. A motion on disposition of the old cruiser was tabled while staff obtain additional mechanical information and consult the fire chief about potential reuse.
Separately, the council watched excerpts of body‑worn camera footage presented by police leadership that showed officers pursuing and then taking into custody a juvenile who had run from a mother who had asked police for help. The chief played portions of the recording to explain the department’s response and to prompt discussion among councilors and residents about de‑escalation and training. The chief asked the public not to photograph the footage out of respect for the family.
Council exchange covered both praise and concern. One resident and several council members said they wanted assurance that officers have adequate training in de‑escalation and handling youths; the chief said the department already engages in that training and defended the officers’ conduct in the video, saying, “I have watched this video now six times, and I see absolutely nothing wrong with what my officers did or how they treated this person.”
Decisions and next steps: the rate change and cruiser purchase were approved by voice votes; the body‑camera excerpt prompted requests for continued or expanded training and the chief offered to follow up with councilors and the public on training programs and department practice. No formal disciplinary action or policy change was announced at the meeting.
