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Commission accepts internal-investigation findings and policy updates, moves to executive session
Summary
The Middletown Police Commission accepted multiple internal-investigation findings and 17 minor policy updates by voice vote, then voted to enter executive session for personnel matters under '4 53'.
The Middletown Police Commission voted to accept several internal-investigation findings and a set of updated departmental policies and then moved into executive session for personnel matters.
Chief John Awachu summarized seven internal investigations and recommended the commission accept them as written. The investigations and chief’s stated findings included:
- Case 242738 (02/02/2024): damage to patrol cars 10 and 34 secondary to a vehicle pursuit; investigator finding: no violation of departmental policy. - Case 243111 (02/07/2024): use of force incident involving Davis David Mead; finding: no violation of departmental policy. - Case 243871 (02/15/2024): motor-vehicle accident involving car 17; finding: violation of department policy addressed with a verbal warning to the involved officer. - Case 248068 (04/02/2024): damage to patrol car 12 secondary to an ATV pursuit; finding: no violation of departmental policy. - Case 2422455 (04/17/2024): damage to patrol car 9; finding: no violation of departmental policy. - Case 2424802 (09/24/2024): two personnel complaints by the same individual alleging harassment and an illegal stop; finding: additional information did not alter the initial determination; no new finding. - Case 2429940 (11/27/2024): personnel complaint alleging an illegal stop and arrest by Mr. Gary McWhite; finding: officer actions were exonerated (found lawful). The investigation also identified a lack of signage in certain areas; Chief Awachu said the department will work with the Department of Public Works to address signage.
Commissioner Mills moved to accept the internal-investigation reports as written; Commissioner Cantoli seconded the motion. The chair called for the voice vote and recorded "All in favor? Appreciate that," indicating the motion carried; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally.
The commission then accepted 17 mostly minor policy updates, which Chief Awachu read into the record. The updated policies listed in the meeting record included: Policy 302 (handcuffing and restraints); 321 (information-technology use); 322 (department use of social media); 332 (limited-English-proficiency services); 410 (emergency admissions); 422 (mobile data terminal usage); 4428 (medical aid and response); 703 (vehicle use); 805 (protected information); 808 (access, maintenance and security); 809 (police social work program); 900 (temporary custody); 902 (custodial searches); 904 (transporting persons in custody); plus updates on special assignments and promotions, personnel complaints and safety-belt policy.
A motion to accept the policy updates was made and seconded; the chair recorded "All in favor? Yes," and the motion carried by voice vote; the transcript does not provide a roll-call tally.
Finally, the commission voted to enter an executive session "4 53 for personnel matters" to conduct an 18-month probationary interview and address other personnel items. The motion to move into executive session was seconded by Commissioner Cantoli; the public portion of the meeting ended at that point.
Ending: The public record ends when the commission entered executive session; no actions taken in closed session were recorded in the public transcript.
