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New Bern authorizes memorandum of understanding with U.S. Marshals Service; chief highlights body‑worn camera, informant and no‑knock provisions
Summary
Chief Gallagher told the Board of Aldermen the updated MOU with the U.S. Marshals Service includes three new items—body‑worn camera usage, handling of confidential informants and a provision addressing no‑knock search warrants—and the board voted to authorize execution of the MOU.
The New Bern Board of Aldermen on Oct. 28 voted to authorize a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Marshals Service after a presentation by Chief Gallagher that outlined changes to the city’s prior agreement.
Chief Gallagher said the partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service has operated for about 7½ years and that the new MOU adds three items not present in the 2018 agreement: body‑worn camera usage, procedures for handling confidential informants, and a requirement related to no‑knock search warrants. “I ask that you allow the mayor, myself, and the city manager to enter into a new MOU with the U.S. Marshals Service,” Gallagher said.
During follow-up questioning, Gallagher described a no‑knock warrant as an authorization for entry without prior announcement and said such warrants are rare and carry significant risk. He stated that the New Bern Police Department’s policy restricts no‑knock entries and that the proposed MOU language is consistent with local practice.
After the discussion the board moved and, by roll-call vote, adopted a resolution authorizing execution of the memorandum of understanding.
The adopted resolution directs city leadership to finalize the MOU with the U.S. Marshals Service; the board did not discuss financial obligations or specific operational details beyond the three new policy points presented at the meeting.
