Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Conduct topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents and activists urge investigation into Port Washington police arrest after council meeting
Summary
Multiple residents told the Police and Fire Commission that video shows a Port Washington officer forcibly removing and arresting a speaker at a Dec. 2 Common Council meeting; callers asked the commission to suspend Chief Kevin Hingis during a review and to examine the department’s public statement.
Dozens of residents told the Port Washington Police and Fire Commission on Dec. (meeting date not specified in the record) that the Port Washington Police Department used unnecessary force during a Common Council meeting earlier in December, calling for a formal investigation and for the commission to consider suspending Chief Kevin Hingis while that review proceeds.
Amanda Farmer opened public comment by describing the incident as “a blatant misuse of power” and said video evidence contradicts the department’s account. “Video proof shows this even to those naysayers that give incorrect information about the event,” Farmer said. Chris Ekman, who filmed the council meeting, told the commission the livestream and other video show the room was quiet when the officer approached and that the department escalated the situation without cause. “Why did you escalate the evening and interrupt the ongoing speech?” Ekman asked the department.
Robert Parker urged the commission to suspend Chief Hingis while it conducts a full investigation, saying the public statement released by the Port Washington Police Department contained “a number of false comments” about the incident. “The resident did not do anything illegal, did not disrupt the flow of the meeting, and did not interrupt any other speakers,” Parker said, asking the commission to review video evidence and consider removal of the chief if the investigation supports it.
Several commenters tied the arrest to broader community tensions, including a high‑profile dispute over a proposed data center and concerns about 24‑hour construction noise. Mike Beaster, representing the Save Port Washington movement, asked city leadership to apologize and begin a “healing process.” Jonathan Klett, who identified himself as a journalist and filmmaker, described witnessing the removal and said it risked escalation.
Commission chair Jim Beaver told commenters that the commission accepts citizen complaint forms through the police department; filing a complaint will trigger an investigation. Beaver did not announce any immediate disciplinary action. The meeting later moved into a closed session for the chief’s annual performance review.
The commission did not take a public vote on disciplinary action at the meeting. The record shows only public comment requesting investigation and possible suspension; the commission directed citizens to file formal complaints to initiate inquiries.
