Onley Council hires police officer, approves in‑car camera purchase with ARPA funds

The Onley Town Council voted July 1 to hire Phillip Barringer as a police officer and to buy an in‑car camera system for up to $15,000 using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Council approved the hire of Barringer on a motion by Bill Ferguson, seconded by Rodney Lang. The hire is conditioned on the town’s receipt of Barringer’s work history from the Town of Onancock, a six‑month probationary period, and a start date of July 8. The roll call vote recorded Bloxom — yes; Corbin — no; Ferguson — yes; Hill — absent; Lang — yes; Zember — yes.

At the same meeting, Chief of Police E.J. Long presented his regular monthly report and summarized data from the town’s speed signs. Council approved a motion to purchase an in‑car camera system for up to $15,000, funded from ARPA. That motion passed unanimously among voting members present (Bloxom — yes; Corbin — yes; Ferguson — yes; Hill — absent; Lang — yes; Zember — yes).

Council also voted to institute a probationary period for Officer Nathan Anderson of 60 days or until successful completion of a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) class; the motion passed on the same roll call (Corbin was the lone recorded no vote on the personnel motions).

Resident Billye D. Custis, who had observed Chief Long in court recently, told Council she was "very impressed" with his conduct. No formal public opposition to the personnel actions or equipment purchase was recorded in the minutes.

The council’s personnel actions are recorded as conditional hires and internal discipline actions; the camera procurement will proceed through town purchasing procedures using the approved ARPA allocation. Barringer’s hire will not take effect until required documentation is received and the probationary conditions begin, and Anderson’s probationary period remains contingent on class completion.