At 9:00 am Wednesday June 24, the New Martinsville Council Police Committee of members Ron Brill, Joel Potts and Steve Pallisco convened their committee to discuss items concerning the city’s police department. Also in attendance was Police Chief Tim Cecil, three officers, Mayor Keith Nelsen and all other members of the city council.

The first item that was discussed was led by Mayor Nelsen speaking about the appearance of the city’s police fleet. He asked Chief Cecil about the policy in place to maintain the cleanliness of the exteriors and interiors of the cruisers. It was stated that one of the reasons the department wanted cars assigned and taken home was that officers would take personal pride in their vehicle to make sure the appearance and operation of cruisers would be maintained.

No resolution as to policy concerning the appearance or maintenance of the cruisers was addressed and no motion was passed. It was the overall feeling that the discussion of the cruiser policy should take care of any concerns by the mayor, or citizens in the community.

Mayor Nelsen; “People do pay attention, and point out the cleanliness of our fleet, I believe common sense can take care of this public concern.”

The next concern was a question of allowing cruisers to sit idling for extended periods of time.

Mayor Nelsen stated , “with the cost of gasoline and the public having to conserve in these times of high fuel cost, is there a time period we can put into place, to address extended idling.”

Chief Cecil’s response was, “it is critical that we have a quick response to an emergency call. It takes a couple minutes for the computer and cameras to come online.”

It was clear in the conversation that the police department sees this as a subject with no alternative answer except, “Quick Response.”

Mayor Nelsen stated that his concern is a cruiser may be sitting and waiting for that quick response for two hours. He wanted some answer that would be acceptable to the department and responsive to council’s concerns of excessive idling. No time or conclusion was reached, but Chief Cecil said he understands the councils’ concern and will make some adjustment to the situation.

Mayor Nelsen then addressed police officer uniform standards. Nelsen and council members felt that officer appearance is important to the public. A standard uniform projects their role in the community. (Three officers attended the meeting, all three were wearing different outfits.)

Mayor Nelsen and council addressed residential patrol concerns by the town’s citizens. They stated clearly that they wanted more visibility by patrolling officers out in the community. Mayor Nelsen explained that it has been brought to his attention that when a patrol vehicle passes through a community street the citizens have a positive response. Council spoke about past officers who made sure they made street rounds during shifts. No real conclusion was reached, but it was clearly stated, the council wants officers patrolling through residential areas.

A long discussion took place concerning vehicles parked on curbs, sidewalks and going against the flow of traffic. An area on North Street was discussed at some length.

The subject of the standard operating procedure manual was discussed. It was recommended that all members of council be provided with a copy and that officers also have one and review it for understanding of established procedures approved by council.

An extensive discussion on length of shifts for police officers then took place. Currently with the department short one officer, they are operating on ten-hour shifts eight days in a row.

Mayor Nelsen would like to have a better understanding of how the department would function going forward with eight hours shifts, ten-hour shifts, or even twelve hours. Nelsen requested Chief Cecil put together a report as to how each shift would be effective for managing and coverage of all shifts.

The city’s officers each have cameras and tasers that are leased from a provider. The cost of the units is partly paid with grants and the police department budget. Council said the continued use and cost of the two items for each officer needs to be investigated, to decide how to proceed in the future.

The last item on the agenda was the subject of fireworks. This issue presents a conundrum for the city police force. At present there are no city ordinances that prevent the sale of legal fireworks. In the city at present time, there are multiple locations that offer for sale legal fireworks sold to people. On the other hand, there is an ordinance that prevents fireworks of certain types from being released in the city limits. The police department must deal with complaints of non-approved fireworks being discharged within the city limits.

Chief Cecil stated that his officers will respond to any complaint. Each response will be handled at the officer’s discretion. Will the officer issue a $500.00 fine if a violation is found. Each situation will be at the officer’s discretion and common-sense approach when working with the citizens. If a second call is received a citation will likely be served.

The conversation between council members and the Chief of police and department officers indicated that it is hoped any fireworks issues can be solved with understanding and common sense.

The meeting was adjourned.