Newport Police News Releases

NPD MEDIA RELEASE       11-6-07  2:30 PM

Newport Police Hire Community Service Officer

The Newport Police Department recently hired Dustin Kittel as its first Community Service Officer.  The primary focus of the Community Service Officer (CSO) will be the enforcement of city ordinances and assistance to the Police Department in other matters not requiring the services of a police officer. 

Typical CSO responsibilities include:

·       Soliciting voluntary compliance to rectify nuisance violations
·       Enforcing nuisance complaints and facilitating abatements
·       Identifying health and safety hazards
·       Tracking nuisance or safety violations
·       Furnishing information and direction to the public
·       Handling routine non-emergency crime reports
·       Locating and processing abandoned vehicles

Allen O’Neal, City Manager, said that he is, “…excited about the Community Service Officer program as it is designed to address a variety of needs for the City.  Several areas of the City have ongoing nuisance violations and have become eyesores.  The CSO will work with the property owner or occupant in resolving these issues, and ultimately promote the City Council’s beautification goal.”

Chief Miranda stated, “This is an opportunity for the City to focus on nuisance and other violations in a more comprehensive and direct manner.  Citizens should see the results of the activities of the CSO within months.”

City Manager O’Neal and Chief Miranda added that compliance with City ordinances is the goal; however, the City is prepared to move forward with enforcement action if necessary.

Dustin Kittel has been a police officer with the Newport Police Department for seven years.  He is a life long resident of Newport and a Newport High School graduate.  Although he will not be a police officer any longer, CSO Kittel is excited about this new opportunity.  He will still be associated with the Police Department, so his expertise and experience will still be available.  CSO Kittel will assume his new role on Wednesday, November 7, 2007.

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Information Released By:  Allen O’Neal, 541-574-0603

             Chief Mark J. Miranda, 541-574-3348