Police Advisory Commission

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island, RI 02807

Thursday, April 17, 2025

4:00pm Minutes

In Attendance: Chair Jim Hinthorn, Andy Transue, Carolyn Collins, Arlene Tunney and Police Chief Paul Deane. Absent: John Spier

Mr. Hinthorn call the meeting to order at 4:01.

1. Discuss and act on Minutes of January 16, 2025 Meeting

Ms. Tunney made a motion to approve the minutes from January 16^th, 2025, Ms. Collins seconded and all were in favor.

4 Ayes (Hinthorn, Transue, Collins, Tunney) 1 Absent (Spier)

2. Update from Chief Deane on implementation of Axon body cameras.

Chief Deane reported that the cameras have been implemented for a month and although they are not busy yet, they are wearing them. They begin recording when the officers double tap on them.

3. Discuss and act on community feedback, if any – no public input.

4. Discussion with Chief Deane about the police budget for 2025- any issues PAC should be aware of to be helpful to the Chief in the budgeting process or at the Town Financial Meeting?

Nothing currently needed from the group in relation to the Town Financial Meeting or budget process.

5. Status of hiring summer CSO’s and/or other officers.

Chief Deane has hired 5 CSO’s and they may have 1 more local student to help part time. Last year the department had 4.

Ms. Tunney asked if the CSO’s can write tickets for jaywalking. Chief Deane stated that they only have the authority to write parking tickets.

The officers they employ currently consist of:

Officer Joe DeMatteo, Officer Tom Purnell, Officer Corey, Officer Doug, Officer Dan and Officer Mark. Phil Trudel is currently in the academy and Donovan Rosa will be attending.

The Island will have the same number of State Troupers as last year, Memorial

Day through Labor Day. Chief Deane has also requested extra support on July 4^th and VJ weekends.

Chief Deane also reported that the police log in the BI Times will begin again, he felt that it was a success and information was stated accurately.

6. Adjourn; next meeting date to be determined.

Then next meeting will be on Thursday, July 17^th at 4pm.

Ms. Tunney made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:25, Mr. Transue seconded and all were in favor.

4 Ayes (Hinthorn, Transue, Collins, Tunney) 1 Absent (Spier)

Respectfully submitted, Laurel Payne Approved: July 24, 2025