The Benton Civil Service Commission will meet Tuesday to consider an appeal from a member of the Benton Police Department regarding a suspension.
Officer Jason New was suspended for three days from the department and is appealing the decision. While Benton officials would not release what precipitated New's suspension, City Attorney Brent Houston said all the information would be available at the public hearing Tuesday. New's suspension letter said he violated three of the departments uniform standards of conduct including lack of competent performance, insubordination and improper use and care of property and equipment.
The commission will listen to arguments from both Police Chief Kirk Lane and New before determining whether to uphold the suspension. Lane said New was suspended without pay after a pre-disciplinary hearing June 17 and began his suspension June 18 through his next two shifts. New returned to his regular shifts on June 24. His punishment also carries a year of probation and loss of a department take-home vehicle.
New said he couldn't comment on the hearing until after the appeal was settled but that it was all a big misunderstanding.
New is a member of the Police Department's honor guard and has been employed with the department for 22 years.