The Public Safety & Transportation Committee met on February 4, 2026, and approved the following. See report and meeting video.
Approved
- Appointment of Timothy V. Cohoon as Chief of the Newton Police Department (6-1-1, Councilor Roche abstaining, Councilor Wright not voting). The Committee questioned him on Newton’s Welcoming City Ordinance. Chief Cohoon “stated that he wished he could turn to best practices around the country but there are none. We do not identify folks, do not investigate, arrest, or detain. Immigration status plays no role in enforcement as far as the Newton Police Department. Chief Cohoon stated that it is his understanding that we cannot use city resources in any civil immigration, and that’s healthy. We want folks who need services not to be afraid to access services. We may run into problems because it is evolving and creating an expectation that the Newton Police are authorized to stop federal immigration enforcement or operations, but we are not authorized.” Chief Cohoon stated he would expect that quality-of-life issues, noise, leaf blowers, light trespassing ordinances, etc., would be fulfilled as part of the department’s mission.
Present: Councilors Lucas (Chair), Greenberg, Wright, Block, Irish, Roche, Golden, and Silber.
Also Present: Councilors Krintzman, Farrell, Oliver, Bixby, Charm, Baker, and Malakie
City Staff: Superintendent Dennis Dowling, Newton Police Department; Josh Morse, Chief Operating Officer; Dana Hanson, Chief of Staff; Ellen Ishkanian, Directorof Community Communications. Others Present: Chief Timothy Cohoon, State Representative Amy Mah Sangiolo, and Julie Cohen,
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