Newport Police Cancel Banquet, Cite Low Morale

Citing low morale, the Police Department has canceled its annual banquet to celebrate merit and valor.

“Our assessment of our personnel is it that they would not have been inclined to attend or enjoy the event this year,” said Sgt. Andy Gonis, department spokesman. “We would hope that things return to normal as soon as possible, but there are a number of issues that have to be resolved first.”

The banquet has been held each November since 1971. But with the department reeling from allegations of rape and sexual harassment against then-Chief Arb Campbell and Capt. Anthony J. Villa, the banquet for last November was postponed until early 1993.

Acting Police Chief Jim Jacobs decided last week to cancel the affair and resume the tradition this November.

“My assessment was that they (department employees) would not be in any mood for a public appearance at this time,” Jacobs said.

In September, four current and former police employees sued Campbell and Villa, alleging sexual harassment. Since then, six more women have joined the suits, and the police employees association had a vote of no confidence in Chief Campbell. Campbell was fired in December and the city has moved to fire Villa. Both men deny the charges.

In addition to the sexual harassment scandal, morale has been lowered further by the stalled contract negotiations and the absence of a permanent replacement for Campbell.

The discontent was evident last weekend at a ceremony to distribute city service awards. Forty-two police employees were entitled to the awards, but only two attended, Gonis said.

The president of the Newport Beach Police Employees Assn. said he was disappointed that the police banquet was canceled.

Detective Tom Tolman acknowledged that “morale is suffering” but said axing the event will only make things worse.

“Continuing with the luncheon would have been a perfect opportunity to increase morale,” he said. “This would be a perfect opportunity for the people who put this on to put into action their words of commitment and support.”