Lawmaker, police officer dispute charges involving Internet porn

A Newton police officer who’s also a state lawmaker is challenging disciplinary actions taken against him for allegedly viewing Internet porn. Paul Bell has filed an appeal with the Newton Civil Service Commission challenging his demotion from lieutenant to officer. A two-month investigation centered on sexually explicit websites being accessed from police department computers. Newton’s Police Chief says the probe turned up serious policy infractions by Bell and officers he supervised. The chief says the integrity and operations of the police department were hurt by Bell’s failure to “confront policy violations” after being advised of Internet usage by officers using his password. Bell claims the demotion is “drastic” compared to his involvement. His statement says the investigation determined Lieutenant Bell never accessed any X-rated websites himself. Bell calls the punishment arbitrary and wrongful. One Newton police officer has also filed an appeal with the Civil Service Commission: he was fired the same day Bell was demoted.