Officer wants disciplinary hearing closed

CLINTON -- A Clinton police officer accused of watching pornography while on duty is asking that disciplinary hearings be closed to keep confidential his allegations other officers may have behaved inappropriately.

Patrolman Billy Hurst faces a May disciplinary hearing on charges he violated department policy by using city-owned computers to watch adult pornography in his squad car.

Documents obtained by The Pantagraph in Bloomington allege Hurst viewed more than 23 hours of pornography during portions of 15 working days between Nov. 13 and Jan. 24.

Although Hurst faces no criminal charges, a complaint filed by Police Chief Michael Reidy recommends Hurst be terminated if found guilty.

Attorney Shane Voyles says Hurst will disprove the suggestion the officer's conduct is unusual at the Clinton Police Department.