The Newark Police Department spent $187,621 in overtime costs for personnel staffing the funeral of singer Whitney Houston, whose star-studded memorial service in February drew a horde of media from around the globe to the city.
The information on police overtime was obtained under a public records request. The Newark Police Department did not immediately respond to additional requests for information last week.
Police officers were stationed at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark within hours of the singer’s passing Feb. 11 in Beverly Hills. Newark police were also on hand the following day, when normal Sunday services were dedicated to Houston's memory and reporters gathered at the church to interview congregants.
Houston, who was 48, attended the church as a child and family members -- including her mother Cissy -- still belong to the congregation. Houston -- who once dominated the music charts with hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “The Greatest Love of All” -- started singing for the church’s choir when she was 11.
Dozens of Newark police officers maintained a security perimeter several blocks wide around the church for most of the day on Feb. 18, when the memorial service was held. The elaborate police operation also included rooftop-mounted officers providing security for a ceremony that drew prominent guests including singer Stevie Wonder, actor Kevin Costner and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
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