February 2, 2012 (HYANNIS) Mashpee’s police chief stands by his decision to hire a police officer who did a short jail time on assault charges.

Twenty-eight-year-old Ryan Nardone was a Manchester, New Hampshire police officer in 2010 when he punched a man at a bar who had reportedly touched his girlfriend inappropriately.

Nardone was found guilty of simple assault.

Chief Rodney Collins told WXTK’s Ed Lambert this morning that Nardone gave full disclosure about his assault charge – and the chief believes the officer deserved a second chance.

Collins also says Nardone was well-qualified -- scored high during his evaluation – and got strong recommendations from his former colleagues in New Hampshire.

The Chief firmly believes the assault was an isolated incident – and doesn’t represent a pattern of behavior.