A bill overhauling how Rhode Island police departments handle misconduct cleared an important hurdle Thursday, clearing the House of Representatives on a 58-to-14 vote, although supporters and critics clashed on whether the legislation goes far enough to ensure public accountability. Efforts to change the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, or LEOBOR, were a non-starter […]
police
Posted inEducation, NPR, Stories
Where gun violence is common, some students say physical safety is a top concern
The federal government is investing billions to bolster school safety and mental health resources to combat gun violence. But some sense a disconnect between those programs and what students need.
Posted inNPR, Stories
Many 911 call centers are understaffed, and the job has gotten harder
More cities are adopting alternative response models, where mental health clinicians respond instead of police. The question of who to send usually rests with 911 workers, who are often overworked and overstressed.
Posted inNPR, Stories
Police track down escaped Idaho prison gang member and his accomplice
Police arrested two white supremacist gang members — an Idaho prison inmate and the accomplice who helped him escape — following an attack on corrections officers at a Boise hospital.
Posted inNPR, Stories
Haiti declares a curfew as it tries to restore order after weekend jailbreaks
Haiti’s government declared a state of emergency and curfew Sunday in a bid to regain control after violence over the weekend saw armed gang members storm the country’s two biggest prisons.
Posted inHousing, Local, Newport Bureau
Newport’s housing woes put strain on municipal workers
At 8 a.m., just before the first class of the day, students poured into the hallway at Thompson Middle School. Their voices buzzed and bounced off the ceiling and floor as they talked about the girls’ basketball team’s big win then slammed their lockers and headed to class. Eighth-grade social studies teacher Katie Behan stood […]
Posted inArticle
Woonsocket officer disciplined for wrongful arrest of homeless Liberian immigrant
A Woonsocket police detective who oversaw an investigation that resulted in the wrongful arrest and incarceration of Mack Blackie, a 35-year-old homeless Liberian immigrant, has been suspended without pay for 10 days and demoted to patrol officer. Timothy M. Hammond “failed to follow standard investigative procedures which ultimately led to the improper arrest of Mr. […]
Posted inArticle, Criminal Justice
Why was Mack Blackie held for 31 days for someone else’s crime?
Civil rights advocates are calling for an investigation into how Woonsocket police wound up arresting and incarcerating a 35-year-old homeless Liberian immigrant for another man’s crime.
Posted inArticle
‘Justice was served’ say R.I. political leaders of Chauvin conviction
In Rhode Island, public reaction to the conviction of a former Minneapolis police officer in the death of George Floyd was unanimous. From top elected officials to leaders in law enforcement, higher education and community organizers, the response to Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all counts in Floyd’s death was one of resounding support. […]