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 […]
police
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. […]
