Around the time of George Floyd’s murder in the spring of 2020, Providence had its own incident that fueled protests and allegations of police brutality. Joseph Hanley, a Providence police sergeant, was filmed kicking a Black man, Rishod Gore, as he laid face down on the ground in handcuffs. Providence publicly announced it was firing […]
Providence Police Department
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Metro Desk
Providence police explain their role in Sunday’s ICE arrest
After Providence police officers were filmed at the scene of an ICE arrest this weekend, the city’s police chief held a press conference on Monday to explain his department’s role in the incident. Col. Oscar Perez, the city’s police chief, said Providence police officers do not assist federal agents with immigration enforcement or share information […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local
Providence appeals decision to reinstate embattled police sergeant
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s administration asked a judge Thursday to allow the city to fire an embattled police sergeant who was filmed kicking and punching a handcuffed man five years ago. In June, a panel of law enforcement officers said Sgt. Joseph Hanley violated the city’s misconduct policy in the 2020 assault of Rishod Gore. […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Housing, Local
Providence Police plan to clear two of the city’s largest encampments of homeless people
The Providence Police Department plans to clear out two of the city’s largest homeless encampments next week, according to a letter PPD sent to homelessness advocates and obtained by The Public’s Radio. Roughly 50 people currently live in tents in the encampments, which are off different sections of Branch Ave., according to Paula Hudson, director […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Metro Desk
After 43 years on the job, Providence Patrolman Frank Moody calls it a day
You see a lot of things in 43 years as a patrolman with the Providence Police Department. But one thing that Officer Frank Moody did not expect to find was a tryst between two members of rival gangs at an out of the way eatery in a plush part of the East Side. “You talk […]
Posted inArticle
The Weekly Catch: April 7, 2023
We break down some of the top local stories from the past week.
Posted inEpisode
This I Believe New England – Police Officer Story
All of us know that today’s police officers face unprecedented challenges. They’re on the front lines when mass shootings erupt, first responders when natural disasters strike, and among the first to arrive at the scene following suicides. Police intercede when urban gangs do battle, console victims of domestic and sexual assaults, respond to reports of home invasions […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For February 1
The early phase of Rhode Island’s legislative session remains busy, with scores of people coming to the Statehouse to sound off on one of the nation’s most divisive issues. That’s part of what we’re looking at, so thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Batista Discusses Plans For Police Oversight Group In Providence
An independent police watchdog group, the Providence External Review Authority, has been mostly dormant since it was created in 2002. But efforts to inject fresh life into PERA have intensified over the last year.
