Projo Politics Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I -- The City Council plans to form a committee to recommend changes to the Providence External Review Authority, the civilian board that investigates allegations of police abuse and misconduct.

City Councilman Miguel Luna will introduce a resolution at Thursday's council meeting to create the "Special Committee to Study and Make Amendments to PERA."

The authority was established by city ordinance in 2002 to provide for a system of civilian oversight for the Providence Police Department. But it has held just two hearings on complaints it has received in those seven years, and is seeking a 78-percent increase in its budget for the coming fiscal year.

"PERA's goals are very important to the quality of life in Providence, but there are questions as to how effectively and efficiently it has achieved those goals," said Luna. "In creating this committee, we hope to address those concerns and bring about a new and improved PERA."

The committee will examine and review PERA's operating budget, personnel, and regulations. It will review the ordinance that established PERA and will report its findings and recommendations to the council within 90 days of the resolution's passage, according a draft of the resolution to be submitted Thursday.

Ten of the fifteen council members have co-sponsored the resolution, including Council President Peter Mancini and Majority Leader Terrance Hassett.

"The council strongly supported the creation of PERA six years ago and strongly supports it today, but we also understand that it is our duty as public servants to ensure that the city runs as efficiently as possible," said Luna.

 Tags  city council pera police department providence external review authority providence ri

Comments

Knorman said:

Wonderful! A politically connected civilian review committee to "audit" the politically connected civilian board who oversee's the PPD. Why not save the money and just approve the increased budget ahead of time? Or better yet, tell the damn committee to meet more than 2 times in 7 years.

Any effectual committee needs to meet normally. if only to make sure the goals are still in sight.

Link | April 15, 2009 3:34 PM
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Anonymous said:

What a total and absolute waste of tax money. If an officer is the target of a complaint, there is the internal affairs division, sergeants, lieutenants, captains, majors a deputy chief and chief, and the State Police and the F.B.I.that can all investigate. But no, we need a "Civilian Review Board". Just a "feel good" organization to make voters think that the politicians "are doing something". Politics at its best.

Link | April 16, 2009 2:43 PM
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