Igliozzi Challenges Elorza on Appointment of Stephens to be New Providence Police "Major"

Igliozzi Challenges Elorza on Appointment of Stephens to be New Providence Police "Major"

Just hours after GoLocal reported that Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza announced he is naming the City’s recreation director Michael Stephens to the rank of Major in the Providence Police Department, City Council President John Igliozzi challenged Elorza's decision. 

Stephens has no training in law enforcement but has been a youth basketball coach and college referee for most of his adult life.

Igliozzi said in a statement that the new position if it holds the rank of major either needs to be held by a trained police officer or that the position needs to be redefined.

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"The City Council strongly supports the creation of a Community Relations and Diversion Services Major position to build greater trust between our police force and the diverse communities of our city. That is why we included funding for such a position in our FY 2022 budget," said Igliozzi.

"Michael Stephens has a commendable record of community leadership and service with the Providence Recreation Department. These are admirable qualifications for a civilian community-police liaison position. They are, however, not the qualifications for the position of Major within the Providence Police Department's command structure, particularly as many other trained officers have worked hard to move up the ranks within our police force," said Igliozzi.

"The City Council stands ready to work with Mayor Elorza to change the name and scope of this position from Providence Police Department Major to Public Safety Community-Police Liaison. This will resolve any confusion about roles and make clear that this is a civilian position," added Igliozzi.