EDITORIAL: When Smiley Gives Up His 4 Police Officer Protection Unit, Then Feel Safe
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL: When Smiley Gives Up His 4 Police Officer Protection Unit, Then Feel Safe
He says crime is down in the city, and he is pumping the politics. He is using crime as an issue to fundraise for his campaign.
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Three weeks ago, his Police Chief, Oscar Perez, took to TV and claimed crime was down. That week, GoLocal was first and, in some cases, the only news organization to report stabbings, shootings, and multiple other incidents. Two police officers were injured.
And, included in the spree were two 16-year-olds who were shot and taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
In an email from his campaign account to donors, he highlights what he claims are good crime numbers. Smiley, “Last week I joined CNN to discuss these developments and highlight the work we have done in Providence during my administration to achieve unprecedented, across-the-board declines in violent crime.”
His email included select data on crime.
None of the data included in his fundraising email touched on how many teenagers and children were shot. Hard to tell if that trend is up or down, but it is still happening in Providence.
Smiley did not mention the incidents. Not a word.
He is also a mayor who has a four-person crew of Providence Police officers that protect him nearly 24/7. The only mayor in Rhode Island with a security unit.
The Mayor’s office door in City Hall is open to none. It is locked, and a security camera and officers scan all before being buzzed in.
The cost of the four officers with overtime providing Smiley with protection is more than $1 million a year.
Only those who are unsafe and at risk would need such protection. And nothing says unsafe like a mayor who needs four officers to protect him.
When the Mayor gives up his million-dollar security detail and returns those officers to the streets, then Providence residents will know the city is safe.
Until then, it is fundraising hyperbole to donors in Barrington, East Greenwich, and beyond.
Don't forget, Smiley accepts checks or credit cards.
