Elorza Recommends Termination of Providence Police Sergeant Charged With Assault

Elorza Recommends Termination of Providence Police Sergeant Charged With Assault

In a statement on Tuesday evening, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza announced he is recommending terminating Providence Police Sergeant Joseph Hanley who in May was charged with simple assault for allegedly striking a handcuffed man several times.

The Providence Police Department said in May that Hanley has been suspended with pay pending an internal investigation.

Elorza said in his statement: 

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Our policing approach in Providence is centered first and foremost in building trust with our residents and this incident fails to represent the core values of our Police Department.

After a review of the circumstances and working with the Attorney General's office, we made sure that charges were brought against the officer involved immediately.

We have recommended termination of this officer, however this case must go through the LEOBOR process which will take six months or longer to complete.

As this process continues, we are focused on bringing justice to the victim, holding this officer accountable for his actions, and above all, rebuilding trust within our community.