Elorza’s Attempt to Make Rec Director Stephens Police Major Thwarted by Providence City Council

Elorza’s Attempt to Make Rec Director Stephens Police Major Thwarted by Providence City Council

The Providence City Council voted on Thursday to approve a new position in the police department to "help strengthen community relations and public safety in Providence neighborhoods."

The role will be an administrative one, after Providence Mayor Jorge Elora tried to appoint city Recreation Director Mike Stephens to a newly created "Community Relations and Diversion Services" Major position in the Providence Police Department. 

Elorza's move had been met with widespread opposition, with everyone from the national association of black law enforcement officials to the majority of the city council blasting Elorza's decision to catapult Stephens -- who has no law enforcement experience -- to a top position in the police department. 

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Now, the City Council is urging Elorza to post the new administrative job -- and not necessarily earmark it for Stephens, who has served as a NCAA men's basketball referee in addition to his city duties. 

A fifth Major position in the police department, which is now vacant, will now be posted, as it is funded in the budget. 

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“We are excited to create this new position. The duties and responsibilities will be to coordinate the efforts of the community relations unit and infuse a culture of equity in the department as it shifts back to community policing and diversion services,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi. “We heard loud and clear from residents and community organizations that the City needs a return to the approach to policing that includes community building and empathy.”

“The Chief of Police provided the Finance Committee with a job description for the new role and a clearly defined scope and charge, which is in line with a civilian (non-sworn police officer) position in the department," said  Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Chair of the Finance Committee. "We strongly urge the Mayor to publicly post this high profile position, in order to attract the best candidates in an open and fair process.”

The Administrator of Community Relations and Diversion Services salary is $99,517- $125,905 plus health care and benefits.

“We chose to set the Administrator of Community Relations and Diversion Services salary at a substantial level because this is an important job that requires someone with broad and varied experience, with a track record of effective community building and understanding of diversion services,” added Ryan.