NAACP Condemns Police Union's Response to Abuse Complaints

NAACP Condemns Police Union's Response to Abuse Complaints

The Providence NAACP has "condemned" a reponse of the Providence Police union, following a letter issued by the Fraternal Order of Police in regard to allegations of recent incidents involving officers, which resulted in the current suspension of the unit's gun task force. 

The letter, which was issued on Friday by the FOP executive board, was stated to be "in response to the Police Department Administration's and Police Commissioner's most recent knee-jerk reaction to another attempt by politically-motivated and biased radical 'activist' to undermine the police work being peformed in our city."

The letter followed an alleged incident -- and complaint filed -- by the son of community activist Kobi Dennis, who works in programs with both youth and police. 

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"I think the FOP has responded irresponsibly to categorize [Dennis] and whoever else as "radical" activists.  I thought it was inflammatory and irresponsibile and not meant to come to a meaningful solution of the issue," said Jim Vincent, NAACP Providence branch president. "[Dennis] is one of the biggest proponents of policing and community relations. To think that he is biased against police is absurd."

"They have slandered a community hero, and that's a problem," continued Vincent. "We condemn their statements. We feel that for them to feel that a father who had a son who was approached in a way that was less than professional should not be able to file a complaint -- which we have urged people repeatedly to do --- if that makes him a 'biased activist,' that's an issue. We're calling out the FOP."

"We think the Commissioner did the right thing. There have been so many complaints about the task force, enough is enough.  It wasn't just that one incident.  This one in a series," said Vincent. "Yes, we want guns off the street -- we want guns off the street more than anyone.  But we need it done in professional matter with accountability.  We've worked hard on bettering relations between the police and the community.  We don't need that ruined."

Community Appeal

Providence resident and community leader Lisa Scorpio sent a message out on Facebook following the FOP response over the weekend, urging residents to contact the FOP, and to let them know they were pro-police.

"We have all read and heard about the problems with the Gun Task Force aka The Jump Out Boys. The PPD union president needs to hear from us. Please send your POLITE, PROFESSIONAL email to Mr. TAFT MANZOTTI - [email protected]. Let him know your experience and concerns. Also cc: Commissioner Steven Pare so he can see our concerns are being sent to the President - [email protected]. Please feel free to contact me directly if you need help or have questions. Remember WE ARE PRO POLICE just against bad policing." wrote Scorpio.

Dennis addressed the situation on Sunday.

"I would like to know exactly who from the FOP is so frustrated? We all know the Mayor wasn't fully supported by the police union, we all know they never truly embraced Pare because of his RISP affiliation. Mr. Manzotti seems to not understand several of his FOP members are friends of mine and truly are displeased with his labeling of myself and this situation," said Dennis.

"The task force needs to be trained - fact. The task force needs uniforms - fact. The task force needs to meet with the community - fact The task force has hundreds of complaints - fact. I have openly admitted to using my influence to try and bring attention to this matter in an expeditious manner for the safety of the community. My job is to prevent the next Ferguson," said Dennis. "Does the FOP think they and the task force are preventing police and civilian conflict? I hope not because myself and several other front liners are keeping the peace in these streets. I will not meet with the task force on their terms, they blew that opportunity months.  They can meet with me and the community at the public forum on Friday."