Councilors Call on Elorza to Revisit “No-Chase” Policy After Latest ATV, Dirt Bike Chaos
GoLocalProv News Team
Councilors Call on Elorza to Revisit “No-Chase” Policy After Latest ATV, Dirt Bike Chaos
The call comes following a weekend which saw accidents send people to the hospital, after groups of over a hundred off-road vehicles roamed the city streets — and Rhode Island State Police arrested a rider after the hordes of drivers shut down the highway.
“They come here because they know — it’s no secret — that Providence Police won’t pursue you and they know that and that’s why they ride in packs and terrorize the streets, and over this past weekend they even surrounded a police vehicle,” said Councilman Michael Correia.
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No-Chase Policy Under Elorza
As GoLocalProv reported in 2017, under Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, Providence Police officers told GoLocal that the command of the Providence Police Department have ordered patrol officers not to enforce traffic laws as they relate to gangs of ATVs - which are not legally allowed on city streets - and motorbikes.
According to the officers, who asked GoLocal not to publish their names for fear of reprisal from the command staff, the gangs that can be seen in the video conducting multiple traffic violations and are linked to the harassment of a woman with her two children last week.
This is not the first time police have been told not to enforce laws by the Elorza administration. Elorza and Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare have instructed police not to enforce existing laws that would deter loitering and panhandling.
“This ATV and dirt bike thing has been out of control and each and every summer it’s getting worse,” said Correia. “Even though we continue to take numerous ATVs off the street — it’s time the PD looks at the policy when it comes to chasing motor vehicles.”
Call to Reexamine Police Strategy
Correia said the city’s policy — and rampant ATV and bike gangs — are a “black eye” on Providence.
“I have witnessed myself multiple dirt bikes and ATVs taking over the roads. I see them gassing up and I see officers drive right by them. That would be a great opportunity to get them while they’re filling up with fuel to take them off the roads,” said Correia. “I see juveniles — 14, 15 years old in my ward that I know, driving around on motorbikes with no plates, and police drive right by them, even if they’re sitting outside a bodega.”
“It hurts the quality of life for the city of Providence — it gives us a bad reputation,” said Correia. “This is all over social media — how they’re terrorizing streets. It’s a bad black eye for the city of Providence. “
“The current 'no pursuit' policy is not working,” said Councilman David Salvatore on Monday. “Not only is the loud noise created at night by ATVs disrespectful to families with children and workers with early morning shifts, but ATVs also pose a serious threat to the safety of Providence residents, including pedestrians, children, and other drivers. Just last week, an eight-year-old boy was injured in an ATV accident.”
“While our police officers have a responsibility to mitigate any potential for traffic accidents, other drivers and pedestrians live in fear of being hurt or worse by an ATV or dirt bike,” he said. “For these reasons, I am asking Mayor Elorza and the Providence Police Department to take decisive action against the illegal use of ATVs and to mitigate threats to the quality of life and safety of our neighbors.”