Vote on Potential Disciplinary Action Against PERA Chair Batista Scheduled for Monday

Vote on Potential Disciplinary Action Against PERA Chair Batista Scheduled for Monday

The Providence External Review Authority will be taking up discussion and potential action against PERA Board Chair Jose Batista this coming Monday. 

Earlier this week, Batista unilaterally released the police body camera video footage of Providence Police Sergeant Joseph Hanley’s alleged abuse incident with a handcuffed individual in April, for which Hanley has been charged by the state with assault.

According to PERA, Hanley violated a number of police standards. PERA found that by ”using video from the [body worn camera] and the cell phone footage, Sergeant Hanley is observed in the following acts after the complainant is in handcuffs and lying on the ground in the prone position:

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On Tuesday, the Providence Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3 called for Batista to be fired from his position for deciding to release the video, after the PERA board had previously voted not to release.

The agenda filed by PERA with the City of Providence for the meeting on Monday November 16 has one agenda item.

“Discussion and vote relative to potential disciplinary action(s) to be taken against Executive Director Jose Batista, including, but not limited to possible suspension or termination of position.”

Batista, an attorney, was recently elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives for District 12 in Providence. 

Batista said he had "no comment" on the upcoming meeting when reached on Friday.