Providence FOP: Hockey Melee Result of PC’s “Poor Planning”

Providence FOP: Hockey Melee Result of PC’s “Poor Planning”

Providence's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3 issued a statement Tuesday about the events that transpired on Saturday, April 11 near the campus of Providence College, which they describe as a “melee."  

“The incident and melee which occurred on April 11, 2015 on Pembroke Avenue in the City of Providence after the Providence College Hockey Team won the NCAA National Hockey Championship was truly unacceptable, and the FOP would like to point out the dangers posed not only to the general public and citizens but also to the Police officers and firefighters who had to respond to the disturbance.

Police were summoned to the area of Pembroke Ave for a large gathering which began immediately as the hockey game was completed and which quickly turned into a large dangerous disturbance that stretched for several blocks. Fire personnel had to stage for hours due to the inaccessibility of the fires which were set by individuals within the crowds, who blocked their access to the fires. Additional police officers on duty in other areas of the city and police detectives were summoned to the area to quell the disturbance, and Rhode Island State Police also responded.

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This type of dangerous incident, which was clearly foreseeable, was downplayed by the Providence College Administration and its representatives and was partly the result of poor planning by Providence College and the Providence Police Administration…that is, ONLY 4 police officers had initially been assigned to this area at the time the disturbance began, with several others assigned at 11pm.

One of our police officers was seriously injured and brought to the hospital; and the incident was eventually brought under control after more than 60 police officers and detectives became involved. All of the officers on scene displayed remarkable restraint and professionalism in the face of such tumultuous behavior - with people not only throwing objects at them but also directing slurs at them. The city, for approximately 3 hours during the disturbance, went with limited services and police coverage in other areas. The citizens of Providence and visitors to the city who rely on the city’s police services were clearly put at risk.

The city was ill-equipped to handle this type of celebration with the resources available on a normal shift. Extra accommodations were needed to be in place regardless of the cost to the city and to Providence College. However, they chose to limit costs in lieu of securing safety. The City of Providence has several colleges and universities within its limits. The potential for an incident of this nature to take pace again is high. Better planning in advance with the proper resources in place prior to any type of celebration or large gathering of individuals is a strong future concern to our FOP members.”

The letter is signed "Providence FOP Executive Board."