Providence Police Want Captain in Head-Smashing Incident Fired

Providence Police Want Captain in Head-Smashing Incident Fired

Providence Police on Friday afternoon announced that they are recommending firing Captain Stephen Gencarella for his role in an incident at India Point Park over July 4 weekend -- in which an arrest suspect's head was seen being smashed to the ground on video. 

GoLocalProv was first to report on the video and subsequent response from police. 

Providence Police released the following on Friday: 

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"Through an investigation conducted by the Providence Police Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and in accordance with the provisions of the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) and Rhode Island General Laws, Captain Stephen J. Gencarella has been charged with the following violations of the Providence Police Department’s Rules and Regulations, Policies and Standards of Conduct governing law enforcement officers of the Providence Police Department:

Standard of Conduct
Obedience to Laws and Rules
Rules Governing Conduct
Courtesy
Demeanor
Truthfulness
 
Captain Gencarella’s current status within the Providence Police Department remains 'Injured on Duty' (I.O.D) as the investigation proceeds.

Based on the facts and circumstances presented, Providence Police administration has recommended that Captain Gencarella be terminated from his employment as a Providence Police Officer."