Providence Policeman Charged With Assaulting Handcuffed Man Promotes His Self-Defense School

Providence Policeman Charged With Assaulting Handcuffed Man Promotes His Self-Defense School

The Providence Police officer that has been charged with assaulting a handcuffed man in custody continues to promote his martial arts/personal defense school, while new video of the incident emerged this week. 

Providence Police Sergent Joseph Hanley was charged with simple assault in May, for the incident that took place in April.

Hanley, who claims to have a 3rd-degree black belt in Jujitsu, runs a self-defense school, "JHanley's Self-Defense."

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“Training tips: Never underestimate your opponent!” says the school in a video posted on October 31, featuring Hanley. “Don’t be afraid to push your comfort zone and try new things!”

Hanley, who has been posting videos and charging for services dating back before 2020, can be found in the Rhode Island Corporations Database for "JHanley's Self Defense, LLC," which was only incorporated in October.

"Sensei Joseph has instructed other members of law enforcement, first responders, nurses, and more in life-saving self defense," says the school. "Not only do his methods keep people safe, but also gives them the confidence to defend themselves, and the control for less damage/injury to the attacker/aggressor when necessary."

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Hanley's Latest

In October, the Providence External Review Authority found that Hanley was abusive during the April 19, 2020 response to a domestic violence incident.

On Wednesday, PERA Board Chair Jose Batista released the video of the April incident involving Hanley. 

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The Providence Police union called for Batista to be removed, after he released the video after the PERA board had voted not to do so. 

Latest in Investigation

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:

• Kneeling on the back of his neck/shoulder (Sergeant Hanley appears to use the open car door as support, lift his supporting foot off the ground bearing his full weight on the complainant’s neck and shoulder)

• Punch to the ribs (left side)

• Kick to the rib area

• Kick to the head

• Walking on the back of the complainant’s lower legs