VIDEO: Batista Out as Executive Director of Providence Police Review Panel After Releasing Video
GoLocalProv News Team
VIDEO: Batista Out as Executive Director of Providence Police Review Panel After Releasing Video
The move came after Batista unilaterally released police body camera video footage of Providence Police Sergeant Joseph Hanley’s alleged abuse incident of handcuffed man in the spring.
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The PERA board had voted not to release the video; Batista last week released it on his own accord.
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“We can’t disregard the rules when we simply feel like it,” said board member Michael Fontaine on Monday night. “The ramifications of not following the rules — is that the board should be disbanded. This situation isn’t about what [Batista] did was right. The point is we have to follow certain guidelines.”
Board -- and Community -- Reaction
“If you are given the power, you do not cut the board’s throat,” said board member Deborah Wray on Monday of Batista’s actions.
Community members, including Mt. Hope community leader Ray Watson, questioned the intent of the PERA board.
“When you see these PERA board members in public, be sure to ask them why they like protecting cops who beat on handcuffed people,” said Watson.
“The reason why people voted to not show the video was the instruction of the city law department and advice of Attorney General,” said PERA Vice Chair Machiste Rankin. “I don’t feel beholden to the police. I don’t have anything financial to gain by supporting the police.”
THIS STORY WAS FIRST PUBLISHED 11/16/20 7:27 PM