Video of Providence Police Sergeant Abuse Incident - WATCH HERE

Video of Providence Police Sergeant Abuse Incident - WATCH HERE

The Director of the Providence External Review Authority (PERA) has released police body camera video of the incident in which PERA found Providence Police Sergeant Joseph Hanley to be abusive during a response to a domestic violence incident in April. 

Hanley was charged by Attorney General Peter Neronha's office; Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza had called for Hanley's firing. 

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PERA Director Jose Batista on Tuesday released the footage --  after he said the PERA board had voted not to release it. 

“I don’t think it’s an issue,” said Batista of his decision. “Part of my grounds [for release] is that it’s a public record.”

VIDEO FOOTAGE RELEASED TUESDAY - ABOVE

In October, according to the findings of 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
• NOTE: During the assault(s) Sergeant Hanley continued to verbally taunt the complainant."

Editor's Note: Batista is the Director of PERA not the chair. This story was first published 11/10/20 5:06 PM