Providence Mayoral Candidates on City's Crime Surge, Police Staffing and Pare’s Future
GoLocalProv News Team
Providence Mayoral Candidates on City's Crime Surge, Police Staffing and Pare’s Future
The loss of life is at a record pace. In the past 16 months, the city has seen 36 murders — a violent trend that has not appeared to let up.
Providence mayoral candidate Brett Smiley says, “I have been outspoken about the violence in our city this summer and the need to address it. I appreciate that restoring a sense of public safety includes more than just policing, but it absolutely includes policing. Also, I support the continued expansion of the diversion pilot program. We know that not every 911 call needs a police officer to respond and this program can free up officers to respond to shootings and violent crime.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSmiley served as the chief operating officer under Mayor Jorge Elorza during the period when the now outgoing Mayor began the process of slashing police staffing.
Today, the city of Providence now has its lowest police staffing levels in 50 years.
Gonzalo Cuervo, the former top staffer to Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and also an announced candidate, said, “No amount of violent crime is acceptable. The city’s increase in violence and tragic loss of life has created an atmosphere of insecurity and a crisis of confidence in the city’s political leadership. Clearly what we are doing now is not working.”
Smiley said, “Chief Clements has said that the department needs at least 450 officers and I trust the Chief’s assessment of what the department needs."
Cuervo refused to state a specific staffing level. “Providence needs a different approach to public safety. While the 70th Providence Police Academy is currently underway and there is already a subsequent academy in the pipeline, we must acknowledge that violent crime will not go down by simply hiring more and more police officers," said Cuervo.
"We need a comprehensive approach that restores trust and communication between our officers, the communities they serve, and elected officials. We must address crime on the street in a proactive manner that integrates a diversion component. We cannot expect our officers to also serve as mental health experts and counselors. We must make meaningful investments in our communities and youth to eliminate the conditions that drive people to commit and escalate criminal activity, including persistent poverty and a lack of opportunity," said Cuervo.
Future of Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare
“City residents deserve the very best police and fire departments with great leaders at the top. We don't need a public safety commissioner in order to accomplish this,” said Cuervo.
Smiley declined to specifically address Pare's future. "I will not make any specific commitment on staffing as a candidate.’
On Sunday, Providence 3rd Ward Councilor Nirva LaFortune announced formally she was running for Mayor. She has been fundraising for the office for months.
LaFortune did not respond to the specific questions about staffing levels or Pare’s future, but has consistently been an advocate of defunding the Providence Police.
In May, LaFortune reaffirmed her position telling GoLocal, in an email “I am still and will always be committed to taking proactive approaches to address this systemic issue. That may be reallocating funds to invest in social services to help address harmful conditions faced by marginalized communities. As I stated, I want our approach to be strategic, which is why I am committed to working with our city leaders, the police department, our young people, and the communities most impacted.”
Former Providence City Council President Michael Solomon had told GoLocal that he intends to run for mayor in 2022, but has yet to announce.