by Billy Kepner | Oct 21, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-6
On Friday, October 18,2019 City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6) joined Mayor Jorge Elorza, Commissioner of Public Safety Steven Paré, Chief of Police Hugh Clements Jr., and several community leaders to announce the recruitment phase for the 70th Providence Police Department Training Academy.
“Public safety is one of the top concerns for the City Council,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “Our police department is understaffed, overworked, and we have more than 100 officers eligible for retirement in the coming year. While it is true that violent crimes are going down, the crimes of opportunity that affect quality of life in our city seem to be on the rise and the perception is that crimes are up. My office is looking into the feasibility of rolling academies, or allocating more funds for overtime from the City’s budget.”
City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia stated, “I have always been a big supporter of our public safety officers. As an elected official I believe that public safety is paramount, and I am in full support of expanding our Training Academy schedule to accommodate more cadets. Having more boots on the ground will help curb the uptick we have seen in crimes around our nightlife establishments.”
The application process for the 70th Providence Police Training Academy will be open through December 31, 2019. The extensive selection process includes seven phases: Physical Fitness Assessment, Written Examination, Oral Interview, Background Investigation, Psychological Evaluation and a Physical Fitness pre-test prior to entering into the police academy. The academy is approximately 24-weeks long and includes over 812 hours of training including daily physical fitness training, defense tactics, firearms training, criminal law procedures, community policing, investigation, emergency vehicle operation and much more.
Applications must be completed online only and the application fee must be paid at the time of submission to ensure the applicant will be notified of the next steps related to the recruitment process. For more information please visit: 70th Training Academy
by Billy Kepner | Oct 18, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-6
This morning Providence Police Narcotics Officers made several arrests of prostitutes and street level drug dealers along Atwells Avenue, Newark Street, Cutler Street, and Academy Avenue after City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6) contacted the Providence Police Department.
“Over the past several weeks I have received numerous complaints from constituents informing me of illegal activities happening in the area,” stated City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia. “My biggest concern was for the safety of our residents, and that of our young students who were being exposed to such activity while they waited for their buses in the morning. This sends a strong message to the community, and those that would commit crimes on our streets, that we will not stand for it. As an elected official I have a sworn duty to uphold the law, and that is why I shared the information with the Police Department.”
This is an ongoing case, and the undercover operation will continue. President Pro Tempore Correia continued, “Quality of life is of the utmost importance to my colleagues and myself, and to have criminals operating in plain sight diminishes that quality greatly. I want to personally thank the men and women of the Providence Police Narcotics Division for their dedication and hard work in ensuring that our streets are safe for all who live and visit Providence.”
If you see a crime, or expect a crime is being committed please reach out to the Providence Police Department by calling 401-272-3121 or by reporting it online at http://bit.ly/2IZB09q.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 17, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Tonight Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) introduced an amendment to the Code of Ordinances that would help homeowners and tenants be better informed about their responsibilities when it comes to waste and recycle barrel offenses.
The amendment to the Code of Ordinances proposed by Councilman Salvatore would change the fine structure as it relates to trash and recycle barrels being left out past the designated curfew. The first offense will be a warning, and all subsequent offenses will be tiered beginning with $25 for the second offense (first after warning), $50 for the third, and $100 for all subsequent fines – not to exceed $1500.00 per calendar year. If a homeowner or tenant is fined four times or more they will be considered a chronic violator and will be subject to appear before the Providence Municipal Court.
“For too long residents have not had a clear understanding of their responsibilities when it comes to the storage of their trash and recycle barrels,” Stated Councilman David A. Salvatore. “The fines – to date – have not been consistent with the ordinance and the amendment to the code will address that issue. The amendment will also educate residents who might not know the statute.”
The amendment to the Code of Ordinances will be sent to the Committee on Ordinances before the Council will vote on the matter.
Councilman Salvatore continued, “It is important that each and every resident have clear and predictable knowledge of the workings of our City. Implementing a warning phase will help residents better understand their responsibilities for the storage of their trash and recycle bins.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 16, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
It was alarming to hear a public official condoning an act of vandalism.
An act of vandalism is not political discourse, it is not freedom of speech, and it is not a form of dissent. It is a crime.
As elected officials we have a sworn duty to uphold the law and not waste precious resources cleaning up the mess that vandalism leaves behind.
As City Councilors we don’t represent just our Wards; we represent the City as a whole – including factions of constituents we may disagree with.
I believe wholeheartedly in one’s right to their freedom of speech and expression, but I will not and can not condone vandalism of any kind.
Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Senior Deputy Majority Leader
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 4
by Billy Kepner | Oct 15, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Today Commissioner Infante-Green issued her final reconstitution order of the Providence Public Schools.
I believe that we all must take part in this transformational change. We live in the 21st Century, and our students are being left behind. No one person or entity can do this alone, and we are in this together.
This process is not going to be easy, but I hope this will be an opportunity for true transformation for our school system, and that it serves all of our students. It is essential that all stakeholders, including the City Council, have a seat at the table as we navigate these changes.
The Commissioner has proposed a bold plan, and I look forward to working with her to make sure that Providence City Schools are no longer at the bottom, but that we fix the systemic issues that have plagued our schools for generations, and rise to the top. It’s what our children deserve.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 10, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Providence City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan, (Ward 5) announced today that the striping and signage on Eaton Street will be reversed before November 1, 2019. Planned sidewalk and curb cut work will be completed by December 1, 2019 weather permitting.
“I am pleased that the administration has provided a deadline for bringing this project to conclusion,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “While I am not opposed to bike lanes or opportunities that offer multimodal transportation, the city needs to balance all new initiatives with the needs of the surrounding community, particularly when it is a matter of public safety.”
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “I want to once again thank my neighbors for working together to address these genuine issues of public safety. I would also like to thank the Administration for working collaboratively to get this job done as quickly as possible.”
Leader Ryan will continue to advise community members as information becomes available. Please look to City Council social media channels and website for further updates.
