Statement from Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan Regarding Shots Fired on Herschel Street

Statement from Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan Regarding Shots Fired on Herschel Street

I was deeply concerned to learn that a round of bullets just missed a young woman and her sleeping newborn baby in their home on Herschel Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning. I commend the Providence Police Department for their swift work to respond to the scene and investigate this heinous crime.

This life-threatening violence is unacceptable. People deserve to feel safe in their homes, and events like this undermine that sense of safety and security. As Chairwoman of the Council’s Committee on Finance, I secured funding for a new Police Academy to begin immediately after the current academy graduates to return our ranks to a number necessary to support community policing. And I will continue to work to ensure that the Providence Police Department is amply staffed and prepared to address the growing wave of shootings and other crimes throughout the city.

We can only be thankful that this young woman and her newborn baby were not injured on Wednesday morning. We must remain committed to stopping these instances before they happen, through community policing and nonviolence education and diversion programs, and by keeping guns out of the wrong hands.

Council Finance Committee Votes to Continue Police Department Community Relations Position Due to Unresolved Questions Regarding Hiring Process

City Council Brings Charges Against & Seeks Removal Of City Clerk Shawn Selleck For Creating Toxic Work Environment

This evening, the Providence City Council voted unanimously to approve a Providence Home Rule Charter Section 403 resolution to bring charges against City Clerk Shawn Selleck, and to seek his suspension or removal from office. The resolution charges Mr. Selleck with the following:

· Violations of the City Code of Conduct

· Violations of the City Anti-bullying Policy

· Violations of the City Anti-harassment Policy

· Violations of the City Workplace Violence Policy

· Creation of a Toxic Work Environment

· Inappropriate Management

The charges contained in the resolution are based on an independent investigation conducted by respected employment and labor attorney Carly Iafrate, which determined Mr. Selleck violated the City’s Code of Conduct, Anti-Bullying, Anti-Harassment, and Workforce Violence policies through a pattern of bullying, confrontational, and intimidating behavior that created a toxic work environment within the City Clerk’s office.

Pursuant to Section 403, these charges will be presented in writing to the Mayor and Mr. Selleck, and after a 30-day period, the Council will call a public hearing to weigh the charges and vote on the suspension or removal of the City Clerk (two-thirds vote of the Council required).

Council Finance Committee Votes to Continue Police Department Community Relations Position Due to Unresolved Questions Regarding Hiring Process

Providence City Council Approves New Administrator of Community Relations and Diversion Services Role to Build Police-Community Empathy

Tonight, the Providence City Council voted to approve a new position in the police department to help strengthen community relations and public safety in Providence neighborhoods. The budget ordinance which creates the new position also maintains the funding for the position of an additional Police Major which the Council approved in the original FY 2022 budget ordinances adopted in July.

“We are excited to create this new position. The duties and responsibilities will be to coordinate the efforts of the community relations unit and infuse a culture of equity in the department as it shifts back to community policing and diversion services,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi. “We heard loud and clear from residents and community organizations that the City needs a return to the approach to policing that includes community building and empathy.”

Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Chair of the Finance Committee stated, “The Chief of Police provided the Finance Committee with a job description for the new role and a clearly defined scope and charge, which is in line with a civilian (non-sworn police officer) position in the department. We strongly urge the Mayor to publicly post this high profile position, in order to attract the best candidates in an open and fair process.”

The Administrator of Community Relations and Diversion Services salary is $99,517- $125,905 plus health care and benefits.

“We chose to set the Administrator of Community Relations and Diversion Services salary at a substantial level because this is an important job that requires someone with broad and varied experience, with a track record of effective community building and understanding of diversion services,” stated Ryan.

Second passage of the ordinance is scheduled for October 21st.

Accessibility Options
Skip To Menu
Skip To Content
Skip To Accessibility Options