News Summary A Superior Court judge has ruled that Providence Police Sergeant Joseph Hanley will stay on administrative leave as an appeal regarding his assault case is underway. Hanley has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from an incident in April 2020 where he was filmed beating a handcuffed man. Despite community leaders advocating for accountability, the LEOBOR panel reinstated Hanley with a 45-day suspension instead of termination. This has raised concerns about policing standards and the impact of political pressures on law enforcement accountability in Providence. Providence – A Superior Court judge has ruled that Providence Police Sergeant Joseph Hanley will remain on administrative leave while an appeal related to his assault case is pending. This decision comes after Hanley entered a no contest plea to a misdemeanor simple assault charge in December 2024 related to an incident in April 2020, when he was filmed beating and kicking a handcuffed man, Rishod Gore, during an arrest. The arrest of Gore, a 28-year-old Black man, occurred after he allegedly threatened officers while pointing his phone at them. Video evidence emerged showing Hanley punching and kicking Gore in the face as well as kneeling on his neck. In the aftermath of the incident, Hanley faced a suspension of 45 days. Following Hanley’s initial suspension, the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) board voted 2-1 to reinstate him, opting for a 45-day suspension instead of termination. This decision has drawn concern from various community leaders and advocates, as it raised questions regarding accountability in policing. Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar Perez has publicly expressed disappointment with the LEOBOR board’s ruling and advocated for Hanley’s termination. The city of Providence is now appealing the board’s decision in state Superior Court, seeking to have Hanley fired for his actions. The judge’s ruling allows Hanley to remain suspended without pay as the city proceeds with its appeal, though it is currently unclear when a decision on the appeal will be made. The criminal trial for Hanley originally ended in a mistrial, which set the stage for the no contest arrangement with a Superior Court justice. The LEOBOR panel’s decision was partially influenced by the lack of clear evidence that Hanley kicked Gore’s head, a claim made by Gore that was disputed by the panel’s acknowledgment of Hanley’s assertion that he merely placed his knee on Gore’s shoulder. Furthermore, the panel implied that political pressures, particularly in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, played a role in the city’s response and desire to terminate Hanley. Colonel Perez has underscored the vital importance of accountability for maintaining community trust within law enforcement agencies. Hanley’s attorney has expressed disappointment in the judge’s ruling, stating intentions to continue fighting for Hanley’s reinstatement in the police force. The 2020 incident has led the Providence External Review Authority to conclude that Hanley violated established use of force practices, further intensifying discussions surrounding police conduct and accountability. Community leaders and activists have voiced their frustrations regarding the LEOBOR panel’s decision, emphasizing that it undermines the crucial need for accountability in policing. As the situation continues to unfold, the implications of Hanley’s actions and the subsequent rulings remain a critical focal point for Providence’s law enforcement and the community. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Staff at Rhode Island’s Women and Infants Hospital Protest Harassment and Staffing Shortages Charlie Kirk Killed at Utah Valley University Rally David Morales Launches Mayor Campaign in Providence Rhode Island Energy Proposes Winter Electric Rate Increase Axe Attack in Kennedy Plaza Leaves One Injured Hasbro to Relocate Headquarters to Boston Harvard Nears $500 Million Settlement with Trump Administration Hasbro Relocates Headquarters to Boston’s Seaport District Trump Considers National Guard Deployment in Portland Michael Schill Resigns as Northwestern University President Additional Resources ABC 6 News Brown Daily Herald Boston Globe GoLocalProv Wikipedia: Police Brutality
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
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