News Summary
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has filed an appeal against the reinstatement of Police Sergeant Joseph Hanley, accused of excessive force in a 2020 arrest. Following a five-year suspension without pay, the LEOBOR panel reinstated Hanley, despite recognizing his violation of police regulations. The appeal, submitted in Rhode Island Superior Court, reflects community concerns about police conduct and seeks to uphold law enforcement integrity. The case raises questions about accountability and trust in Providence’s police force.
Providence – Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and city officials have filed an appeal against a decision to reinstate Police Sergeant Joseph Hanley, who has been accused of using excessive force during an arrest in April 2020. The appeal was made after a Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) panel reinstated Hanley on June 27, allowing him to return to work following a five-year suspension without pay.
The incident involves Hanley beating Rishod Gore, who was handcuffed and lying on the ground during an arrest for disorderly conduct. This incident raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of police officers in Providence. Mayor Smiley expressed disappointment with the panel’s ruling, asserting that it undermines the professionalism expected from law enforcement officers. He emphasized that Hanley’s actions do not reflect the integrity of the police department and could negatively affect community trust.
The appeal document was officially submitted in Rhode Island Superior Court, where officials claim that Hanley’s actions were not only excessive but also accompanied by unprofessional language directed at Gore. The LEOBOR panel, which reinstated Hanley by a 2-1 vote, acknowledged that Hanley did violate police department regulations, yet it refrained from terminating his employment, opting instead for a 45-day unpaid suspension. The panel noted a lack of clarity around whether Hanley kicked Gore in the head, a critical factor in determining the appropriateness of his actions.
In the past, prosecutors had contended that Hanley used excessive force during Gore’s arrest. In December 2024, Hanley pleaded no contest to a charge of simple assault arising from the incident, further complicating the city’s position. The LEOBOR panel criticized Hanley for his excessive use of force but ultimately deemed that the city’s push for termination was politically motivated, indicating significant differences between public perception and law enforcement evaluations of use of force incidents.
The city has found the panel’s decision to be “clearly erroneous” and termed it an “abuse of discretion.” This indication points to the growing tensions between community expectations and police conduct. Hanley’s attorney confirmed that the sergeant intends to return to work following his suspension and will seek back pay for the five years he has been off duty, navigating a complex intersection of law, policy, and public image.
Recent legislative changes in Rhode Island are set to expand the composition of LEOBOR panels beyond the previous three-member format. However, Hanley’s case is the last to be resolved under the old structure, leading to further scrutiny of both past and future cases of police conduct.
Concerns regarding Hanley’s reinstatement have been voiced by both fellow officers and community members, who worry about the implications for policing and public safety in Providence. As the appeal moves through the legal system, the incident highlights ongoing discussions about law enforcement standards, accountability, and community trust.
The outcome of this appeal could significantly affect not only Hanley’s career but also the community’s faith in its police force, exemplifying the enduring challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public confidence amidst allegations of misconduct.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Providence Police Sergeant Cleared for Reinstatement
Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Providence Journal
- ABC6 News
- Boston Globe
- WPRI News
- Wikipedia: Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
