Providence Officials Appeal Reinstatement of Police Sergeant

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.

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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