Sen. Acosta and Rep. Felix issue statement on LEOBOR decision to reinstate Providence Police officer
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) and Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket), Co-Chairs of the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA), are issuing the following statement concerning the recent Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) hearing decision to reinstate a Providence Police officer who was involved in an altercation at the State House last year:
“This decision to reinstate this officer is a perfect example of why LEOBOR needs significant reform, if not complete repeal. This particular individual went to a political rival’s event, while armed, with the intention of causing confrontation, demonstrating a complete and utter lack of character and judgment that should be required of all law enforcement officers to keep our residents safe. This officer did the exact opposite of what a good police officer would do, putting attendees of the event at significant risk and he should in no way be trusted to protect the public any longer. Frustration and disappointment are not strong enough words to describe the anger we are feeling regarding this decision and the caucus plans to redouble our efforts to change LEOBOR to ensure unfit individuals can no longer put the public at risk while being protected by the badge on their uniforms,” said Senator Acosta and Representative Felix.