Providence was due for a shakeup in the police department, whether at the top or within the ranks.
Too many incidents, too much lost confidence.
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That, of course, is the biggest challenge for Interim Police Chief Richard T. Sullivan, who replaces Police Chief Urbano Prignano, Jr. Restoring confidence in this beleaguered department is clearly the first priority.
That will mean instilling in it a different attitude, one in which rank and file department members can work with confidence in their leadership, and can be accepted and become a part of the community.
Unless a new image emerges, the glitter of this downtown renaissance will begin to tarnish, as visitors and residents alike question the department’s ability to do its job – to assure the public safety of everyone within the city, regardless of race, regardless of neighborhood.
Some have called for a nationwide search to find Prignano’s permanent successor. We believe that would be a mistake. Essential in the search is to choose someone with a knowledge of this community. Preferable would be to select an individual who already has the respect of the community and the department.
There are few economic development issues that are as important as rebuilding Providence’s Police Department into a highly respected and efficient organization that wins the confidence of residents, businesses and visitors.
