Our speakers, Providence Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Pare and NAACP Providence Branch Director James Vincent, demonstrated great respect for one another, if not complete agreement in the wake of tragic incidents in Missouri and New York.
Commissioner Pare stated that these are difficult times and it makes it more difficult with the loss of two of our own - referring to the officers who were assassinated in NYC. BUT, we cannot forget what we need to do as a community. "Decent" could be better.
He said Jim Vincent put his trust in him to address problems, While there are some police who are disrespectful, there are times that use of force is justified. We need to cherish our relationships, and respect each other as human beings - we can always improve. Possible steps include investing in our community through diversification of our Fire and Police, because racism exists, since we in law enforcement are human too.
Pare said Jim Vincent regularly puts his credibility on the line to mentor community minorities to come onto the local Police/Fire Departments and that Law Enforcement needs to LISTEN and account for any wrongdoing.
"We can do a better job"
Jim Vincent asked for a moment of silence for the officers that were slain in NYC. "No one I know approves of that violence". If we stay on course we can have better community relations. With Col O'Donnell of the State Police and Col Clements at the Providence Police Dept., the relationships are as good as anywhere.
It is a tough but necessary job having police in our communities. While some officers do NOT have honor in the uniform, without trust we cannot have good relations.
Using less lethal means, body cameras can verify the story - on both sides - and with recruitment and training of a diversified force we can alleviate the anxiety in the community. Hate to say, but it is true that some black officers feel they have to prove their toughness. More diversity is good, but all about the relationships.
Mr. Vincent feels the Police listen, but there are a few bad apples and we need to follow the complete process. We need to bring us together, not divide.
