Providence Police Department announce faith-based civilian police academy
Providence Police Department announce faith-based civilian police academy
Members of the faith- based community will be taught best practices and procedures,
history, and an in-depth look into our community policing efforts
Providence, RI- Providence Police announce the kick-off of a collaborative effort
between law enforcement and members of clergy throughout the city by starting a
faith-based civilian police academy. Members of the Providence Police Department
gathered with the selected members of the faith-based community yesterday evening
for the first of four sessions. Topics to be covered include best practices,
policies and procedures, history of policing and use-of-force. Participants will
also learn more about the Office of Professional Responsibility (O.P.R), whose
officers are accountable for the investigation of complaints brought before police
officers. Learning about the O.P.R will enable the group to better understand the
police complaint process and bring that information back to inform their
parishioners. This program is an extension of our Community Policing model, which
will also be a highlighted portion of the training. This program will be condensed
into three classroom sessions and a ride-along before graduation.
Providence Police recently held their first ever Citizens Police Academy in 2016,
which proved to be extremely successful for both police and the community by
strengthening and enhancing relationships. Participants were given a better
understanding of the workings of law enforcement while at the same time given the
opportunity to offer feedback for how we can improve going forward.
«As we begin the New Year, we will continue to work hand-in-hand with the members of
clergy to build and maintain relationships and a sense of trust,» said Colonel
Clements. «It is crucial in today’s society that the line of communication is open
between the community and police and this faith-based civilian academy serves as a
great resource to do so.»
This group of 17 clergy members was selected by Colonel Clements and Reverend Israel
Mercedes, Executive Director of Multi-Service Center for All, Inc. This will be the
first in a series of trainings that will target specific denominations. The long-
term goal is to have every denomination and faith from our city be represented
through a civilian police academy, to better bridge the gap between the community
and the police.