UPDATED: Taveras Keeps Esserman
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Police Chief Dean Esserman is staying on under Mayor Angel Taveras.
The announcement was made Tuesday at a City Hall press conference where Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare unveiled his findings after a four-month review of the Police Department. Pare praised Esserman for reforming a department that had been plagued with politics, implementing community policing, and bringing $25 million in federal funds to the city.
Esserman: ‘Proud to be part of the team’
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHis report was tinged with just one not-so-subtle criticism of the chief. “As the department’s leader, the Colonel must set and exhibit the highest standards of respect, integrity, kindness, and courage,” Pare said in his report. “He must always be mindful of his interactions with the public safety group—and all constituencies—ensuring the highest level of professionalism, courtesy, and respect.”
Earlier this year, Pare suspended Esserman after a weekend incident in which he shouted at a police officer.
When asked for his reaction to the news, Esserman simply said, “I’m proud to be part of the team.”
Mayor Angel Taveras endorsed the recommendations of the report. “I thank Commissioner Pare for producing a thorough review of leadership at the Providence Police Department,” Taveras said. “I believe his analysis and recommendations set the right direction as we move forward to build on the Department’s strengths and address areas where we can improve.”
Union: ‘Disappointed’
Taft Manzotti, head of the Providence police union, expressed disappointment over the news.
“I think the majority of the men and women of the Police Department are disappointed,” Manzotti said.
During the press conference, Esserman said he improve his relationship with the rank-and-file “one day at a time.” Asked if he believed that, Manzotti replied: “We’ll see if that happens.”
He did say things have improved under Pare—and he expressed optimism that that will continue. “He’s been the buffer for us,” Manzotti said.
Other recommendations
The report made 17 recommendations for improving the Police Department, including eliminating one major position and one inspector and removing captains and lieutenants from the union. In all the recommendations were as follows:
1. Set the highest standards of conduct for respect and civility
2. Exclude Captains and Lieutenants from collective bargaining unit
3. Develop clear directives governing the process of making command staff appointments
4. Eliminate one Major position and one Inspector position, consolidate functions
5. Conduct an annual data-driven review of the personnel allocation process
6. Evaluate district system to determine effectiveness and optimal resource deployment
7. Implement best practices to improve department diversity
8. Implement an annual performance evaluation system
9. Offer expanded in-service training opportunities
10. Adopt greater uniformity in appearance for all Department personnel
11. Implement policies and procedures that will result in better care and maintenance of police vehicles
12. Limit “take home” use of police vehicles to the rank of Chief, Deputy Chief, Major, Captain and Lieutenant
13. Update the Department’s time and attendance tracking system
14. Take the necessary steps to have lifted the 1973 Federal Consent Decree
15. Implement an effective and aggressive traffic enforcement plan
16. Prioritize the completion of the CALEA national accreditation process
17. Monitor overtime-related to court duty and call-backs to ensure the most efficient use of resources
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