UPDATED: Taveras Chooses Public Safety Commissioner
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Providence Mayor-elect Angel Taveras has appointed former State Police Col. Steven Pare as his public safety commissioner, his transition team announced late this afternoon.
Pare is a former State Police colonel who retired in 2007 and 27 years on the job. He now runs security for GTECH.
“Colonel Pare is extremely well respected in the law enforcement community not only here in Rhode Island but nationally, and internationally,” Taveras said. “As I said on the campaign trail, I am committed to the safety and well being of our City’s residents and think that the position of Public Safety Commissioner is much needed.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“I believe Colonel Pare is a great choice for Public Safety Commissioner and a true professional,” said city Councilman Michael Solomon. “I agree with the Mayor-elect that now is the right time to fill the vacancy for Providence's top public safety official and the City Council looks forward to taking up Mayor-elect Taveras’ nomination.”
Pare currently is the co-chair of the Public Safety Committee for Taveras' transition team. According to a news release, his responsibilities as public safety commissioner will encompass the following:
* Spearheading a comprehensive top-to-bottom review of the public safety departments, including the record of senior leadership and the department’s hiring, promotion, and internal affairs policies;
* Oversight of the police, fire, communications and emergency management departments;
* Participation as needed in union negotiations and grievances;
* Coordinating a city-wide public safety plan that includes the police department, the fire department, communications department and emergency responders;
* Pursuing national accreditation for all public safety departments;
* Reaching out to residents in each of the city’s 25 neighborhoods with the help of local community organizations, city councilors and police department leadership to redouble Providence’s commitment to community policing;
* Overseeing the police department’s gang violence intervention strategy by working with community groups, clergy, youth organizations, Police Athletic Leagues, local high school police academies and other stakeholders; and
* Revision of the recruitment policies of Providence’s public safety departments to ensure that the workforce represents a diverse group of individuals.
“I’ve dedicated my career to public safety in the State of Rhode Island,” Pare said. “I am honored to serve the City of Providence, and Mayor-elect Taveras, and look forward to leading the City’s outstanding public safety professionals.”
Photo credit: NBC 10
