Smiley Names Perez Providence Police Chief
Friday, February 10, 2023
Deputy Chief Oscar Perez (pictured) will be the city's next Chief. PHOTO: Richard McCaffrey for GoLocal
Smiley made the announcement at 10 AM on Friday at Providence City Hall.
The move comes after a process that Smiley had said was intended to be open and transparent, but started with an email survey sent to just 600 residents and non-residents; was marked by a private dinner with a favored candidate, and a "community" forum — that did not allow the public to ask questions of the candidates on the state.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOn Thursday, revelations of embellishment of one candidate’s record — Major Kevin Lanni — were uncovered by GoLocal.
About Perez
Perez has been a member of the Providence Police Department for 29 years, beginning as a Patrol Officer, most recently serving as Commander of the Providence Police Department, where he oversees daily operations and administration of all police services and functions of PPD.
In his tenure, Perez developed the PPD’s Community Relations Bureau, implemented a department-wide community policing bureau policy and spearheaded several police community relations initiatives.
Perez immigrated to Providence at the age of 13, went to Providence Public Schools through high school and currently resides in North Providence.
