Investigation Launched by EP Police Into Protester’s Breast-Grabbing Claim

Saturday, March 04, 2017

GoLocalProv News Team and Kate Nagle

 

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The East Providence Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into the conduct of one of its officers, after a video taken of the arrest of Beth Murphy Ward at a community forum at East Providence High School in February shows Ward claiming that a police officer grabbed her breast before arresting her. 

See the Video HERE

East Providence Police Chief Christopher Parella spoke with GoLocal about the steps the department is taking, since Ward was arrested -- and the video surfaced. 

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"So as you know, there seemed to be two components," said Parella. "It was originally an arrest for disorderly conduct. We're confident that was based on sound probable cause -- that has many witnesses and will follow the natural progression."

"Since the video, I have ordered an internal investigation and review," said Parella. "The video seems to be getting all the traction -- I'm going to reserve comment not to compromise the investigation."

Ward's lawyer previously told GoLocal on Wednesday that she does not believe there were grounds for arrest. 

Chief on Record

"That video is edited in length and one small piece of an entire investigation. And I am aware it doesn't look good," said Parella. "But the review process is comprehensive and objective and again, I reserve comment until then. I will say that we stand behind our officers and I'll wait until the review is completed."

"The East Providence police maintain the highest standards of behavior -- and I don't think there's anyone who puts more accountability on the actions of our officers that I do," said Parella. "I ask that people have faith in the East Providence police and know we're holding our people accountable and not to pass judgment until the review is completed."

Parella said that he could not predict the length of time the investigation will take. 

"I can't tell you a time frame. We do have two supervisor ranking Internal Affairs officers, who do nothing but these things," said Parella. "We are open and transparent and we'll answer the questions."

Supporters Planning Event for Ward

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Supporters of Ward have planned to turn out in her support at her upcoming court appearance. 

An event has been posted to Facebook, "Support Beth Murphy Ward - falsely arrested and assaulted" for her upcoming court appearance in Providence on March 15. 

Beth Murphy Ward will be arraigned for her arrest for "disorderly conduct" at the recent East Providence Town Hall where she was voicing her opinion about the using of Rule 19 to silence Senator Elizabeth Warren SO THAT words written by Coretta Scott King telling why Jeff Sessions should not be confirmed would not be heard. 

We believe women of strong moral character and conviction should not be silenced and disgraced since they are champions of people and the communities in which they live.

Instead, they should be called out as the heroines and servants of the public good that they are.

If we allow this crude and disgusting behavior in security and law enforcement and the general public perception - that women should be quiet and know their place or suffer the consequences - we condone it and allow more and more such offenses in the future to take place [to anyone].

One of the event organizers, Jessica Strensrud, said the following on Friday.

"One man posted on Facebook, 'I hope they fine her thousands!'  What damage or injury did she cause? Another crudely defended the assaulter, 'Of course he was trying to grab her elbow! Who would grope that old flapjack?' Another 'I wouldn't come within 10 feet of her!' I also was verbally attacked by trolls," said Strunsrud. "If a woman defends another woman's right to speak out, then the defender is suspect by association."

"This incident and the peripheral environment are showing that women have a lot more to deal with than glass ceilings and unequal playing fields," said Strensrud.

 

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