UPDATED: Providence FOP Calls for Batista’s Removal After He Releases Video of Hanley
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
On Tuesday afternoon, Jose Batista, the Director of the Providence External Review Authority (PERA), released video of indicted Providence Police Seargent Joseph Hanley who was involved in an incident with a detained Providence resident in April.
Hanley has been charged in the incident.
Now, the Providence Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3 is calling for Batista to be fired from his position for unilaterally deciding to release the video, after the PERA board voted not to release.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSee the story here - watch the video below.
The FOP has not defended Hanley's actions.
Attorney General Peter Neronha has repeatedly refused to release the video.
FOP Statement:
The public release of the Joe Hanley video by the Executive Director of PERA, Jose Batista, clearly demonstrates how PERA, by and through its Executive Director and its Board, fails to act as and remain a neutral, independent review board of Providence Police conduct.
Upon information and belief, despite the fact that the PERA board specifically voted NOT to release the video to the public due to the pending case on the matter, Executive Director Batista disobeyed and violated his Board’s vote and directive and insubordinately decided to release the video himself.
The PERA Board, which was formed to independently and fairly review complaints and potential cases of alleged office misconduct and submit its recommendations to the Police Chief’s office for consideration of discipline, has now shown by the actions of its Executive Director Batista that it has a clear agenda to disregard their mission of oversight and review.
PERA has now clearly shown that they want to act as the judge, jury, and disciplinarian in cases involving Providence Police Officers, and has also repeated shown disregard for following proper legal protocols; especially now in a case that is pending in State Court and not fully adjudicated as of this date.
The release of this video will now undoubtedly not only impede the ability of the Police Officer to receive a fair and impartial trial, but may impede the ability of the complainant to have his complaint properly adjudicated.
Mr. Batista has clearly overstepped and violated his duties and role as the Executive Director of PERA, and should be immediately removed from his position.
This story was first published 11/10/20 6:01 PM