WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – NAACP officials are urging Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza to appoint a black police officer to the rank of major in the Providence Police Department.
A study commissioned by the NAACP shows the highest rank held by a black officer in the city is sergeant.
James Vincent, president of the NAACP’s Providence branch, tells the Providence Journal that a high-ranking black officer would help foster community trust.
The NAACP also calls for a new community service division to oversee outreach efforts and the recruitment of police officers of color.
Vincent says the lack of diversity at the command level “jeopardizes the relatively good” relations that have developed between police and the community.
The mayor’s office did not immediately answer a request for comment Thursday morning.
