by Doug MacGunnigle, WPRO News
Governor Gina Raimondo confirmed Thursday that she is considering splitting the duties of State Police Colonel and Public Safety Commissioner into two separate positions. In an interview with WPRO’s Gene Valicenti the Governor said “That’s the way most states do it. I think for good governance, it’s probably the right way to do it, so we are looking at that.”
The top spot at the Rhode Island State Police has been vacant since Col Steven O’Donnell retired last month. Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Barry has been serving as Colonel on an interim basis.
“I am looking hard at it. I’m trying to figure out if it’s the right path,” Raimondo said. Both Massachusetts and Connecticut have separate positions for Colonel and Public Safety Commissioner.
When asked if she was considering a woman for either position, Raimondo told Valicenti that “I’m going to put the best person I can find in both jobs, regardless of what they look like. I need the most qualified person who’s going to keep the people of Rhode Island safe.”
Governor Raimondo also touched on several other areas during her monthly visit to WPRO, including the 6/10 connector, problems at DHS, last night’s presidential debate, 38 Studios, and more. Listen to the full conversation below:
