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Lackadaisical Policing in Providence
I am a small woman who lives in Providence. All 100 pounds of me is scared to walk from my car to the door of my apt. building sometimes. Occasionally, I scoot around the block or to the closest block in an effort to have an officer watch me walk to my door, since it's a bit dark where I park my car and possible mishaps can be eliminated by asking for this minor favor.
I say favor, but our tax dollars pay for that to be their job. Unfortunately, I have had a recent incident where it took Providence Police ONE HOUR to respond to my call.
As I expressed my frustration, the officer who responded (in a less than prompt fashion) proceeded to get very defensive with me. She phoned other officers to show up, since all 100 lbs of me must be so intimidating, and there I was- all of a sudden 5 mintutes later 2 cops come popping out of the woodwork, talk about favoring phone calls vs inadequate response times.
After I was surrounded by 3 cop cars, the 2 male officers proceeded to assure me that I was fine and watched me walk to my door. Although it ended well, must the first responded be so defensive after responding an hour later- whatever I was complaining about could have harmed me and left me long before she got there had I gotten the nerve to get out of my car alone in that dark ally.
Providence Police are too lackadaisical, as this is not the first time they have taken their sweet time responding to my calls ...I don't live in the best area.
Alyssa
Posted at September 6, 2007 01:57 PM
Alyssa, I'm not at all surprised at your experience with the Providence police. It sounds as if as soon as you expressed frustration with the police response the officer called for back-up, and before you knew it you were "surrounded by 3 cop cars". They probably were trying to intimidate you that way. That seems to be their MO. at least some of them.
It seems to be against the law in Providence (at least in Police officer's minds) to tell a police officer that you don't approve of the way they do their job.
They will make something up like "disorderly conduct" or "interfering with police business" and arrest you if you speak up for your rights.
For a similar tale of 'Police Gone Bad" click this link RIFuture.org.
There's a story told by a small woman of about your stature who had a similar but more harrowing experience a few weeks ago.
Complain to the Mayor and the Chief: the more they hear the quicker it will change.
Posted by: John at September 12, 2007 08:36 PM