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You Paid For It! Providence Police Take-Home Cars

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Bryan Monaghan

Story Created: May 2, 2008 at 12:19 AM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 30, 2008 at 11:55 AM EDT

Right now, gas prices are hurting everyone who has to fill up. But, there's a large group of Providence Police officers who are taking their work cars home with them, filling up on taxpayer's money. Some of these officers are driving 30, 40, even 80 miles home each day with their department-issued cars.

ABC 6 News Chief Reporter Jim Hummel talks about the department's privileges with Police Chief Dean Esserman, in another You Paid For It! investigation.

View Oldest Comments First

Wednesday, Jun 18 at 10:02 PM Mike, Warwick wrote ...

Let me tell you this, if you actually think that that Major only "stopped in to see someone" at that bar, you're naive!! Also, Esserman is a complete liar and an idiot!! He lets his ranking officers take home cars that use unleaded gas ($4/gallon), but makes his patrol officers (non-ranking) use battery powered scooters??? Mine as well make them wear pink helmets too. What an embarrassment Essarman is to Providence and Police Cheifs everywhere!!Just shows that bosses take care of themselves.

Saturday, Jun 7 at 12:28 PM Ned wrote ...

Maybe Dave in Bristol was terrified by a clown when he was a baby. Now he has difficulty maintaining his water level. There are people who can help Dave, don' t worry.

Thursday, Jun 5 at 12:24 PM Larry in Providence wrote ...

Thanks to DAVE IN BRISTOL for his expertise and full knowledge of "how it all works" Dave seems to have a way with words. I bet he's everyones favorite. Thanks Dave !

Wednesday, Jun 4 at 4:07 PM Dave in Bristol wrote ...

These men ARE NOT first responders! The guys on the streets are. On top of that, there are Lt's in charge of each district and Sgt's on the road at all times. NO NEED FOR THESE CLOWNS TO HAVE CARS!

Friday, May 30 at 2:27 PM Greg wrote ...

You make me laugh you act like convetry is so far away it is not you can go to conventry to providence in less than 20 minutes with out speeding. I dont have a beefe with him I do with the guy from ct. no way is he going to get back to the city on time. less face it ri is not that big of a state its only 36 cities and towns. And yet I have to go way over there? try living in mass ct or nh.

Thursday, May 29 at 11:48 PM I think the real stinging issue here... wrote ...

Is the fact that officers who do NOT live in Providence are bringing their department issued cars home. I agree that there should be officers on 24 hour call with take-home cars but I disagree with the idea that a cop who lives in COVENTRY should be allowed to bring his unit home! Never mind the cop who lives in CONNECTICUT!!! These guys will never make it to an emergency in Providence within a reasonable amount of time! The police chief does not have the good of his city in mind here!

Thursday, May 29 at 10:05 PM Mark-Providence wrote ...

I think it is rediculous. Come on now I would love to see why taxpayers should have to pay over 110k for one person. No one can see the problem here? As far as putting these officers at risk because of this story that in itself is a joke. Like many have said this is the internet age and anyone who wanted to know where the officer that arrested them or gave them a ticket lives I'm sure they will find it. Employee listings right on the PPD website and the beauty of superpages, whitepages, etc

Friday, May 23 at 8:43 AM LARRY FROM PROVIDENCE wrote ...

UTAH COP : Your comment sucked ! It doesn't help us out at all. Your giving people the totally wrong impression of law inforcement intention. You added fuel to the stereotype of law inforcement. It's not all about TICKETS and MONEY FOR THE CITY you dope ! I can't believe you posted that comment, you should have let your mother proof read it for you first. You did nothing but aggravate the relationship between law inforcement and the community with that stupid post. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !

Friday, May 23 at 5:49 AM Utah Cop wrote ...

I can tell you what people, if they take away police take home cars, you wont get faster response time. The officers will be mad and you wont get the service that you really deserve. Thats the truth. We put our lives on the line everyday we go to work while you sit at home watching tv, yet you complain about a little bit of taxes going up. If they take my car away from me, that equals less tickets and money for the city because most officers will do a crappy job for the city.

Thursday, May 22 at 10:54 AM ROB IN LINCOLN wrote ...

Once again I have to go with Larry in Providence (He should have his own column) That guy Doug sounds like a real Jerk, no class, and even less intellegence.

Wednesday, May 21 at 2:01 PM LARRY FROM PROVIDENCE wrote ...

ONE COMMENT TO BE MADE; DOUG'S ENTRY FROM MAY 14th. DOUG IS OBVIOUSLY YOUR TYPICAL BIG MOUTH KNUCKLE HEAD WHO MUST HAVE GOT A PARKING TICKET ONCE. SO MUCH HOSTILITY THERE DOUGY, I BET HIS ENTRY IS THE BRAVEST, PROUDEST MOMENT OF HIS LIFE...HE WAS HEARD ! GOOD GOING DOUG. YOU SHOWED YOUR TRUE LEVEL OF EDUCATION WITH THAT ENTRY. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. GOOF !

Wednesday, May 21 at 12:28 PM MD wrote ...

Police Officers put their life on the line each and every day they report to work. Not to mention..PROVIDENCE..the most shootings happen in this city. So for those people whom have time to complain are either jealous or just taking advantage of the system. Police Officers earned their spot. As far as I am concerned, you couldn't pay me enough to work as a Police Officer in any city, let alone, Providence!

Wednesday, May 21 at 2:50 AM FRIV ELOUSE wrote ...

What about the 200 take home cars at the RISP? I know, specialised units, On-Call 24/7 and the occasional incident on the way to the barracks.... That's BS! Plenty of Towns and Cities have special units. They get a phone call go to their station in their own vehicle. So I ask, is it in their Union Contract? Something for the next Governor to look at during negotiations for their next contract. Why isn't the RISP being talked about? What is their gas bill per month? WE'RE PAYING FOR IT!!!!

Tuesday, May 20 at 5:53 PM Gilbert Of Philadelphia, PA wrote ...

Man "O Man, I wish I could find a company that will let me use a company Vehicle including Gas that I don't had to pay for,. I be all over the places. Some peoples have all the luck unworthily.

Thursday, May 15 at 8:49 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I work for the State and I'm on-call 24/7 every other week. I am required to report to work during emergencies. All this additional work and I don't have a Department vehicle. On the plus side of this story, it's nice to see a manger support his people instead of throwing them under the bus. That wouldn't happen in my department.

Wednesday, May 14 at 11:19 AM Doug wrote ...

if you live in Providence, fine..ok take a car home. BUT if live past city lines...come on??? What's an OFF DUTY pig going to do????? You are out of jurisdiction, there's NO WAY you can make to a scene in reasonable amount of time in SAFE fashion. The only danger these cops face is cholesterol, the job is a joke. It's amazing how many stupid people can reside in one state. When are Rhode Island taxpayers going to wake up???!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, May 10 at 6:24 PM Fallowing officers home... wrote ...

I apologies in advance for being blunt here. But your all over reacting over this reporters actions. Anyone who can access online yellow pages ( which is--tada! EVERYONE!) Can find out where anyone lives based completely on that person name. Anyone who can access the police web site. ( Again...that means EVERYONE!) can get these officers names. In short...anyone can find these cops. All someone has to look for is a cop car parked in someones driveway.

Friday, May 9 at 4:58 PM joe wrote ...

ABC 6, You should be ashamed of yourself for putting city officers at risk by following them home, mentenoning their names, showing pictures of their homes, and reporting the towns that the live in. Absolutely shameful. Joe- Providence

Wednesday, May 7 at 7:04 AM Fred Smith wrote ...

I agree, this story put these officers at risk. Showing the geographical area combined with the internet can be a deadly combination. I glad for once in Esserman career, he did the right thing by supporting his men. The economy is bad and people need someone to complain about!! Why not complain about what a terrible job our governor is doing intead.

Tuesday, May 6 at 10:43 AM I drive a company vehicle... wrote ...

I work for a company that has a fleet of "bucket trucks" As a perk I can take it home when I agree to be on 24 hour call and I even get a company gas card. But, my mileage is logged and my gas card is only compensated for those miles I drive during work hours. That includes a 5 mile limit on commuting compensation. I think that would be a happy medium for the providence police here.

Monday, May 5 at 10:54 AM Bryce Leinan wrote ...

I'm a Native Nevadan and out here pretty much all the cops in the rural counties take their cars home. Guess what? It doesn't take all that long for police response to an incident as a result of the officers having their cars at home vs. having to drive to a substation that may be up to 60 miles away from their home. These officers will probably assist in any major incident that may happen in the areas that they live in and having take home cars is more of an asset than a liablity.

Monday, May 5 at 10:52 AM Steve, former Prov. resident wrote ...

As a retired Marine, I wish I had the pay and perks they get. Oh, well. What's good for the goose is not always good for the gander, huh.

Monday, May 5 at 5:37 AM jack doe wrote ...

I am sure those news channel 6 reporters arent getting reimbursed gas and using a company vehicle in pursuit of their "top leads or investigations". Whats the difference if a detective does it? Most television networks and stations receive federal funds. So in effect they are bought and paid for by tax payers as well. How about all those fat reporters for your news station take a bus or walk instead of touting around in brand new ford explorers and big econoline vans. Give me a break!

Sunday, May 4 at 11:46 PM People People wrote ...

If these cops were walking to work 50 miles each way, you'd still find something to complain about. I'm so tired of hearing people complain about cops' salaries & such. You go out & be a target 24/7, making the sacrifices cops make. As far as I'm concerned, they've earned a right to take their cars home.

Sunday, May 4 at 2:42 PM Craig Turner wrote ...

Where we previously lived (in Massachusetts) residency requirements were common policy. Any municipal employee (i.e., paid by town taxpayer dollars) could live no further than 10 miles from the town line, which was a condition of employment. High ranking municipal employees (department heads) were required to reside in the town. It always seemed a reasonable an fair approach. Craig Turner - Narragansett

Sunday, May 4 at 8:58 AM steve wrote ...

And, "another tax payer in Coventry", want to save money on tax dollar, don't call the police when someone violates you/property and that way more gas will be saved by not coming to your house.

Sunday, May 4 at 8:55 AM steve wrote ...

Richard, you obviously have never worn a uniform and walked in the shoes of a cop.

Sunday, May 4 at 7:50 AM Jack Murray Scituate wrote ...

I have no problem with the bosses takeing cars home. What bothers me is why detectives who are the only people really on call for major crimes use their own vehicles ,I never saw at 4:00a.m. a district Lt.at a Homicide on Christmas. Being a retired detective in providence of 30 years I along with most officers have NEVER had a take home car.Chief Esserman can I have a speed pass for all the gas I used over the years.Oh by the way those who fought for residency can we please live in Rhode Island.

Saturday, May 3 at 10:01 PM anonymous wrote wrote ...

Ifound this story very disturbing. I personally know one of the above police officer mentioned, and cant believe you would put him and his wonderful family in jeopardy by showing where he lives on television. I AM ASHAMED OF YOU. THIS MAN WORKS DAY AND NIGHT TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF PROVIDENCE AND MAKE THE CITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. I WISH THERE WERE MORE MEN LIKE HIM IN THIS WORLD. HE DESERVES EVERY PERK THE CITY CAN GIVE HIM. I SURE YOU WOULD NEVER LIKE TO SWITCH PLACES WITH HIM ON A FRIDAY

Saturday, May 3 at 3:11 PM richard wrote ...

GIVE ME A BREAK from all of these people who say the cops are in danger because of this story. it showed one guy (whose name and substation are on the PD website) and the cars of two others, but no faces. In this age of the internet, you don't think if somebody really wants to find these guys they could?. they're not undercover cops - they're uniformed lieutenants. do you see the type of stories hummel does? i think he's got more to worry about in terms of people coming after him than these cops

Saturday, May 3 at 8:30 AM another tax payer in coventry wrote ...

I'm glad you're bringing stories like this into the light. I just hope you continue to follow up on this one to see if there is any change. After all it should be up to the tax payers not the cheif of police to authorize such a waste of our money.

Saturday, May 3 at 6:42 AM steve wrote ...

What is wrong with you? Is the story more important than the safety of the officer's and their familiy? You showed the neighborhoods where these officer's live? HEY, YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED THE NEWS, THERE IS CRIME IN PROVIDENCE. AND THESE OFFICER'S WHO YOUR SHOWING WHERE THEY LIVE, NOW HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE PEOPLE THEY ARREST TO KEEP YOU SAFE, COMING TO THEIR HOUSE. WHY STOP THERE? WHY DON'T YOU SHOW/VIDEO WHERE ALL THE COPS FROM RHODE ISLAND LIVE? GOOD JOB

Saturday, May 3 at 12:46 AM Candy wrote ...

Why should us as tax payers pay for their gas. I have to pay for my own gas to get myself and my husband back and forth to work they should do the same. Use our tax dollars on an issue that needs the attention. These police officers make alot of money a year more than I can dream of, then they should take the hit at the pump like the rest of us. What makes them so special to get their gas free on us tax payers. Definately not happy to see our tax money used so poorly.

Friday, May 2 at 11:21 PM My opinion... wrote ...

The state is deep in debt as it is, school budgets are being cut, special need services are being restricted, among other things. These police officers are not helping the situation AT ALL by bringing their vehicles home and expecting the state to pay for all their vehicle expenses. This is unnecessary and absurd! The state should only be responsible for those vehicles while the officer is on duty. When he is off duty, he should take care of all the vehicles expenses during that time.

Friday, May 2 at 10:01 PM Former Providence Resident wrote ...

and THIS is why I left the City Of Providence. But then again, it happens all over. Providence just got caught. Look at what a mess the state is in with all the perks that are given there, but thats another story.

Friday, May 2 at 9:48 PM Dee in Providence wrote ...

If you work for the city you should live in the city. Let all municipal employees pay for their own gas, cars and insurance. The free ride has to end we just can't afford it anymore. Raising our taxes is not the answer. Great Job Jim Hummel and Channel 6 news.

Friday, May 2 at 7:59 PM Hard Working Tax Payer wrote ...

Wow And the Mayor of Providence is raising taxes again, not only are they getting free gas but they don't have to pay for car insurance or maintenance for the vehicle. Maybe the Mayor should look at less spending in the Police Department such as the big salaries and perks, Take your own car to work like all the hard working tax payers have too. The vehicle should only be used if it is on city time... for City Business...

Friday, May 2 at 7:12 PM angelo wrote ...

Thanks for doing a great job with this newspeice, it's nice to know that you always have the working person in mind. Most definitely, with the police salaries, they should be paying for their own gas.

Friday, May 2 at 7:02 PM jack wrote ...

dirt bags should not bring cars home at tax payer exspence.

Friday, May 2 at 6:44 PM Johathan wrote ...

The state police are another issue. They have state wide arrest powers and inter state pacs for arrest. The Providence Police police Providence. Providence take home vehicles are a perk only. If they paid for the gas it wouldn't be so problematic. I hope there reporting it as a benefit on their Federal Tax returns

Friday, May 2 at 6:35 PM Judy O Block Island wrote ...

I was shocked that a station such as yours would spend the time and GAS to follow Providence Police officers around. Your coverage suggested wrong doing, when these officers are obviously working within the guidelines set by their Chief and City Council. I can't believe you disclosed officers' addresses and names, and went so far as to show their homes and cars on film. You are looking to find fault in those who risk their lives for others' safety. Save gas and let them do their jobs.

Friday, May 2 at 6:34 PM Anonymous wrote ...

What Jim failed to mention is that the cars are not just for emergencies, but for the constant attendance at meetings. Furthermore, officers with take-home cars answer telephone calls at all hours, day and night, while on vacation, for which they are never compensated. You get what you pay for. Pay New Orleans PD type wages and benefits, you will get New Orleans PD-type performance. PS: Buddy Cianci authorized far more take-home cars than Esserman as a reward to loyalist.

Friday, May 2 at 6:31 PM Lori wrote ...

Here we go again more stealing from the tax payers. where does it end the gas,food increases taxes I wish my boss would give me free gas. take your own car to work, drive the police car at work and take your own car home on your dime. If your services are that needed the tax payers will reimburse your costs. Good work abc6 I hope something positive comes of this to help the drowning taxpayers

Friday, May 2 at 6:24 PM Janice in Cranston wrote ...

I'm disgusted that you would show the homes of police officers who serve and protect every day at the risk of their lives. Their lives are worth so much more than a few tanks of gas!!! And by doing this, you put their families at risk in the process - shame on you!!!

Friday, May 2 at 6:20 PM Mary in Providence wrote ...

Are you so desperate for new that you need to attached the people who serve us day in and day out, who leave their homes and families any time of day or night when crimes are committed to keep us safe??? Who put there lives in danger each time they do?? Shame on you - find something more constructive to do..

Friday, May 2 at 6:11 PM Jay Lewis North Kingstown wrote ...

I would like to know whether these employees are paying taxes on the mileage to and from their homes. Mileage is only non-taxable from your work to the specific "required" point, and not to and from home.

Friday, May 2 at 6:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I think that it is absolutely uneccessary for certain police officers to drive unmarked police cars home. I also believe that it is ridiculous to believe that any police officer more than 50 miles away would be of any help to a crime scene! Providence should employ more officers that live in less than a 50 mile radius. Citizens who say they don't care either way would really like to see where their tax money is going!

Friday, May 2 at 6:08 PM gerald wrote ...

i agree if they live far away from city they should pay for some of there excess gas cost.but you should not be showing the police lisence plates or there homes,this could definately put them in danger of death threats or worse!you could have easily have blured out that content or left that part out of your story.no need to show there houses come on get real.

Friday, May 2 at 6:07 PM Lyn wrote ...

Any policy officer should have their own car to respond at any notice, however they should not be allowed to live outside of Providence. My father was a firefighter during the 60's and was on call at all times and had to live within the city limits which was a specific mileage away. I think that there should be a mileage limit that a car can be driven away from the station. There is no way the guy in Windsor could get back to providence for any emergency

Friday, May 2 at 5:42 PM Mark Paiva wrote ...

Im a "government" employee and I use a "government" vehicle for "work". Not to commute back and forth from home to office. I find it appalling and an absolute waste of taxpayers dollars for these police officers to use the department owned vehicles for this purpose, especially considering the salary of some of these individuals. The chief of police and the Mayor should be ashamed and have a better excuse than "I don't care". That's OUR tax dollars, and they want to raise the taxes by 3.75%.

Friday, May 2 at 5:12 PM Pat Providence wrote ...

I think when you work for thre city you should live around the city. A policeman living 85 miles away is no help to the city of Providence. If you work for a private company is doesn't matter where you live. Your salary is being paid by a private company. If you work for the City of Providence, your pay is being paid by tax payers. A person living 85 miles away, it would probably take two hours to get to a emergency. I think that the city should require city workers to live close to the city

Friday, May 2 at 4:55 PM Ed Ruizzo wrote ...

I think it's about time someone accounts for all this UNNECESSARY gas consumption.Let's dig a little deeper into the system and check out the use of cell phones while driving and excessive use, calling in sick to go to a detail. STOP WASTING OUR MONEY

Friday, May 2 at 3:10 PM Rhode Island wrote ...

i find it totally ridiculous that you found the need to find out where these police officers live and put it on the tv in order for the whole state to see, that is just crazy there was no need. the license plates for the cars can be clearly seen. The officers have their families living in that house and you find the need to put them in a risk. these officers drive there cars to work and back that is it. if they need to make a quick stop off the high ways there shouldnt be a problem

Friday, May 2 at 2:39 PM JoE JoE wrote ...

Esserman has to go! He's clueless on how to run a police department........the cop living in CT can't possible be of any value to the taxpayer when it is a 85 mile drive!

Friday, May 2 at 2:24 PM Allen wrote ...

Police officers are never truly "off duty" and, as a tax payer, I have no problem paying for them to drive their cars home. I am more concerned with the revelation that there are only 5 gas stations approved for use. Doesn't this open the door for price-fixing? Do stations bid on the police business? I am also appalled that ABC6 news filmed police officer's private homes, exposing their families to potential retributions, when the policemen in question have done nothing illegal. Shame on you.

Friday, May 2 at 12:18 PM John T wrote ...

Police who are obligated to respond to incidents from home are not off duty! as long as they arnt usedfor personel use who cares, cost of doing business however why do mayoral staffers need take home cars they dont respond anywhere in an emergency nor are they needed in an emergency!!

Friday, May 2 at 11:10 AM Joe Ouellette wrote ...

It really seems that Jim has gotten something against Esserman. Well, I would argue that he is a much better than his predecessor, Urbano Prignano, by a long shot. I used to live in one of Providence's more transitional neighborhoods. We were dealing with a fair amount of street level drug dealing. Prignano made very little progress in the area of community policing. When Esserman came in, he made a strong and concerted effort to implement CP. And it was successful, reduction in street dealing.

Friday, May 2 at 11:03 AM JoeO wrote ...

First, the real story here is the budget deficit the police department is facing not the use of police cars. The impact of your story is deadened because you're citing a few minor exceptions adding up to almost 10K. The deficit is a million dollars and all you can find on the books is 10K? Get some more data. Second, anyone who has worked for any kind of an organization, public or private, would agree that if an employee is valuable, then certain allowances or exceptions should be made.

Friday, May 2 at 10:08 AM Peg wrote ...

This happens all over New Jersey. All or most of the townships police cars are taken home and used for personal business. On OUR taxes

Friday, May 2 at 6:31 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Lets see pay for POLICE with taxes or illegal(s) I think some police officers in special jobs should have a vehicle. If it is such a big issue why is Hummel not going after state police in which case EVERY officer has his/her own vehicle?

Friday, May 2 at 1:16 AM Mike Cranston wrote ...

Why in the world would ABC 6 put photos of unmarked police cars with the license plates exposed and officers names along with where they live on the news? How dare Jim Hummel put officers and their families in danger. This story could have been done without the license plates of unmarked police cars and without the officers names, you still would have gotten your point across. Also, in case you did not know Jim, Tim White from channel 12 already did this story. Once again, channel 6 is too late.

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