Kennedy Plaza commuters call for more police after drug bust

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — After a major, undercover drug bust in Kennedy Plaza was outlined by police Thursday, commuters hope this is the first of many improvements downtown.

Mayor Brett Smiley and Colonel Oscar Perez explained the months-long operation led to 19 arrests, with 6 suspects yet to be caught.

Smiley explained, “We’re not spiking the football or anything, but I see everyone doing their part to tell a new story of downtown Providence.”

Providence residents downtown hope there are more initiatives to safeguard the area.

“Tourists coming through here must think it’s one step above hell,” said Peter, a daily commuter. “I’ve seen people right here shooting up in broad daylight. I’ve seen people doing crack in the park, and people in the park urinating.”

He explained, “My solution would be to assign a couple police officers to stay here all day long… If they see police are here, they won’t stay here.”

Carlton, another commuter added, “I’ve seen the ugliness around here… You want to make the environment calm, more peaceful, more tranquil. It’s a big difference since they’ve been down here.”