North Providence Town Council vote denied

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

After allegations of bullying and sexual harassment happened within the North Providence Police Department, the town council has met to discuss it.

Tuesday night the town council voted on how they should move forward.

The town council voted on whether or not they should ask Rhode Island State Police to investigate the department.

It fell short by a single vote.

The North Providence Police Department Union President Dennis Stone went in front of the town council along with other officers and town leaders pleading for that investigation.

They claim the current police chief has been using bullying tactics leading to overall dysfunction within the department.

Councilwoman Kristen Catanzaro also called for a state police-led investigation.

Mayor Charles Lombardi’s office is skeptical of the allegations and calls the whole thing political because Catanzaro is running against him.

The council ultimately voted 3 to 2 against asking for an investigation.

The town council did say they will ask Rhode Island State Police for their guidance in dealing with the department moving forward.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016