Providence considering whether nightclub guards be armed

March 16, 2016 6:26 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – As Providence tackles crime in the nightclub scene, at least one venue wants its bouncers to be armed, sparking a security debate.

"It just wouldn’t make sense,” said David Caruso of Strategic Security Group. His company provides security detail for many local clubs, including 10 in Providence. He believes there are safer alternatives than arming bouncers.

"When you start putting guns or lethal weapons inside a nightclub with people that are drinking, even if you never pull that gun out…there’s a chance that somebody could reach in and pull that gun out,” Caruso said. “Now you’ve got a whole other problem."

The Board of Licenses is looking into whether to allow armed bouncers after Ada’s Creations in Elmwood requested it as a security option, if the board approves its request for an entertainment license. The owner would not comment.

Locals had mixed opinions on this, but the majority are against the idea. "A lot of the times, things are very crazy [in clubs], they’re crowded, and you don’t anyone to make the wrong call," explained Khody Nokeo of Providence.

The Board of Licenses is turning to police for advice. Major Lapatin wouldn’t give an official opinion, saying officers are still going over the pros and cons. But what he is against is the club’s request for hiring a security group with capabilities of an armed roving patrol for emergencies. "We don’t need someone driving fast on our roads,” he explained. “We don’t need people pulling out of their car with guns in their hands or just pulling out into the crowd. It just doesn’t work for us."

Police will get back to the Board of Licenses in the next few weeks with a decision, then it will be up to the board to decide from there.