Providence Police clarify protocol following TikTok influencer’s criticism of car break-in response

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — After multiple drivers found their car windows smashed in Providence last week, a local TikTok influencer is seeking justice.

Narragansett resident Chelsea Dalman came to Providence last week to meet an old friend, and left with a shattered car window.

“It was a shock,” Dalman said. “Because I parked in that spot hundreds of times before, I lived on South Main a block down.”

Dalman said nothing was stolen, but she was still left to clean up the mess.

She said she called police and was surprised to learn an officer would not respond, unless $1,500 worth of items were stolen from the vehicle.

Dalman said she was told over the phone to file a claim online, and other residents posted similar stories on social media.

ABC6 asked Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez what the policy is for this type of situation.

“I can tell you that when calls come in, people are given choices to report on how they want to report it,” Perez said. “Some people report it online, some people request an officer. I’ll tell you that if you ask for it, a police officer will come.”

Perez said he was not sure what specifically happened in Dalman’s case.

“That’s something that we have had to look into,” he said.

Perez said crime is down in the city this year overall, touting the city’s proactive policing.

Dalman said she’s dealing with insurance to pay for her broken window.

“I think people keep doing it because they’re getting away with it,” Dalman said. “If you fear that there will be a consequence for your actions, maybe you’d think twice before busting in somebody’s window.”

Perez said anyone who is upset with how Providence Police handled a situation should contact the department’s professional standards office.