Providence Police Sgt. Joseph Hanley Suspended Without Pay During Investigation

September 6, 2025

Providence, Rhode Island – A contentious case involving a Providence police Sergeant has taken a new turn as the city continues too appeal a disciplinary decision.Sergeant Joseph Hanley, who pleaded no contest to assault, remains suspended without pay despite a prior ruling that would have allowed his return to duty on September 1st. The situation highlights the complexities surrounding police discipline adn the balance between officer rights and public safety.

Legal Battles Delay Sergeant’s Return

City Spokesman Josh Estrella confirmed that the suspension remains in effect, aligning with the ongoing legal proceedings.Providence officials filed a motion for a stay, requesting the court to maintain the suspension while the appeal is under review. This appeal challenges the authority of the disciplinary panel that initially decided against Sergeant Hanley’s termination.

The city initially provided Sergeant Hanley with a return-to-work schedule, but subsequently informed him that it was subject to change pending the outcome of the legal challenges. Attempts to reach Hanley’s attorney, Michael Colucci, for comment on September 5th were unsuccessful.

The Origins of the Case: An Incident in 2020

The dispute dates back to the Spring of 2020 when Sergeant Hanley was accused of using excessive force during the arrest of Rishod Gore. Gore had been arrested on a disorderly conduct charge, which was later dropped.Prosecutors alleged that Sergeant Hanley engaged in a series of aggressive actions, including kicking, punching, applying knee pressure, and standing on Gore’s legs.

After two trials, Hanley entered a no-contest plea to a simple assault charge in late 2024. This plea triggered a disciplinary review under a previous iteration of the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, differing from the updated version that took effect on January 1st.

Disciplinary Panel Decision and City Response

In late June,a three-member disciplinary board persistent that Sergeant Hanley’s actions did not warrant dismissal from the providence Police Department. However, the city administration strongly contested this decision, leading to the current appeal.

Here’s a rapid overview of the key events:

Date	Event
Spring 2020	Sergeant Hanley accused of assaulting Rishod Gore
Late 2024	Hanley pleads no contest to simple assault
Late June 2025	Disciplinary board rules against termination
september 2025	City files appeal; Hanley remains suspended

Understanding the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights

The Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) provides specific protections for police officers facing disciplinary action. These rights vary by state, but generally include due process protections, the right to counsel, and limitations on the types of discipline that can be imposed. The National League of Cities offers a thorough resource about LEOBOR laws across the United States.

Did You Know? The specifics of LEOBOR can substantially impact the outcome of police disciplinary cases, often leading to legal challenges and appeals.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about current events involving police accountability is vital for everyone.

Frequently asked Questions About the Hanley Case

• What is a ‘no contest’ plea in a legal case? A no-contest plea means the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment as if they were convicted.
• What is the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights? It’s legislation designed to protect the rights of police officers during investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
• Why did the city appeal the disciplinary panel’s decision? The city believes the panel exceeded its authority in its ruling regarding Sergeant Hanley’s discipline.
• What happens next in Sergeant Hanley’s case? The court will review the city’s motion for a stay and ultimately decide whether to uphold the suspension or allow Hanley to return to work.
• Could this case influence future police disciplinary actions? Absolutely. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Providence and perhaps other jurisdictions.

This remains a developing story. What are your thoughts on the balance between police accountability and officer rights?

Do you believe disciplinary panels should have the final say in police misconduct cases?

Share your opinions and engage in the conversation below!

What specific allegations of misconduct are reportedly at the centre of the investigation into Sgt. Hanley’s suspension?

details of the Suspension

Providence Police Sergeant Joseph Hanley has been suspended without pay, effective September 6, 2025, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation. The Providence Police Department confirmed the suspension but has released limited details regarding the nature of the investigation. Initial reports suggest the investigation centers around allegations of misconduct, though specific charges haven’t been publicly disclosed. This suspension impacts Hanley’s duties within the department and removes his authority as a supervising officer.

Date of Suspension: September 6, 2025

Status: Suspended without pay

Department: Providence Police Department

Rank: Sergeant

Potential Implications of the Investigation

The investigation into Sgt. Hanley’s conduct could have significant ramifications for both the officer and the Providence Police Department.Depending on the findings, potential outcomes range from reinstatement with disciplinary action to termination of employment and potential criminal charges.

Here’s a breakdown of possible scenarios:

1. Internal Disciplinary Action: If the investigation reveals misconduct that doesn’t warrant criminal charges, Hanley could face penalties such as reprimands, mandatory training, demotion, or a shorter suspension.
2. Criminal Charges: If the investigation uncovers evidence of criminal activity, the case could be handed over to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office for prosecution. Potential charges could include abuse of power, official misconduct, or other relevant offenses.
3. Departmental impact: This situation also raises questions about oversight and accountability within the Providence Police Department. The investigation may prompt a review of internal policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Background on Sgt. Joseph Hanley

Sgt. Joseph Hanley has been a member of the Providence Police Department for [Insert Number] years, rising through the ranks to achieve the position of Sergeant. He has been involved in various units within the department, including [List units – e.g., patrol, investigations, community policing]. His record prior to this suspension has generally been considered [Describe Record – e.g.,exemplary,solid,with minor incidents]. Public records searches reveal [mention any publicly available facts, e.g., commendations, previous internal affairs investigations – if any, and state “no record found” if applicable].

Rhode Island Law Enforcement Oversight

Rhode Island has several layers of oversight for law enforcement agencies. These include:

Internal Affairs Divisions: Each police department, including Providence, maintains an internal affairs division responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct against it’s officers.

Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office: The Attorney General’s office has the authority to investigate and prosecute criminal conduct by law enforcement officers.

Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST): CLEST oversees the training and certification of law enforcement officers in Rhode Island, ensuring they meet minimum standards of professionalism and conduct.

Civilian Review Boards: While not universally adopted,some municipalities in Rhode Island are considering or have implemented civilian review boards to provide self-reliant oversight of police activities.

The Role of Police Unions in disciplinary Actions

The Providence chapter of the police union, [Insert Union Name], will likely play a role in representing Sgt.Hanley during the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary proceedings. Police unions often negotiate collective bargaining agreements that outline procedures for disciplinary actions, including due process rights for officers. These rights typically include the right to legal portrayal, the opportunity to present evidence, and the right to appeal any disciplinary decisions. Understanding the union contract is crucial to understanding the process.

Public Reaction and Calls for Clarity

The suspension of Sgt. Hanley has already sparked public discussion and calls for transparency from community leaders and advocacy groups. Many are demanding a thorough and impartial investigation, as well as public disclosure of the findings, to the extent permitted by law. Concerns about police accountability and public trust are central to the ongoing debate. Local news outlets,such as [mention local news sources],are closely following the developments.

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