Editorial

As chief departs, questions remain

Posted 3/19/14

For several weeks, the controversy surrounding the Cranston Police Department has been largely quiet, with no new developments emerging as Rhode Island State Police continue to both probe allegations …

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Editorial

As chief departs, questions remain

Posted

For several weeks, the controversy surrounding the Cranston Police Department has been largely quiet, with no new developments emerging as Rhode Island State Police continue to both probe allegations of retaliatory ticketing and conduct a more extensive review of the city’s force.

That has changed this week with the sudden announcement that Marco Palombo Jr., who has served as chief of police since 2009 and was placed on paid administrative leave in January, was reinstated by Mayor Allan Fung on St. Patrick’s Day for the sole purpose of retiring effective immediately.

Fung, in announcing the move, called Palombo’s stepping down “the right thing to do,” and said the time has come for “new leadership” in the department.

Palombo, in his statement, said he has “accomplished the professional goals I set for myself and the department when I was appointed,” and is moving on to pursue “new opportunities” he had been considering for some time. He cited numerous accomplishments during his nearly three decades in law enforcement and tenure as chief, most notably the Cranston department’s 2012 national accreditation.

“These achievements are a direct result of the dedicated work of the men and women of the Cranston Police Department,” Palombo said. “I have had the great honor to serve with these courageous and compassionate professionals for nearly three decades and that distinction is a reward unto itself.”

The police department’s personnel deserve that praise, as recent high-profile cases, including arrests made during a heroin bust and the apprehension of a murder suspect, demonstrate that their efforts to keep the city safe have continued unabated throughout the recent controversies.

What’s less clear is how, when and how fully the lingering uncertainty will be lifted. The Cranston department remains under the command of State Police Capt. Kevin Barry as a search for a new chief is conducted, and the mayor in his statement on Palombo’s departure said both the ticketing probe and department review are ongoing.

Palombo’s departure comes at a clear crossroads for Cranston’s police, and for the community they serve. The mayor’s January request that state police step in – and conduct the comprehensive review of operations and other matters – points to issues that either emerged or became more pressing in the weeks after the ticketing allegations became public.

As local law enforcement deserves our thanks for performing a vital service – and for doing so with courage and success – the community deserves more clarity regarding what has led to the events of the last three months. As state police continue their work, we hope that answers will be provided.

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