EDITORIAL

Will fading ‘Ticketgate’ lift shadow over city?

Posted 4/16/14

Those seeking some kind of resolution in Cranston’s “Ticketgate” saga recently got their wish.

There are still unanswered questions, and the story isn’t likely to go away. But the recent …

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EDITORIAL

Will fading ‘Ticketgate’ lift shadow over city?

Posted

Those seeking some kind of resolution in Cranston’s “Ticketgate” saga recently got their wish.

There are still unanswered questions, and the story isn’t likely to go away. But the recent announcement that the State Police investigation is concluded – with a recommendation that Cranston Capt. Stephen Antonucci’s employment be terminated – represented a critical step in a months-long controversy that has cast a long shadow over the city.

The precise findings of the investigation, and the specific nature of the seven alleged conduct violations with which Antonucci is charged, have not been made public. The basic narrative resulting from the state police probe, however, largely aligns with how the situation initially appeared.

Following a November vote of the City Council’s Finance Committee against a new contract with the police union, officers were allegedly directed to step up the issuance of overnight parking tickets in the wards of two councilmen, Steven Stycos and Paul Archetto, who rejected the deal. Antonucci, the union’s president, allegedly gave the order to that effect while off duty.

Because the order was lawful, despite its alleged political motivation, the state police say Antonucci is the only party responsible for misconduct. The captain has been suspended, with a hearing under the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights pending.

In the days since Mayor Allan Fung and State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell announced the results of the “Ticketgate” investigation, reaction has been mixed. Many council members and others in the community have expressed regret at the severity of the recommended punishment, speaking highly of Antonucci’s record of service and advocating for a demotion or other alternative to termination. Attorneys for Antonucci and the union have been sharply critical, warning of potential legal action and making allegations of misdeeds on the part of the administration.

Most seem to agree with Fung’s plan to advocate for changes that would prevent a high-ranking member of the Police Department from also serving as leader of the union in the future, although that proposal has drawn outcry from the union’s legal representation.

The “Ticketgate” story is far from complete. Antonucci’s hearing may well result in a lesser punishment and his eventual return to the force. Other developments are always possible, if seemingly unlikely, given the amount of time spent by State Police on the investigation. Many will continue to push for a fuller public disclosure of the findings, even as council members were this week briefed behind closed doors.

The scandal’s legacy, however, seems destined to be something larger. Fung, at the press conference with O’Donnell, spoke of the search for a new chief of police and of plans to pursue structural changes within the department. It was the ticketing allegations that led to the State Police involvement and ultimately opened the door to the broader review of the department’s operations the mayor additionally sought.

The choice of a new chief will be closely watched, particularly whether the pick is an internal or external candidate. Fung, for his part, says he is keeping an open mind.

The importance of restoring the community’s trust in the police department has been a common theme throughout the last several months. That, of course, will take time, along with the right approach on the part of the leadership of the department and city.

The shadow of the recent controversies, we hope, is now largely lifted, for the sake of the community as a whole and for the overwhelming majority of law enforcement personnel who perform their jobs honorably and with great success.

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