PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The arrests of three Providence police officers on drug charges are the latest problems for a department trying to overcome a cheating scandal and other problems under a former chief.
The officers, including a narcotics detective and a former driver for the mayor, were charged last week with participating in a cocaine ring. They have been suspended without pay.
Additionally, an officer is awaiting trial on a rape charge and another has been indicted for allegedly beating a man with a flashlight.
Chief Dean Esserman inherited a troubled police force when he arrived in 2003 and pledged to reform the department. His predecessor, Urbano Prignano (prig-NAHN'-oh), had admitted helping officers cheat on promotional exams.
Providence Mayor David Cicilline (sis-uh-LEE'-nee) has said the arrests shouldn't tarnish the entire department.
