Keeping Providence Safe

Mayors are on the frontlines of addressing crime in our cities - managing police departments, shaping local policy, working with community organizations, and talking with victims' families and loved ones. There is no responsibility Brett takes more seriously than keeping Providence safe, and that is why he has made public safety a top priority for his administration. From investing in three new police academies over just three years, to focusing on community policing, to strengthening the trust and relationships between officers and the people they serve, Brett’s actions have undoubtedly made Providence safer.

Last year, prior to the tragic shooting at Brown University, the City of Providence had just two homicides, one of which was ruled an act of self-defense. In fact, since Brett took office, Providence achieved the lowest level of violent crime since the City began collecting this data in 1990, including:

  • 34% decrease in all violent crime

  • 44% decrease in sexual offenses

  • 48% decrease in robberies

  • 26% decrease in aggravated assaults

  • 40% decrease in property crimes

  • 67% decrease in motor vehicle-involved larceny

  • Over 1,200 illegal firearms seized

Brett’s focus on public safety has yielded results, but even one violent crime is one too many. Brett won't rest until everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Providence knows they are safe, and every mayor in this country - Democrat and Republican - feels the same way. That’s why Brett is also proud to serve as Vice Chair of the Mayors and Police Chiefs Task Force for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, where he shares what is working in Providence with leaders from across the country and brings their insights and best practices back to our Capital City.

In addition to addressing violent crime, Brett has focused the efforts of the Providence Police Department on issues that impact quality-of-life. Prior to taking office, ATVs were rampant on Providence streets, endangering residents and disrupting neighborhoods with constant noise. During the first year of Brett’s administration, he swiftly cracked down on this nuisance and seized hundreds of these illegal vehicles, restoring calm to our neighborhoods.

Brett also understands that not every 911 call requires a response from an armed officer, and while he has focused the efforts of the Providence Police Department on addressing violent crime, he has also established a Behavioral Health Crisis Response Program along with a new EMS bicycle unit, putting trained health care workers on the ground in our neighborhoods to respond to drug overdoses, mental health crises, and other health emergencies.

Brett understands that the best way to prevent crime, improve quality-of-life, and support our local economy is through immediate and significant investments in opportunities for youth-employment, recreation, and education. The City has established strong partnerships with organizations like Family Service of Rhode Island, the Nonviolence Institute, and other community-based organizations. By increasing and expanding partnerships like these with a prevention-first policy and health-based approach, Providence can continue to reduce violence in our community and better support our youth and families.