Do you agree with the positive assessment of Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman given by the Taveras administration?

By PBN Staff

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare praised the job that Police Chief Dean Esserman has done since being appointed to head the embattled department in 2003 by former Mayor David N. Cicilline.

Thus, despite having suspended Esserman in February for conduct that he felt was unprofessional, Pare, who conducted a review of the department at Taveras’ behest, is recommending that Esserman be retained on the job (his contract with the city expired in January).

There is no question that Esserman has created a nationally recognized community policing model and reduced crime. But his brusque manner has alienated many in the rank and file, as well as some of the old political order. Is the positive assessment given Esserman by Pare and Taveras deserved?