State Police in City to Boost 'Traffic Enforcement'

The Rhode Island State Police have definitely increased their presence in East Providence since last Friday, Aug. 23, in what is described as rather routine “traffic enforcement” in the city. 

And the troopers showed up without giving advance notice.

East Providence City Manager Peter Graczykowski met with the Superintendent of the State Police, Col. Steven O’Donnell, Monday morning, Aug. 26, to review the troopers’ visibility the city, he said Monday afternoon.

Graczykowski then released the following statement shortly after chatting with Patch: 

“I met with the Superintendent of State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell today to discuss what appears to be an increased presence of traffic enforcement by State Police in and around East Providence since August 23, 2013.  

“I have been informed that the level of enforcement is not unusual as compared to assistance provided to other communities in Rhode Island, and that some of the additional enforcement is related to the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend. 

“Since the State Police has state-wide jurisdiction, they do not routinely give advance notice to law enforcement or officials in a particular community where such activity occurs. 

“To the best of my knowledge, the East Providence Police Department operations continue as normal.”