Police, school district laud mutually beneficial collaboration between both in East Providence

Chief Parella provides safety update, hears concerns of committee members

By Mike Rego
Posted 11/15/17

EAST PROVIDENCE — A discussion on a variety of matters pertaining to the district’s buildings was included when East Providence Police Department Chief Chris Parella engaged the School Committee …

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Police, school district laud mutually beneficial collaboration between both in East Providence

Chief Parella provides safety update, hears concerns of committee members

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — A discussion on a variety of matters pertaining to the district’s buildings was included when East Providence Police Department Chief Chris Parella engaged the School Committee at the body’s meeting Tuesday night, Nov. 14, during a safety update.

“We take very seriously the safety of our children,” Chief Parella told the committee in his opening remarks, continuing “there’s nothing more important” to his department and the school district, both.

The chief noted “threats” of any nature are “ever changing,” saying he and his officers “try to evolve with those threats.” He said it is “important to have a collaborative effort” between the EPPD and the East Providence School Department as well as a “synergy” among the entities, relationships he added already exist between the parties.

Chief Parella opened up the talk to include any concerns of committee members, Ward 4 representative Jessica Beauchaine beginning with the subject of how crossing guards are posted at buildings, specifically at Waddington Elementary School located in her territory.

Ms. Beauchaine wondered if a need existed to relocate where the guard currently is situated at the start of school each morning and at dismissal in the afternoon or if if was necessary to add another guard into the mix.

Chief Parella said in spite of the variety of perils involving school children his department faces, that of pedestrian safety is “actually our biggest concern.” The chief said it should first be determined if the current safety plan is being followed, then decide if including another crossing guard would be warranted.

He urged all members of the school district — committee members, administrators, teachers, parents and students — to be involved in the process. The chief said his department looks to the schools for their recommendations, which can be included in the yearly review conducted by police.

At-Large Committeeman Joel Monteiro echoed Ms. Beauchaine’s sentiments about drop-off and pick-up times at buildings, himself adding his worry about the situation at Martin Middle School. As well, Superintendent Kathryn Crowley, likewise, requested Chief Parella soon include an evaluation of the same matter at Kent Heights Elementary School. In addition, Ward 2 representative Tony Ferreira urged the chief to have patrols monitor the often illegal parking of motorists in handicap spaces at schools throughout the district.

The superintendent also commended the efforts of the EPPD is assisting the district with its truancy oversight, saying the administration is “very grateful” for the collaboration. Chief Parella acknowledged the work of Sergeant Mark Norton, who oversees the department’s Community Policing Unit. The chief said the approach is mutually beneficial, adding it helps aids in the EPPD’s continued outreach attempts and allows officers to build positive relationships with youngsters in the city.

Chief Parella concluded his remarks by recommending the administration provide his department with an updated list of the safety concerns at the buildings throughout the district. The chief added, “We have evolved and worked on these things, but some of them persist.”

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Mike Rego

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.