Release: BLM RI PAC reacts to Officer Dolan's cell video, calls for repeal of LEOBoR in upcoming legislative lession
"BLM RI PAC firmly believes that the actions of Officer Dolan, as seen in the video, are not only unacceptable but also emblematic of a larger systemic issue regarding accountability within the law e"
Updated September 15, 2023:
BLM RI PAC Reacts to Officer Dolan's Cell Video, Calls for Repeal of LEOBoR in Upcoming Legislative Session
The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee (BLM RI PAC) is deeply concerned by the recent Coventry jail cell video footage featuring disgraced Pawtucket Police Officer Dylan Dolan. In the video, Officer Dolan can be heard making disturbing threats to "shoot" police officers, while using homophobic slurs, solidifying significant concerns about his mental state and fitness to serve in a law enforcement capacity.
LaJuan Allen, current board member and former Director of Policy and Partnerships for Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, stated that “BLM RI PAC has learned that Dolan is attending rehab for an undisclosed amount of time, delaying his Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) hearings thus allowing him to continue to collect a paycheck from the City of Pawtucket, placing additional burdens on taxpayers and consequently dismantling trust between local law enforcement and city residents.”
In cases like Officer Dolans’, where there is significant evidence of threatening behavior and concerns about an officer's mental state, the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights hinders accountability, strips power away from Police Chiefs, and undermines public trust. States like Maryland, pioneers in implementing LEOBoR, have subsequently repealed the law due to ineffective reforms similar to the proposed legislation that was approved in the Rhode Island State Senate. The repeal of LEOBoR would promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in the handling of such cases.
BLM RI PAC firmly believes that the actions of Officer Dolan, as seen in the video, are not only unacceptable but also emblematic of a larger systemic issue regarding accountability within the law enforcement community. We remain committed to working collaboratively with community organizations, legislators, and law enforcement agencies to bring about the necessary changes in the system and to ensure the safety and well-being of all Rhode Island residents.
September 8, 2023
A press release from the Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC [BLM RI PAC]:
BLM RI PAC expresses deep concern about Pawtucket Police Officer Daniel Dolan's recent arrest and ongoing involvement in legal proceedings. Dolan was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence after being pulled over in the town of Coventry. Court records say he was cited for refusing to submit to a chemical test, committing multiple laned roadway violations, as well as threatening the life of another police officer.
In light of recent news, BLM RI PAC remains extremely frustrated by a delay in his LEOBOR [Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights] trial, during which Dolan will remain on paid leave, wasting taxpayer dollars and causing community distress. As a result, an officer unfit for duty is on the payroll due to a law that only 14 states have: LEOBOR, which protects his job while he continues to prove publicly that he is unfit for duty.
Considering these circumstances, the continued employment of Officer Dolan by the city of Pawtucket is a significant source of concern for public safety. It is disheartening that Officer Dolan's LEOBOR trial, scheduled to begin the week of September 11th, has once again been postponed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his case and overall employment.
State Senator Tiara Mack (Democrat, District 6, Providence) and State Representative Jennifer Stewart (Democrat, District 59, Pawtucket), the legislators behind the bill seeking to repeal LEOBOR, have issued the following remarks:
"Too often, we are reminded of why we need to repeal LEOBOR in Rhode Island,” said Senator Mack. “Rhode Island is the only state in New England to have this bill and one of 14 states in the entire nation. Once an officer proves that they are unfit for service in our communities, they should not be allowed to remain employed at taxpayer expense. We need to think about the message that sends to our communities and the young people who look up to these leaders for safety.”
“What examples are we showing the next generation when officers like Dolan go unpunished? What values are we showing Pawtucket residents for how their tax dollars are spent? It’s time Rhode Island has a serious conversation about what it means to have accountability in every office, for every leader, and for every community,” said Representative Stewart. “This is not about anti-police sentiment; this is about being pro-people, pro-community, and holding every leader accountable to safety in all communities across Rhode Island equally.”
BLM RI PAC calls for the repeal of the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBOR), citing its role in fostering a culture of impunity, lack of accountability, and delay of critical action against law enforcement misconduct. We urge Rhode Island lawmakers and officials to replace LEOBOR with a system prioritizing transparency, efficient accountability, and community safety consistent with the majority of the country.
The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC (BLM RI PAC) is a political action committee created by young people of color in Rhode Island with the belief that representation is the best way for the government to serve the interests of its people. Right now, people of color are underrepresented across the state. BLM RI PAC seeks to change this by training, recruiting, supporting, and electing young people and people of color to offices up and down the ballot.