ACLU criticism of former Providence police chief Hugh Clements Jr. [ Does Brown University need a new more FASICIST minded man as head of Brown security ? ]

Criticism of former Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements Jr. primarily came from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island, focusing on specific cases of alleged police misconduct and the department's handling of those incidents. Specific criticisms during his tenure included: [ Minimizing Constitutional Violations: In 2019, the ACLU criticized Clements for calling a "blatant and knowing violation" of a defendant's Miranda rights a "technicality". A court had expressed "grave disapproval" that police continued to interrogate a murder suspect after she requested a lawyer. The ACLU argued that praising the officers involved sent a message that "bending the law" was acceptable and could encourage further misconduct. "Overcharging" Protestors: In 2020, the ACLU of Rhode Island blasted the department for filing felony charges against three people who threw white paint at a boarded-up Christopher Columbus statue, arguing the acts amounted to a misdemeanor vandalism charge. The ACLU called the felony charges "deeply troubling" and an "abuse of police authority". Use of Force Incidents: Clements faced general criticism from some segments of the community regarding specific use-of-force cases involving officers under his command, including one incident where he publicly defended an officer's use of force in an arrest as "justified". Internal Department Issues: While generally respected by the rank-and-file, there was an instance in 2017 where an officer was investigated for using a police database for personal reasons under Clements' command. A discrimination lawsuit by a police sergeant was also dismissed by a judge, who found no evidence of discrimination in a promotion decision made by Clements. Despite these criticisms, Clements was also widely respected by many in the community and multiple mayoral administrations, and was known for a community-oriented policing approach. He was even named "Man of the Year" by GoLocal Providence News in 2021 for his leadership and engagement with neighborhood groups. ]