PROVIDENCE -- The public safety commissioner turned up the radio in his third-floor office as a talk-show host dissected Monday's testimony by retired Police Chief Urbano Prignano Jr.
The ex-chief had opened the fourth week of the Plunder Dome trial with reluctant testimony about giving some officers the answers to promotional exams. The fallout at the police station, and beyond, was expected: outrage and demands for redress.
Commissioner John J. Partington listened to WHJJ radio host John DePetro and shook his head. Partington had a hand in appointing Prignano as chief in 1995. Sitting across from him yesterday, also listening to the radio, was one of three men Partington is considering for chief -- interim Chief Richard T. Sullivan.
Sullivan and New Haven Asst. Police Chief Douglas MacDonald were interviewed by Partington and Mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr. last week. The third finalist, Leonard J. Supenski, was due in later yesterday afternoon.
Talking about selecting a chief, Partington's words trailed off as he listened to the radio.
Each step ahead for the Police Department -- a new chief, a new building, new recruits -- is clouded by old allegations of deal-making and corruption.
"Sullivan and I have all the faith in our police officers," Partington said. "The allegations are under an old administration."
The administration under Prignano was marked by turmoil and controversy during his five-year tenure. He retired under fire in January 2001, and Cianci immediately replaced him with Sullivan. Atty. Gen. Sheldon Whitehouse pressed the mayor to set up a search committee and cast a wide net for candidates.
After the committee came back with three finalists, Whitehouse told The Journal, "It's not business as usual."
He was right. Partington said yesterday that this selection for a new chief is different. Prignano testified that the mayor's former top aide, codefendant Frank E. Corrente, told him in a private meeting that "We want you to be chief."
But the process is slow. Partington had a vague plan but no timetable for when he would choose a chief -- except saying he would decide by the time the department moves into the new public-safety complex. That probably means next month.
Partington said he intends to check the candidates' references. He may call them back for further interviews. He said he's not waiting for the end of the Plunder Dome trial to decide.
"We're getting things done. I'm not rushing to judgment," Partington said. "This is an important time in the city of Providence, with all that's going on.'
"All that" is the Plunder Dome trial, now in its fourth week.
Speaking under a grant of immunity, Prignano testified about being chosen as chief, influence from City Hall, and his opposition to putting Joseph Maggiacomo III in the police academy. Maggiacomo's mother, Mary, testified earlier that she had paid $5,000 to codefendant Richard E. Autiello to help get her son get a job as a Providence police officer.
Prignano also testified that he had given at least two officers guides to answers to questions on promotional exams. He called it a "dark day" in his 34-year career.
"That was a shocker," Partington said yesterday. "That's left such an impact on this department, oh my God . . ."
The Fraternal Order of Police is demanding that the pension board revoke Prignano's pension for "dishonorable service." Among the rank-and-file is talk about having the state police or attorney general's office oversee the police administration.
After Sullivan was appointed interim chief in February 2001, he and Partington launched an internal investigation and met with the U.S. Attorney's office and attorney general's office about the promotions allegations.
Partington said he spoke with City Solicitor Charles Mansolillo last week about how Prignano's testimony could effect the department.
"We've gone through a lot at this department," Partington said. "Right now, we're going to clear the air."
