Morales outlines plan for improving public safety in Providence
Antonia Noori Farzan | Providence Journal
Providence mayoral candidate David Morales says his approach to public safety would involve maintaining police staffing at current levels while also investing in preventative measures like using teams of social workers to address issues related to homelessness and addiction.
He also wants to hire a public safety commissioner to improve coordination between agencies, and re-examine the city's use of Flock surveillance cameras.
Morales, a progressive state representative, is mounting a spirited primary challenge against incumbent mayor Brett Smiley. He outlined his multi-pronged plan for public safety a week after Smiley's campaign launched an attack ad accusing him of seeking to defund the police.
In an interview with The Providence Journal, Morales said that his opponent is resorting to "desperate attacks" and trying to instill fear in voters because he can't defend his record on other issues like the rising cost of living.
