Chief: Violence outbreak shocking

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Though four murders in eight days is shocking, Providence's top cop says he is going to stay the course when it comes to crime-fighting in the city.

Col. Dean Esserman has been Providence's police chief for more than six years. Since then, he said the department has focused on community policing and bringing violence down. However, just seven months into the year and Providence has already had 11 homicides. Four of them within the last eight days.

"I think it would catch any police officer I don't know if surprise is the right word, but any police chief whose had four murders in 8 days in their community, has to be shocked," Esserman said in an interview with Eyewitness News.

The most recent murder was Sunday on Trask St., during which police said one gang member gunned down another gang member. Esserman said he's walked the neighborhood where the murder occurred and has been in touch with the victim's family.

"Even though murders are down through the years here, that doesn't mean much to a mother when I have to tell her that she lost her son. Doesn't mean much at all," he said.

Despite the recent spate of homicides, Esserman said his department is going to stay the course, because it works.

He said the department has already dedicated nearly $1 million in federal stimulus dollars to increase police officer overtime for both patrol and investigative units.

"We think cops count. We think an officer makes a difference and we're spending our money for officers to work longer hours in their neighborhoods," Esserman said.