The community is getting its first look at the three men who want to lead the Providence Police Department.
On Wednesday afternoon, those men will answer questions at a public forum at the Providence Career and Technical Academy on Fricker Street.
All three candidates are insiders who have worked in the department for decades.
They are:
Major Kevin Lanni. He is currently the commanding officer of the Community Operations and Engagement Bureau. Lanni has been with the department for 25 years.
Major David Lapatin. He is currently the commanding officer of the Investigations Division. When major crimes go down in the city, Lapatin is usually the one disseminating the information to the media. Lapatin has been with the department for 39 years.
Commander Oscar Perez. He is currently the acting police chief. He has recently served as the Deputy Chief under the retired Col. Hugh Clements. Perez has been with the department for 29 years.
Before the forum, the city asked residents and stakeholders to submit questions for tonight’s event. The survey came in multiple languages and asked the respondent to rate what was the most important aspect they are looking for in a new police chief. It is unknown the percentage of questions that were culled from this survey.
The forum will start at 5:30 p.m.
