Manny Andrews grew up in Providence, joining the city’s police department as a young man. After retiring in 1989, he went to law school and eventually established his own firm. Six years ago, he decided to leave his home city, moving to the quiet South County community of Exeter, where he serves on the town council.
As a former law enforcement official, Andrews says he can’t believe the town doesn’t have a local police presence.
“It’s weird to me, to say the least. I think every community should have a police department.”
Right now, the Rhode Island State Police provide coverage to Exeter. There’s not much crime. But Andrews says having a police department isn’t just about improving public safety.
He says police officers are visible in the community, attending public events and fundraisers. They develop relationships with people, especially teenagers, to make a positive impact on their lives
“Police departments back in the day were thought of as just there for protection, as a deterrent. That’s not the case anymore. Community policing has taken on a large presence in every police department, whether small or big. It’s helping the residents and the taxpayers of every town with life’s difficulties and challenges.”
Andrews has formed a special task force to investigate the logistics of having a police department in town. But many Exeter residents are concerned about the price tag. Andrews says hiring full-time police officers would likely cost the town between $1.5 million and $2 million a year.
That doesn’t sit well with Exeter resident Mike Lefebvre.
“There’s low crime here,’ said Lefebvre. ‘I don’t see the need. We have coverage with the state police. If we need something, they’re there. Do the taxpayers want to double their taxes? Why would you want to do that? It doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Exeter resident Eugene Whitford is concerned about the prospect of another government agency in town. He says Andrews appears to be out of touch with the community’s desires.
“Once you let these guys in, you’re never getting rid of them’ said Whitford. ‘You’re never getting rid of the expense and the burden on everyone’s backs. We don’t need it.”
“Do not come from Providence with a Providence solution to a problem Exeter does not have.”
State police troopers have provided coverage to the town since 1998. But Exeter isn’t paying for that coverage, even though it’s billed yearly and owes the state hundreds of thousands of dollars. The town has simply refused to pay.
Manny Andrews says that strategy won’t be successful for much longer.
“They’ve been attempting to collect over $300,000 for the last three or four years. There’s a new attempt this year to take $441,000 from the meal and beverage tax and other corporate taxes that ordinarily would’ve come to us.”
“Eventually, the state’s going to take that money.”
Andrews is referring to a provision in Governor Gina Raimondo’s budget proposal that would allow the state to withhold certain aid from cities and towns that owe money to a state agency. In the long run, he says it makes more sense for Exeter to spend money on local police officers that can be responsive to the community’s needs 24/7.
A feasibility study is being conducted to determine the exact cost of having a police department in town. A full report is expected to be ready sometime this spring.