Providence sergeant faces discipline for assaulting handcuffed man

Providence police sergeant Joseph Hanley is facing disciplinary charges after pleading no contest to simple assault for kicking and punching a handcuffed man in 2020. He has been suspended without pay since then. A hearing began on Thursday, which will be the last under the 1976 version of the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights. The process is expected to take several days. Hanley was previously found guilty in District Court, but an appellate proceeding led to a mistrial. The city is now moving forward with actions to fire him following the conclusion of his legal case.