Gag rule lifted for Providence, R.I., police

By The Associated Press

10.03.01

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A federal judge has ruled as unconstitutional a police department regulation preventing officers from talking to the news media without the police chief's approval.

The lawsuit by the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union was filed on behalf of Sgt. Rhonda Kessler, a 12-year department veteran. She was given a one-day suspension without pay in 1999 for violating the policy.

U.S. District Court Judge Mary Lisi on Sept. 28 said the department's ban deprives employees of their First Amendment rights, as citizens, to comment on matters of public interest.

Col. Richard Sullivan, the police chief, on Oct. 1 said the department was reviewing the ruling. He said the intent of the regulation is to ensure certain aspects of police work remain confidential.

The ACLU lawsuit also asked that Kessler be reimbursed for the day's pay she lost and that her attorney's fees be paid by the police department. Lisi has not yet ruled on the damage requests.

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