P R E S S R E L E A S E

The Executive Office, City of Providence, Rhode Island

VINCENT A. CIANCI, JR.

MAYOR OF PROVIDENCE

DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1996

CONTACT: DOREEN PICOZZI\BERYL KENYON, 421-7740, EXT. 222

PROVIDENCE ---Mayor Vincent A. Cianci, Jr., Colonel Urbano Prignano, Jr. and Sgt. Stephen Campbell who heads the Providence Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit and Elderly Abuse Bureau, joined Fred Bennetto, President of Cellular One (Rhode Island and Bristol County, Mass.), to announce that Cellular One has provided the Providence Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit with hand-held cellular phones, to be used by victims of abuse, at no cost to them or to the city, to enable swift communication with 911.

Also present at the press conference was a victim of stalking and harassment, who was presented the first Cellular One phone. The suspect accused of stalking her, who is now awaiting trial, was released from the ACI nearly three weeks ago. He served 90 days for violating a restraining order against her in January.

"Cellular One has made a commitment to the City of Providence and the victims of domestic crime," Mayor Cianci said. "With their help, victims of stalking, harassment, domestic violence and abuse will have the security of knowing that they call dial 911 anytime, anywhere. It will be much easier to reach out and arrest someone during a crisis situation. I want to thank Fred Bennetto and Cellular One for keeping the best interest of our residents in mind."

In its first year, the Providence Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit arrested over 320 suspects for crimes falling under its jurisdiction, including stalking. An additional 680 arrests involving domestic violence were made by members of the Uniform Division. "At highest risk are those victims who are trying to sever ties with the abuser, who are trying to get out of a bad situation," Mayor Cianci said. "These are the victims best suited for the Cellular One program. We cannot provide a 24-hour personal protection service to victims of these alleged crimes, but we can help them get help when they need it."

The Mayor also noted that because the cellular hand-held phone will connect callers to 911 emergency services instead of the Providence Police Department specifically, whenever victims leave the city, they are still able to receive help in other jurisdictions. "No one is expected to stay within City limits in order to remain safe," he said. "We want to reduce fear, and assist victims in their quest to lead normal lives. These cellular phones will play a major role in reducing fear." Mayor Cianci added that the hand-held phones cannot ensure complete protection, "but they will provide a direct link to the people these victims or potential victims need most at critical times."

Fred Bennetto stated: "We're pleased to be associated with the good work of the Domestic Violence Unit of the Providence Police Department and pleased to be loaning hand-held cellular phones, free of charge, to reduce incidents of domestic violence. This is one way that we at Cellular One can do our part to save residents and their families who are victims of domestic violence. We hope that no threat of abuse will occur and that the victims who carry these phones will not have an emergency need to use them. But if the need arises, these hand-held phones can be used to call for help in a time of crisis from any location. The people who carry these phones should feel much safer knowing that access to help is just a cellular phone call away."

Initially six phones will be provided by Cellular One. Every cellular phone will come with a charger and battery, as well as written instructions. Members of the Domestic Violence Unit will also demonstrate the proper way to use the phones.

"These phones cannot be used to make personal phone calls," Colonel Prignano said. "But as with all cellular phones that are properly charged and operated, calls to 911 are always available."

The victim present at the press conference, who wishes to remain anonymous, agreed that the Cellular One program will bring her some security in knowing that she can contact police quickly. "I was extremely fearful when I learned that the person who has been stalking me was going to get out of prison," she said. "Though I have a restraining order against him, I am relieved to know that I now have a phone at my disposal."