Commissioner of
Public Safety
Steven M. Paré
On January 3, 2011, Mayor Angel Taveras appointed Steven M. Paré as the Commissioner of Public Safety for the City of Providence. Commissioner Paré is responsible for the policy development and budgetary oversight for the Providence Communications Department; Providence Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security; the Providence Fire Department and the Providence Police Department. The Commissioner works with each Department Director to form a unified public safety team that is built upon mutual trust, respect, integrity, and professionalism. Under Commissioner Paré's leadership, the Office of the Public Safety Commissioner is committed to working in partnership with the community and is prepared to ensure the safety of residents and those who visit the City of Providence.
Commissioner Paré has over 30 years of distinguished service working in the law enforcement and global security arenas. Prior to becoming Public Safety Commissioner, Commissioner Paré served as Director of Global Security Affairs at GTECH where he was responsible for worldwide facilities security and employee safety since 2007.
Prior to becoming GTECH's Director of Global Security Affairs, Commissioner Paré served for 27 years in the Rhode Island State Police. In 1980, he began his career as a Trooper and rose steadily through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Detective Lieutenant, Lieutenant/Assistant Detective Commander, Lieutenant/Interim Detective Commander, and Captain/Detective Commander. In 1998, Commissioner Paré was promoted to Major of Administrative Services and oversaw the Staff Services Unit, the Traffic/Planning and Research Unit, the State Police Training Academy, the Finance & Budget Office, Personnel, Fleet Administration, Supply Radio Services, and Maintenance and Grounds. In 1999, Commissioner Paré served as the Major of Field Operations and oversaw field operations, including the Uniformed Bureau and operations within the Detective Bureau, Governor's executive security, driving specialists and civilian clerical staff. In 2001, Commissioner Paré was promoted to Colonel/Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. As the Colonel/Superintendent, Commissioner Paré was responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing a 256-person statewide law enforcement agency. Under Commissioner Paré's leadership, the Rhode Island State Police created the Fusion Center, instituted a state-wide computer aided dispatch system, and installed laptop computers and mobile video recorders in all cruisers.
Commissioner Paré holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Bryant College. He is a graduate of the 195th Session of the FBI National Academy and the Rhode Island State Police Academy.
Commissioner Paré's professional affiliations include: the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Division of State & Provincial Police; Board of Directors for the New England State Police Information Network; Board of Directors for the New England State Police Administrators; American Society for Public Administration; New England Association of Chiefs of Police; Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Leadership Rhode Island.