Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin recently honored several individuals and organizations at the 8th annual Justice Awards. Among those honored was North Providence Police Acting Chief Paul Martellini. The Justice Awards are given to individuals and community organizations in recognition of an extraordinary commitment to justice and the community, and are presented in honor of the eight previous Attorneys General.
North Providence Police Acting Chief Paul Martellini began his career in law enforcement in 1991. He joined the North Provience Police Department in 1992, steadily rose up through the ranks, and was appointed Acting Chief in 2011. During this time of great uncertainty within the North Providence Police Department, Acting Chief
Martellini has provided steadfast leadership, helping maintain the department's morale while handling a challenging situation with integrity and professionalism.
Acting Chief Martellini implemented procedures to improve the department, including monthly training, separating the department's coupling of firearms certification with use-of-force training and installing a surveillance camera in the evidence room. He also began the process of hiring new officers, advising staff interviewing job candidates not to shy away from discussing the problems facing the force.
"Throughout the course of his career, Acting Chief Martellini has earned the respect and admiration of the rank and file of the Department," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. "His leadership during this tumultuous time for the city showed that he has more than earned the esteem of the officers he leads."