Why I Back the Blue

Every community has people who run toward an emergency while the rest of us are running away. They are the ones who step into uncertainty so the rest of us can live our lives with some measure of peace and security.

In Rhode Island, and especially here in District 36, that commitment shows up every single day in the work of our police officers.

Supporting law enforcement is not a slogan for me. It’s an acknowledgment of a simple truth: communities that respect law and order thrive, and communities that thrive attract families, workers, and businesses.

Safe streets are not abstract policy goals. They are the foundation upon which we build neighborhoods, open businesses, raise children, and create opportunity.

Standing with Those Who Serve

Police officers take on a job that most of us could not imagine doing. They face danger, trauma, and split-second decisions. Yet they show up, every single day, with a sense of duty to the rest of us.

Backing the blue means recognizing that sacrifice, and saying publicly and unapologetically that their service matters. It means showing them the same respect they show us when they respond to a call not knowing what waits on the other side of the door.

Acknowledging the Realities of Trust

At the same time, I recognize that people’s experiences shape how they view law enforcement. It’s understandable, and believable, that some may feel mistrust based on past interactions or stories within their communities. Police officers can be intimidating. They often arrive in moments of crisis, when tensions are high and emotions are raw.

Officers also have a difficult and complex job. Before they can even begin asking questions to understand what’s going on, they may first have to deescalate a chaotic or dangerous situation. That can create misunderstandings on both sides.

But here’s the good news: a lot of those misconceptions can be overcome with good communication between the people tasked with protecting us and the ordinary residents they serve. When officers and citizens talk, listen, and learn from each other, trust grows. That’s a foundation worth investing in.

Advocating for the Tools They Need

If we expect law enforcement to protect our communities, we have an obligation to make sure they have the resources, training, technology, and equipment necessary to do the job safely and effectively.

That includes:

• Modern training and de-escalation tools

• Updated equipment and vehicles

• Mental-health support for officers

• Adequate staffing to prevent burnout

These aren’t luxuries. They are investments in community safety. When officers have what they need, everyone is safer.

Strengthening Laws That Protect Officers

There should be no ambiguity here: targeting, attacking, or harming a police officer must carry serious consequences. Officers put themselves at greater risk than most professions, and our laws should reflect a clear commitment to their safety.

As a candidate for State Senate, I support legislative efforts that prioritize the safety of officers and hold accountable those who threaten it.

Building Stronger Community Relationships

Backing the blue is also about building stronger bridges between officers and the public they serve. Public safety works best when there is trust on both sides.

That means encouraging:

• Community policing and outreach

• Educational programs in schools

• Opportunities for residents to interact with officers outside of emergencies

• Transparency and open communication between departments and neighborhoods

When officers and communities know each other, trust becomes the norm, not the exception.

Safety Is the Foundation of a Strong District

In District 36, we are fortunate to have places where people feel safe raising families, opening businesses, and putting down long-term roots. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of the men and women who serve our communities with dedication and courage.

But safety is not guaranteed. It must be maintained, and maintaining it starts with standing firmly behind those who protect it.

That’s why I back the blue, and why, if elected, I will continue to support the officers who keep our communities strong, stable, and safe.