Rhode Island Cops Make Teenagers Do Push-Ups As Punishment

Four police officers in North Providence will face disciplinary action after an incident where they ordered a group of five mischievous teenagers to do pushups on the side of the road was caught on film. The video filmed by a neighbor, was posted on YouTube and sent to WPRO's Tara Granahan on Saturday. It has since been removed.

The incident took place on Friday on Mark Road in North Providence after the officers caught the group of teen prankesters who knocked down a neighborhood mailbox. North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi described the officer's behavior as "unacceptable" and "stupid."

"Taking the law into their own hands is unacceptable," Lombardi told the WPRO Morning News with Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil in the first interview since the incident. "I don't know if it is against policy but it is against professionalism. Bring them in, call their parents in explain to them what is going on and what they were doing. I think that would be the most professional way to handle this."

Lombardi said he would support suspending the officers for their behavior but he will ultimately leave any disciplinary action up to the police chief. He noted he has full confidence in the chief to handle the matter in a "professional and stern manner."

"It's not going to fall by the wayside," promised Lombardi, who noted that officials took immediate action after hearing about the incident including interviewing neighbors in the area. He described the video as a "little nauseating," saying the police should have handled the situation better and that this particular behavior will not be tolerated.

Steven Bronw of the RI ACLU applauded the initial response of the mayor and other officials. He said the officers' behavior was clearly "inappropriate" and he hopes that the investigation will lead to a "proper repsonse."

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