PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The U.S. Department of Justice is barring Rhode Island State Police from spending money from certain legal settlements as it launches a compliance review of the state agency.
The Providence Journal reports (https://bit.ly/2p9DVRy) that federal officials have placed what they call a “do not spend” restriction on state police. The Justice Department says it’s looking at a potential violation of contracting protocols.
The restriction means Rhode Island hasn’t been able to spend $225,000 to hire a Chicago firm to improve recruitment and training, and to help diversify the department.
State Police Superintendent Col. Ann Assumpico has said a settlement with Google was going to cover the consultant’s cost. Money forfeited by the company has gone to agencies that helped investigate Google’s advertising practices. Most of the money has already been spent.
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