Providence, RI Police Chief Resigns Over Underage Party Controversy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- The chief of the Providence Police Department has resigned in the wake of a controversy over a graduation party at his home at which minors consumed alcohol.

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras said in a statement he had been informed that Col. Dean Esserman submitted his resignation to the city's public safety commissioner, Steven Pare. It is effective June 30.

Esserman said minors bought alcohol to his home without his permission for a party celebrating his daughter's high school graduation this month. He said he broke up the event as soon as he learned they were drinking. Pare launched a review of the incident.

Taveras thanked Esserman for his service and said he had rebuilt public trust in the police force and "significantly improved policing practice" in Providence.

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