Providence Police say a reduction in crime and changes in policy have contributed to a big drop in arrests over the past decade.
An analysis of arrest data from the years 2007-2016 by WPRI-TV found that the number of arrests in Providence has fallen by 43 percent. Reports of crimes fell by 20 percent.
Police Chief Hugh Clements says while the quantity of arrests has gone down, the "quality of arrests" has gone up. He says the department has focused specialized units on larger drug dealers and known shooters.
The head of the police union says the department has also tried to focus on helping drug users instead of locking them up.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
