Anthony Yates
Bodycam footage of a Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General and her friend arguing with cops went viral last week. The publicity prompted the Rhode Island Attorney General to address the situation, and both women face consequences for what occurred that night.
Videos by Rare
Special Assistant Attorney General Deven Hogan Flanagan was at a Rhode Island eatery with her friend, Veronica Hannan, on August 14. It remains unclear what happened inside the venue, but staff wanted them removed for trespassing.
An argument between officers and the two women ensued. Hogan Flanagan demanded the officer turn off his bodycam as a “citizen’s request.” He refused, and the situation escalated, ending with both women getting cuffed and placed in police cars. Hogan Flanagan told the officer, “You’re going to regret this,” as he put her in his vehicle.
The Assistant Attorney General Is Now On Unpaid Leave
A report by CTInsider reveals that Hogan Flanagan is now on unpaid leave. A spokesperson for the agency reportedly said on Monday that she will remain on leave while the state attorney general’s office conducts a review.
Authorities reportedly charged Hogan Flanagan with wilful trespassing, which is a misdemeanor. It’s unclear how long the review process will take.
Last week, Rhode Island’s Attorney General, Peter Neronha, addressed the situation on a radio show. “She’s put me in a bad situation,” he said. “She’s embarrassed herself, humiliated herself, and treated the Newport Police Department horribly.”
At the time, Neronha admitted he was unsure if he would keep her on, but said she would be suspended without pay if he did. “She’s not going to continue as if nothing happened,” Neronha added.
The Other Woman In The Bodycam Footage Faces Misdemeanor Charges
Deven Hogan Flanagan’s friend, Veronica Hannan, found herself in the back of a police car, kicking and screaming after the incident on August 14. Bodycam footage shows her sticking her legs out in the car, so officers could not shut the door.
News outlet WhatsUpNewp cites an arrest record from the Newport Police Department. Hannan reportedly faces three misdemeanor charges: wilful trespass, disorderly conduct, and resisting legal or illegal arrest.
Police Officers Do Not Have To Turn Their Bodycams Off
The Special Assistant Attorney General told officers, “I want you to turn your bodycam off. Protocol is that you turn it off.” Per WhatsUpNewp, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association released a statement clarifying when officers can and cannot turn off their cameras.
Officers can reportedly turn off their bodycams when speaking to witnesses or crime victims. However, they don’t have to do so at a suspect’s request.
