EAST PROVIDENCE — In response to a claim made by a woman who attended a recent forum held by the state’s Congressional delegation at East Providence High School, the city’s police department has opened an internal investigation into the conduct of one of its officers.

As first reported by golocalprov.com, the EPPD has started the inquiry after a protester arrested at the forum, Beth Murphy Ward, claimed the officer inappropriately touched her breast as he and his colleagues attempted to remove her from the proceedings. Ms. Murphy was being arrested for disorderly conduct.

A video of the incident is available at the golocal site.

In the accompanying story, EPPD Chief Chris Parella is quoted as saying, “The East Providence police maintain the highest standards of behavior -- and I don't think there's anyone who puts more accountability on the actions of our officers that I do. I ask that people have faith in the East Providence police and know we're holding our people accountable and not to pass judgment until the review is completed."

Read the full story here…