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I was honored to join Ambassador William R. Brownfield, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, to sign a partnership agreement in which RI will provide prosecutorial training to foreign partners to enhance their law enforcement and justice sector capabilities.  This partnership is a testament to the excellence of the prosecutors in this office. Each and every day, they work with law enforcement to assess and build cases that lead to successful prosecution, and have earned a reputation as some of the best prosecutors in the nation who are sought out for their expertise. 

This is also an opportunity for us to develop relationships in foreign communities that may impact transnational crime. We live in a global, interactive world which has opened up new opportunities for criminal organizations and created new challenges in investigation and prosecution. To combat the growing threat of transnational criminal organizations, we too must reach across borders to share information and best practices.

The partnership is part of the Department of State’s multi-faceted response to international criminal threats and enables INL to utilize the knowledge and expertise of prosecutors to train, advise and mentor foreign officials as part of the State Department’s foreign assistance program.  RI is only the third state attorney general office to sign such an agreement with INL.

Today, I joined  Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Mayor Angel Taveras, Providence PD Commissioner Pare and Colonel Clements, and U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha to help announce $150,000 in federal funding that is being awarded to the City of Providence from the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program to help reduce gun and gang violence.

I was honored to speak at the Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial 7th annual Dinner/Dance Fundraiser, “Imagine: A World Without Relationship Violence, Benefit at the Beach.” Ann and Chris Burke are inspirations and heroes for the work they do to raise awareness of dating violence.  All proceeds from the fundraiser will fund teen dating violence workshops and curriculum materials for Rhode Island middle and high school health teachers, as well as workshops on this topic for school staff, parents, and the public, our statewide poster contests, and donations of pertinent books to school libraries.

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today issued the following statement regarding this week’s tornado in Moore, Oklahoma:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by Monday’s horrific tornado in Oklahoma. As images of the destruction emerge, we as a nation are shocked and saddened to learn of the devastation inflicted upon the community of Moore, Oklahoma.

 “As we all band together to help the victims of the Oklahoma tornado, I remind everyone to be mindful when contributing to charitable organizations. If you donate your time or resources, please do so only through organizations you know to be legitimate. The American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund is on site and helping victims and the Salvation Army-Oklahoma Division has dispatched disaster response teams to the areas affected.

 “The power of social media has been instrumental in getting the word out about this devastating storm, and it is also helping survivors connect with loved ones: the Red Cross has a Safe and Well web site, as well as a free tornado app with an “I’m Safe” feature that lets those affected check in so that family and friends know they are safe.  We have been able to share news immediately, show our support for those affected and find ways to help. Unfortunately however, just as scams happen through more traditional ways, they also happen via social media. If you are going to contribute, please make sure that whatever method you choose is through a legitimate organization.

 “We as Rhode Islanders were grateful for the aid of our neighbors from around the country when record floods ravaged our state. Just as support from around the country poured in at our time of need, we stand ready to help our friends in Oklahoma. As the rebuilding process begins in the coming days and weeks, let us keep the people of Oklahoma in our prayers.”