Chief of Police
Colonel Oscar L. Perez
(401) 243-6401

Oscar Perez is the Chief of the Providence Police Department. Chief Perez was born in Medellin, Colombia and moved with his family to the United States at the age of thirteen.

In 1994, Chief Perez was appointed to the Providence Police Department as a Patrol officer. Over the past 29 years, Chief Perez has served in the Patrol Division, The Detective Division as a Youth Service Detective, The Administrative Division, The Intelligence/Special Services Division, The Gang Intervention Unit, the Neighborhood Response Team, the Community Police Bureau, The Training Academy, The office of Professional Responsibility and the Narcotics and Organized Crime Bureau.

Chief Perez grew up in South Providence and attended Roger Williams Middle School and Graduated from Central High School in the City of Providence. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University.

Chief Perez has earned the respect of the department and the community and has been the recipient of many awards and commendations. Most notably, Chief Perez assisted the FBI in a narcotic’s undercover operation where US currency to purchase 35 kilograms of cocaine was seized and three major drug dealers were arrested. He was also recognized for assisting the Johnston Police Department in the apprehension of a subject who was involved in shooting one of their police officers. During his career Chief Perez has received the Mayor’s Award, The Chief’s Award, The outside agency award, The Citizens Award, The Unit Citation, The Fraternal Order of Police Award, The FBI award, The Servant Leader award from Leadership Rhode Island and many other merit and Citation Awards for exceptional devotion to duty.

Chief Perez is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Rhode Island Lambda II Class, a 2016 graduate of PERF’s senior management Institute class, a 2019 graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government and a Graduate of the 2022 FBI National Academy Session 281.

Chief Perez currently serves on the RI Commission for Prejudice and Bias, The Rhode Island Justice Assistance, the RI College Inclusive Excellence Commission, The Board for the Nonviolence Institute (NVI) and also served on The RI State Parole Board for 6 years.

Chief Perez has been an Adjunct professor in the Administration of Justice Department at both Roger Williams University and Salve Regina University.

Deputy Chief of Police
Commander Kevin M. Lanni
(401) 243-6401

Deputy Chief Kevin M. Lanni is a 26-year veteran of the Providence Police Department and is designated as Commander of the department, overseeing the daily operations and rank and file within he department. Prior to his current position, Deputy Chief Lanni served as the Commanding Officer of the Community Operation/Engagement Bureau.

Deputy Chief Kevin Lanni has served on the Providence Police Department since 1997 and has worked in numerous capacities and supervisory roles throughout his career. He is one of the youngest officers in the history of the department to attain supervisory ranks. He has worked as Commanding Officer of the Narcotics Bureau, coordinating high level operations focusing on narcotics and firearms activity occurring within Providence as well as surrounding jurisdictions. Deputy Chief Lanni has also served as the Director of Training for the 68th and 69th Providence Police Department Training Academies, two of the largest and most diverse in the department’s history. He has served as a Lieutenant and Captain within the Patrol Bureau and as Commanding Officer of the Mounted Command Unit. At the rank of Sergeant, Lanni was a supervisor in the Narcotics, Firearms and Organized Crime Bureau. Additionally, he has worked in the Community Policing Unit, Licensing Bureau and Special Services Division.

Commander Lanni grew up in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood and currently resides in Providence. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Rhode Island College and has undergone extensive training in multiple areas of law enforcement including crisis negotiation through the FBI. In 2017, Commander Lanni graduated from the 270th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy for Law Enforcement in Quantico, VA, as the youngest officer from the PPD to ever attend. He also graduated from the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), 67th session, at the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and was a member of Leadership Rhode Island Omnicrom II Session. Deputy Chief Lanni is the son of the late Providence Police Lieutenant Bendetto Lanni.