In 2014, Chief Edward Mello was involved in a scheme where part-time officers were unlawfully required to pay $5 per hour from their wages to the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) Local 503. When officers objected, Mello allegedly threatened retaliation, including stating they could be ‘easily replaced’ if they sought publicity. This led to lawsuits resulting in settlements totaling over $110,000, reinstatement of terminated officers, and compensation for back pay. ([nrtw.org](https://www.nrtw.org/newsletter-articles/rhode-island-officers-settlement-06132020/?utm_source=openai))
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