Comcast Security Conduct Called Into Question

The Mansfield Board of Selectmen read a letter Wednesday from a Coventry Rhode Island resident concerning security at the Jammin’ 94.5 concert at the Comcast Center this month.

The letter, from lawyer Edward Roy of Coventry Ri., stated that his daughter Kirsten and some of her friends were physically harassed and then assaulted. The letter stated that she brought the issue to the attention of Comcast Center security officers when the alleged offending parties were pushing and shoving.

The letter went on to say that she was later was physically assaulted by the same group of girls at the show. He said in the letter that her face was scratched in the scuffle to the point that he said she may require plastic surgery.

“We are concerned with the quality of security at the Comcast Center,” Roy stated in the letter.

The letter asked selectmen to take “corrective action.” Selectman George Dentino, who also read the letter to the board, said that this letter tells him that the town is being “put on notice,” and could lead to litigation, much like the 2004 incident at the venue concerning a police officer injury.

“I think the town of Masfield should do the best that we can protect the town from further litigation or any other thing that we may come across,” he said. “In cases like this, there are usually two opinions. That may or may not be the case here.”

Audrey Butlerof was at the meeting, and had a prepared statement stating the position of the Comcast Center organization.

“When issues arise at our venue, the Comcast Center takes them very seriously,” it read. “We follow all protocol and put the safety of our patrons first. Our security staffs, together with the Town Manager and the Mansfield Police and Fire Departments, conduct thorough and complete investigations. Any editorial commentary in advance of the results of this process is irresponsible, in our opinion, and stands in stark contrast to the open working relationship Comcast has had with the Town of Mansfield.”

The full statement can be read in the photos to the right.