Can state police help put a lid on violent crime in Providence?
Gov. Dan McKee has twice offered to send troopers belonging to the state's "Neighborhood Response Team" into the capitol city to help counter a spate of shootings. And now Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza appears ready to accept the offer, although it's not entirely clear under what conditions. "We need all the help and all the resources; we are never going to turn that down," Elorza said at an unrelated event Tuesday about McKee's offer. He said Providence Police Chief Col. Hugh Clements is in talks with state police Supt. Col. James Manni about how the state can help. McKee in late May offered to send members of the state police "Neighborhood Response Team," a federally funded unit, into Providence to fight gun crimes. After not receiving a response, McKee sent another letter June 13 that read, "I implore you to accept our offer to engage the Neighborhood Response Team." The issue has been heightened by the fact that McKee and Elorza could both run for governor next year. panderson@providencejournal.com  (401) 277-7384  On Twitter: @PatrickAnderso_