Judge Frank Caprio shares lighthearted exchange with 7-year-old Preston in Providence courtroom

Judge Frank Caprio presided over a brief, lighthearted exchange in the Municipal Court of Providence when a seven-year-old named Preston was brought forward and invited to the bench during a filmed segment of "Caught in Providence." The judge asked Preston his name and age, complimented his appearance and asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. "I want to be a cop," Preston replied.

Caprio directed Inspector Quinn to show Preston his badge and asked Preston's parent to take a photo. "Give us the Inspector's badge," the judge said, and encouraged Preston to hold it for a keepsake. The inspector cleared his throat, handed the badge and later thanked the judge.

At one point the judge explained that Preston's mother faced violations and framed a hypothetical choice of fines. "I could charge your mom $285 or I could charge her 95 or I could charge her 190 ... what would you say?" Caprio asked. Preston first answered, "190," and later when presented again with the options he replied, "95." When asked whether he would ticket his mother if he were a police officer, Preston answered "No."

The exchange drew laughter and warm reactions in the courtroom; Caprio remarked on Preston's 'law and order' instincts while keeping the tone gentle and personable. The proceeding closed with the program's narration: "This is the courtroom of Judge Frank Caprio. Where people and cases are met with compassion. A different kind of judge. A courtroom like no other. This is Caught in Providence."