Retirement takes Frank Caprio, 'Caught in Providence' judge, far from Rhode Island

He no longer stars in his "Caught in Providence" courtroom reality show, but retired Municipal Court Judge Frank Caprio isn't slowing down.

Caprio, who was sworn into his emeritus role last week during a celebratory City Council meeting, has been traveling internationally for speaking engagements, most recently in the United Arab Emirates. While abroad, Caprio gave an hour-long interview with Egyptian TV host Mona El Shazly, according to his son, David Caprio, who described El Shazly as "the Oprah of the Middle East." Caprio also appeared on Sky News' Arabic channel.

"My father is really a globally recognized face of compassionate justice, which reflects well on Providence and RI," David Caprio said in a text message. "He has been to UAE twice, Italy, [the state of] Georgia, and going to Alabama, the Dominican Republic, and possibly India to speak about justice."

In early October, Caprio received an email from the Harmony Foundation, an Indian nonprofit, which invited him to Mumbai to accept one if its Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice in November. (Past recipients include Dr. Anthony Fauci, former chief medical adviser to the White House, who was presented with the award in 2020.)

The foundation's website says the award was created in 2005 "to establish social cohesion between various communities, castes and work towards the benefit of all the communities without any discrimination."

What does Judge Frank Caprio's new title mean?

Caprio's "Chief Judge Emeritus" title, as it turns out, is strictly ceremonial. Caprio said he won't be spending any time on the bench, and City Council spokesman Parker Gavigan said there is no pay involved.

The Providence Journal covered the proposed honorary title at the start of this year when it was floated as an idea. At the time, David Caprio said his father would "continue to sit on the bench and adjudicate cases on the regular court rotation." Many months later, however, it has become clear the title doesn't come with a workload.

What's it like being off the bench?

"I do miss it," Caprio said. "I miss the interaction with the people. I always try to place myself in their situation."

More: Judge Frank Caprio will leave chief judge position, but was his star fading?

More: John Lombardi becomes chief judge in Providence as Caprio gets volunteer emeritus role

Asked how he feels about Rep. John Lombardi (D-Providence) succeeding him as chief judge, Caprio said, "I think he's doing a good job."

What happened to 'Caught in Providence'?

While Caprio's "Caught in Providence" is no longer being produced, he still draws 870,000 followers on Instagram, where videos of his travels are shared. (In his spare time, David Caprio has tracked down multiple fake accounts impersonating his father.)

In between his global travels, Caprio still has an ever-elusive Emmy on his mind, with "Caught in Providence" having been nominated for the third year in a row.

"Maybe the third time's a charm," Caprio quipped. "If not, we'll go for a fourth."

According to David Caprio, the rights to "Caught in Providence" are owned by television syndication company Debmar Mercury. Reruns can be seen on the Law & Crime network on cable. Social media channels for "Caught in Providence" also post clips daily.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Frank Caprio, judge in 'Caught in Providence' is retired. What he does now.