RHODE ISLAND– The Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission (RIPAC) is a department-initiated process by which police departments in Rhode Island voluntarily strive to meet and maintain a series of professional standards.
RIPAC is highlighting different accredited departments through its Agency Spotlight series. For May 2021, the highlighted department is the Glocester Police Department.
What was the date of your initial accreditation?
June, 2016
What is the total number of agency employees/staff?
23
Briefly describe the benefits of accreditation for your agency.
Accreditation has allowed the Glocester Police Department to adopt and exceed the most professional and updated national police practices.
What about your agency’s accreditation process stands out?
Supervisors, police officers and non-civilian employeeswere all involved in the process to maintain the updated mandated professional procedure policies. This transcended into an easier RIPAC renewal in 2019 and will continue as professional guidance for future Accreditation assessments and reviews. The overall professionalism and accountability stands out throughout the department since accreditation inception.
Have there been any programs you’ve put in place since your accreditation that you would like to promote?
The Glocester Police Department has initiated in-depth training that meets or exceeds accreditation standards in all facets of police operations. This includes extensive training on biased based policing, ethics and mental health. The Glocester Police Department has also enhanced school safety through the implementation of a School Resource Officer and participates in many community programs within our jurisdiction. Community policing in a small police department covers many areas, including working with businesses, local civic events and student activities, and the department participates in state-wide policing events such as the R.I. Special Olympics.
What are some of the lessons your agency (or individual officers) have learned as a result of accreditation?
The importance of time sensitive training schedules and overall accountability that is needed to achieve the daily mission and positive operations of the police department.
Are there any details about your community (such as programs and partnerships at the municipal level) that stand out that you would like to include?
Our partnership with regional school districts to promote school safety, and our participation in community activities and criminal justice career pathways.
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