State Revokes Bristol's Police Accreditation

BRISTOL, RI — State officials have voted to revoke the Bristol Police Department's accreditation.

Christine Crocker, the executive director of the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission (RIPAC), told Turn to 10 News the department lost its police accreditation because of a "failure to demonstrate compliance with the intent and spirit of the standards, as established by the Commission."

RIPAC did not disclose the exact standards the Bristol Police did not meet in the eyes of the commission. Police departments pursue accreditation for several reasons, but the biggest reason is to ensure their residents that the department is committed to providing high quality service with absolute integrity.

Bristol Police Chief Josue Canario is out on medical leave and plans to retire in May. Town Administrator Steven Contente said Canario's stepping down had nothing to do with the loss of accreditation. But he was surprised by RIPAC's decision. According to Contente, the accreditation was originally suspended last July, but Canario didn't tell anyone for eight months. Contente said he accepts RIPAC's decision and hopes to work with the Bristol Police Department to re-earn accreditation.

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