RI Police Accreditation Association Spotlights Smithfield

SMITHFIELD, RI — The Smithfield Police Department was recently highlighted in the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission's series of spotlighting model departments in the state.

The 60-member department was the second law enforcement agency, following the Rhode Island State Police, to attain RIPAC accreditation in 2001.

"As a law enforcement agency, you have two options," Smithfield police said. "You can fly by the seat of your pants and hope for the best, or ... You can follow a road map which consists of industry standards. By following the road map, you are doing what is best for your employees, while proving your accountability to the community you serve."

Smithfield police said having "the Smithfield community has been a supportive partner" in helping it be successful during the ongoing health crisis.

"Throughout the COVID-19 crisis and among nation-wide calls to 'defund the police' the Smithfield Police Department has received overwhelming support from our community," Smithfield police said. "But even before these events, the Smithfield community has been a supportive partner. The only way to explain this is: They take care of us, because we take care of them them ... and following the accreditation road map helps us to do all the right things necessary for us to take care of them."

Smithfield police cited its community program as "one of our greatest strengths."

"The town of Smithfield is fortunate to have a professional agency such as the Smithfield Police Department," Town Manager Randy R. Rossi said. "By achieving both the Rhode Island Police and CALEA accreditation, the department is always focused on providing the best services for our
residents."