Police Chief John M. LaCross describes the 24-officer and six-civilian department as extremely "community oriented," a police force that dedicates itself to protecting and preserving the rights, property, safety and dignity of residents.
From investigating violent crimes to handing out routine traffic citations, the department strives to serve the community's needs day and night. Proactive patrols offer high visibility as a deterrent to crime, and a "pretty successful" tip line allows residents to "call us with confidential and anonymous" information about suspicious activity and possible crimes (401-437-3933).
Two full time detectives investigate hundreds of cases each year, including larcenies, house breaks, sexual assaults, credit card fraud, narcotics possessions and burglaries. Community relations initiatives enhance community policing efforts, including self-defense training for women. The department also has a bike patrol unit and handles animal control. It works closely with the town's alcohol and drug abuse coalition, the Bay Team.