Cranston Police to Open Substation in Knightsville Manor

Knightsville is getting its own dedicated police substation thanks to a partnership between the Cranston Police Department and the Cranston Housing Authority.

The new substation, which will offer officers office space and technology, will be located on the first floor of the Knightsville Manor apartment complex on Briggs Street. It comes complete with a dedicated connection to police headquarters, giving police all the tools and database access they need 24-hours a day.

It will also give the affordable housing complex’s 230-plus residents extra peace of mind knowing there’s a police presence on the ground floor.

Though the space won’t be permanently staffed, officers will be encouraged to use it to increase their visibility and accessibility to the public.

Cranston Police Chief Col. Michael J. Winquist said that the satelite office “fits perfectly into my vision of decentralizing police services to afford the public more convenient access to our resources, while continuing to strengthen our relationships within the community we protect and serve.”

Winquist credited Cranston Housing Director Elaine Woloohojian and police Capt. Vincent McAteer and Sgt. Jeffrey Champan for playing instrumental roles in making the idea a reality.

Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung said in a statement that the new substation reflects the city’s ongoing emphasis on the community policing model in recent years.

“The Cranstonp police and the entire city will benefit from an effective community policing model and the Knightsville Manor substation is a step in the right direction towards achieving long-term success in this effort,” Fung said. “I commend Colonel Winquist and his staff for taking this step to further implement my vision for a stronger community presence by our officers.”

Woloohojian said that the housing authority is “thrilled” to partner with the police department, which comes at no cost to the department. The space and office fixtures were donated by the housing authority.

Officials plan to celebrate the opening at a May 5 ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m.

Knightsville Manor is located at 85 Briggs St.