Woonsocket Police Department Wins State Accreditation

WOONSOCKET, RI — The City held a ceremony on Wednesday to recognize an achievement by the Woonsocket Police Department. The department has earned accreditation from the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission.

"The accreditation reflects the department’s adherence to best practices among professional law enforcement agencies within the state," the mayor's office said.

At a 3 p.m. ceremony, the police chief and city officials spoke about the milestone.

“I am proud of the work that the men and women of the Woonsocket Police Department have put into meeting the rigorous standards set by RIPAC,” said Chief Thomas F. Oates III. “Earning this accreditation further professionalizes the department and demonstrates the skill and commitment by law enforcement personnel in our community.”

According to the press release, Woonsocket became the 21st law enforcement agency out of 47 eligible organizations in the state to have receive the professional policing standards distinction.

"RIPAC accreditation standards were formally established in May 2013, and serve as the benchmark for law enforcement agencies to measure performance against," the City added. "Benefits of accreditation include: enhanced departmental reputation; confidence booster to personnel and community; reduction in civil liability risk; provides evaluation standards for quality assurance; increases accountability; and sets performance based standards."

“Congratulations to the men and women of our police department on this significant accomplishment,” said Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. “This distinction demonstrates the quality of service and high standards set by the Woonsocket Police Department. Under the leadership of Chief Oates, the performance of our law enforcement personnel has been elevated to new heights.”

The effort actually started in 2009.

"Achieving the RIPAC accreditation was the culmination of a process that began in 2009, when efforts led by Lt. Norm Galipeau to develop a policy manual first began. Since then and during the RIPAC accreditation process, the WPD assessed and updated its policies, procedures, and practices to bring them in line with professional policing benchmarks. The accreditation is good for three years, after which the department will undergo a review by RIPAC and must demonstrate adherence to the accreditation standards."

Courtesy Photo