East Providence Police Dept. A 'Step Closer' To Reaching Accreditation

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A team of assessors from the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission (RIPAC) will visit the East Providence Police Department on Monday, to examine all aspects of the agency’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services.

"The department is [a] step closer to reaching accreditation," Police Chief Chris Francesconi said. "We are looking forward to hearing from the public and members and being reviewed by the assessment team."

Verification by the assessment team that the East Providence Police Department meets the commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process that needs to be complete for the department to receive recognition of professional excellence in law enforcement.

As part of the on-site assessment, police employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments to the assessment team by phone. The public can call the assessment team at 401-270-3954 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on April 3.

Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with RIPAC standards. A Copy of the RIPAC Standards is available for review at the East Providence Police Department.

Questions concerning compliance with any of the standards may be directed to Lt. Maari Stainer by calling 401-440-4352.

Those who want to offer written comments about the East Providence Police Department’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation, are asked to email RIPAC Executive Director Christine Crocker at crocker.riapc@cox.net.

Accreditation is for three years, during which time East Providence police must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with accreditation standards.