East Providence School Resource Officer Starts New Chapter

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — One of the city's former school resource officers has been promoted to detective corporal. Officer Cheri Almeida, formerly a school resource officer, was sworn in to her new position late last week by Mayor Bob DaSilva. She has worked with East Providence Police Department for the past 18 years.

"After serving many years mentoring students as an SRO we are lucky to have Corporal Almeida return to headquarters to begin her next chapter as an investigator," said Police Chief William Nebus. "The transition should be easy for Det. Almeida since she will start her new assignment in the Juvenile Division."

Before her promotion, Almeida served nine years as school resource officer at Martin Middle School, being a liaison between the School and Police departments.

"We've been blessed the past nine years," said Martin Middle School administration in a statement. "Our team will miss her, but she is on to great things and will always be a wildcat."

Almeida is a member of the Juvenile Hearing Board and has a long history working with minors, both in local schools and the community at large, according to city officials. She has instructed and participated in mentor programs, youth violence prevention programs, safety awareness programs and the Kids and Cops camps.

While being employed at the East Providence Police Department, Almeida has won several awards, including the Exceptional Service Award, two Honorable Service awards and three unit citations. She also is an active shooter response training instructor.

Almeida had studied education at Rhode Island College and criminal justice at the Community College of Rhode Island. She also served as a military police officer with Rhode Island National Guard.