RI State Police Hires Law Enforcement Expert to Review Agency and Recommend Strategies to Improve Recruitment and Training

The Rhode Island State Police has hired a nationally recognized law enforcement expert to assess the agency’s policies and procedures and recommend strategies to improve recruitment, training and administrative actions.

Colonel Ann Assumpico proposed the review last fall, when she was first appointed Superintendent of State Police to help identify improvements particularly with regards to attracting, training and retaining a racially and gender-diverse department.

Colonel Assumpico noted that the Rhode Island State Police already meets the rigorous professional standards required for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). However, law enforcement agencies across the country are constantly facing new challenges requiring updates in policies, procedures, training and equipment.

“As Superintendent, my goal is to attract and retain a diverse group of men and women to serve with the Rhode Island State Police, now and in the future,” Colonel Assumpico said. “By keeping pace with best practices in law enforcement, we will ensure the Rhode Island State Police continues to provide exceptional levels of service and protection to the residents of our state.”

The assessment is being conducted by Terrance W. Gainer and his team of law enforcement experts from across the nation. The $225,000 project is being paid from the $45 million received by the Rhode Island State Police as part of the federal Google settlement.

The findings and recommendations of the six-month assessment will be shared with the command staff and will guide future policies and procedures.