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Welcome to all of
you who are new to our Web Site and to all who have visited us
in the past, thanks for coming back. This page will be updated
every six months. We hope to provide information that will be
beneficial in assisting residents and to familiarize people with
our Department.
Meet our Dispatchers:
At times you may call our
Department for emergency or non-emergency requests. We want you
to know that the person who answers the phone is not just a
voice on the other end, but rather a trained and experienced
professional. He or she is a highly-qualified individual who
has spent numerous hours training to handle all types of calls.
Here is a look at whom you may be speaking with over the
telephone: |
Kurt King
is the
senior Dispatcher for the Smithfield Police Department. He was appointed to
the department in January 1985 as a Reserve Police Officer and his duties
included patrolling the town, as well as working in communications. He was
appointed as a full-time dispatcher in August 1989. He is a certified
training officer and a member of the Department’s Training Committee.
Dispatcher King works Tuesday-Saturday on
the 8:00AM-4:00PM shift.
Cheryl Corsa-Crook
was
appointed to the Department as a full-time dispatcher in January 1997. Prior
to joining the Smithfield Police Department, she was a dispatcher with the
Cranston Police Department. She is a certified training officer for the
department.
Dispatcher Corsa works Monday-Friday on the
4:00 PM to Midnight shift.
Carol Monfils
was appointed
to the Department as a full-time dispatcher in February 2003 after serving
as a part-time Dispatcher with our department. Prior to joining the
Smithfield Police Department she was a Call Receiver and Dispatcher for AAA
Emergency Road Service.
Dispatcher Monfils works Monday-Friday on
the Midnight to 8:00 AM shift.

Suzanne Palazzo
was appointed
to the Department as a part-time dispatcher in August 1998. Prior joining
the Smithfield Police Department she worked in the Human Resources field.
She holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Communications.
Dispatcher Palazzo works Saturday and Sunday
on the 4:00PM to Midnight shift.

Judy Estrela
was appointed
to the Department as a part-time dispatcher in August 2004. Prior to joining
the Smithfield Police Department, she worked in the Sales and Marketing
Department at AAA.
Dispatcher Estrela works Sunday and Monday
on the 8:00 AM-4:00 PM shift.
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Kristen Monk
was appointed to the Department as a part-time dispatcher in
January 2006. She holds and Associate’s degree in Justice
Studies and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in
Criminal Justice at Rhode Island College.
Dispatcher Monk works Sunday and Monday on the 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. shift.
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About the Front
Communications Center
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Many people
are familiar with what dispatchers do, but not everyone is
familiar with the technology and resources we use to perform our
required duties. Here is a short explanation of what you can
find in the Smithfield Police Department dispatch area.
The Dispatchers of the Smithfield Police Department work in what
is known as the Front Communications Center, an office located at
the entrance to the police station. This office is the link
between the department and the general public. All emergency,
non-emergency and informational telephone and walk-in calls are
received in this office and either redirected to the correct
department or answered with a police response. The department
has several business telephone lines and 9-1-1 dedicated lines
that all ring in this office.
The Front Communications Center also utilizes an advanced radio
system. Our main radio frequency is used to communicate with the
Smithfield Fire, Public Works, and Emergency Management
Departments. We also monitor the RISPERN and RITERN statewide
radio systems at all times.
On-duty dispatchers also have the responsibility of monitoring
the Are-You-Okay system, which is a well-being calling system
that calls residents daily at specific times. If an alert is
received from the system, it is our responsibility to take the
appropriate action (For more information on the Are-You-Okay
system, contact the community Policing Unit at 231-2500
extension 30)
In January 2006 an additional part-time dispatcher was hired to
meet the demands of the high call volume and in-station public
assistance. There are now two dispatchers on duty simultaneously
on Monday and Tuesday between 8:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m.
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Here are a few
frequently asked questions:

I’m going on vacation. Will
the police check my residence while I’m away?
The Smithfield Police Department does provide house check
service. Simply call the police station at 231-2500 and request that your
residence be place on the house check list. The dispatcher will request your
name, address, telephone number, dates that you will be away and the name
and number of an emergency contact while you are away. The house is then
checked once each shift by the patrol division until you return. Upon your
return, you are asked to contact the police station and we will verify that
you have returned and remove your residence from the house check list.
When does the department do
V.I.N. checks?
The
State of Rhode Island requires that all vehicles that are less than ten
years old with an out of state title to be inspected at a local police
department prior to registration. The Smithfield Police Department does
V.I.N. checks on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You must
bring the vehicle along with the title and proof of your address. The cost
of a V.I.N. check is $10.00 per vehicle and may be paid for in cash or
check. The Smithfield Police Department does not limit V.I.N. checks to Town
residents.
When
do Parking Bans go into effect during the winter months?
The Smithfield Department of Public Works notifies the Smithfield Police
Department when a temporary parking ban needs to be implemented for snow
removal purposes. If you are unsure whether a ban is in effect you can call
the Smithfield Police station at 231-2500 or tune into AM Radio WHJJ (920)
or WPRO (630), or television stations WJAR 10, WPRI 12, and ABC6. During
bans, it is unlawful to park on any town roads. Doing so could result in a
$25 fine and/or the towing of your vehicle. |