• Alcohol Compliance Checks - The Smithfield Police Department continues to work with local liquor license holders in addressing the sale of alcohol to underage persons. The Police provide trainings to educate servers on State Law and local town ordinances. The department loans out ID scanners to license holders to assist in the detection of fraudulent identification. In October 2010 the department received the second phase of the Drug Free Communities Grant. The funding assisted in alcohol enforcement operations, which consisted of Cops & Shops, Underage Alcohol decoy checks, Party Patrols and Responsible Beverage Server Trainings.
   
• Smithfield Police Holiday Gift Programs - This year the Smithfield Police Department continued its participation in two gift programs to brighten the spirits of Rhode Island children during the Holiday Season. One program was coordinated through the Rhode Island Supreme Court. The Department received 50 index cards displaying a child's first name, age, size, and wishes. Department employees, in their typical generous fashion, ensured that every child listed on the index cards was provided with gifts this year.

PHOTO: (Left to Right) Captain Michael C. Rheaume, Lorraine Pesaturo, Lisa DiSciullo,
Melissa Peters, Chief Richard P. St.Sauveur, Jr., and Detective Lieutenant Kenneth A. Brown).
Photo courtesy of The Valley Breeze Observer.

The Department also participated in the Kids, Cops, & Christmas Program. The Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, and law enforcement agencies statewide collected new, unwrapped presents to fulfill a wish for children who are clients of Crossroads Rhode Island. The goal of this particular program is to provide a positive holiday experience and to show children that police officers are their friends and are in the community to help them. Department employees contributed many gifts to this program, as well.

• Charity Bowling Tournament On Friday, December 3rd, 2010, the Town of Smithfield hosted a Bowling Tournament to Benefit the Smithfield Welfare Department Holiday Fund. The tournament was held at Town Hall Bowling Lanes in Johnston. Several Police Department members and their families participated in the event, and the 5-person team who took home the first place honors, were some familiar faces of the Smithfield Police Department.

 
PHOTO: (Left to Right) Detective Lieutenant Kenneth A. Brown, Jr., Deputy
Chief Robert W. VanNieuwenhuyze, Chief Richard P. St.Sauveur, Jr., Officer
Gary E. Masterson, and Detective Sergeant Eric Dolan)

• D.A.R.E. Skating Party - On Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 Smithfield D.A.R.E. officers hosted a 5th grade D.A.R.E. skating event. The event welcomed all of 5th grade elementary students in the town. They all came together for a fun time of skating with friends and hanging out with the D.A.R.E. Officers.
   
• Drug Recognition Expert - Patrol Officer Thomas J. Coleman, a five-year veteran of the Smithfield Police Department, recently completed Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training. The training colloquium and practicum consisted of sixteen hours of Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection and Enforcement, followed by twenty-four hours of Drug Recognition Expert Pre-School and fifty-six hours of Drug Recognition School. During the DRE training, he participated in two alcohol workshops evaluating alcohol-dosed individuals, in addition to twelve practicum evaluations of persons in protective custody for narcotics abuse. The final training consisted of evaluations of the incoming prison population at the 4th Street Jail complex in Phoenix, Arizona and work-release inmates in June of 2010. Over the course of the training Officer Coleman worked hands-on with officers from across New England, Arizona, Montana and Canada, and performed nearly thirty formal evaluations while observing close to one hundred evaluations of persons under the influence of substances as varied as paint thinner and PCP to crystal methamphetamine. He spent several hundred hours evaluating persons severely impaired by illicit
  narcotics, prescription drugs, abuse of common household chemicals and over the counter medications.
  
  This training and experience will allow him to assist the Department and outside agencies by conducting a standardized and systematic examination in a controlled environment, of a person who has been arrested or is suspected of drug-impaired driving.
   
• Promotions Announced.  The following promotions are effective July 12, 2010:
   
  • Captain Robert W. VanNieuwenhuyze has been named deputy chief;
  • Lt. Michael C. Rheaume has been promoted to captain;
  • Sgt. Jason A. DiGrado has been promoted to lieutenant;
  • Patrol Officer Cory M. Carpenter has been promoted to the rank of sergeant.
     
• Smithfield Town Manager, Dennis G. Finlay has appointed Deputy Chief Richard P. St. Sauveur, Jr., a 21 year veteran of Smithfield Police department to the position of Police Chief.  Press Release

• On March 27^th, 2010, Acting Chief Richard P. St.Sauveur and Captain Robert Beaudry appeared before the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) in Dallas, Texas, where the agency was awarded reaccredited status. The Smithfield Police Department was initially accredited in 2001, and has now attained reaccredited status in 2004, 2007, and 2010. more>>
   

• On March 14, past & present members of the Smithfield Police Department celebrated the Department's 60th Anniversary at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence at a Providence Bruins game.  The Smithfield Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors prior to the game and the group was acknowledged on the video scoreboard:

Acting Chief Richard P. St.Sauveur and the Community Policing Unit recently made a presentation to S.A.D.D. students at Smithfield High School and asked for their help in changing attitudes about drunk driving. As a token of the police department's appreciation, a S.A.D.D. banner was donated to the students.

Updates on the 2009 Citizens Police Academy have been posted here.

Smithfield Police joins LoJack’s SafetyNet program to help find wanderers
Thursday, December 24, 2009
By Talia Buford

September 2009 Update

 
Acting Chief Richard P. St.Sauveur recently presented a check for $475 to Senator John Tassoni for the Friday Night Lights Committee. The money was raised from Smithfield Police Department Mug Sales. There are a few mugs remaining.  more>>>

  In January, all sworn officers received training in Hazardous Material Awareness.

            In February, all sworn officer, dispatchers and animal control wardens were re-certified in CPR & AED.

            In February, all sworn officers received training in Juvenile Procedures.

            In March, all sworn officers received Firearms training.

            In April, all sworn officers received training in Use-Of-Force.

            In May, all sworn officers received training in conducting High Risk Motor Vehicle Stops.

            In June, all sworn officers received training in Identifying Stolen Motor Vehicles and Juvenile Procedures.

SCHOOLS 

            January 8, 2009 – Detective Commander Lieutenant Michael Rheaume and Detective Sergeant Edward Dolan attended a Prosecution Officer’s seminar. 

            January 12, 2009 – Detective Gregg Catlow attended a five day Active Shooter Instructor school. 

            January 15, 2009 – Detective Sergeant Edward Dolan, Lisa St. Angelo and Detective Douglas Cerce attended a seminar on Legal Issues affecting Tasers. 

            January 22, 2009 – Detective Commander Lieutenant Michael Rheaume and Officers Robert Squillante, Orlando Braxton and Joseph Marcello attended an underage Drinking Laws seminar. 

            January 29, 2009 – Officer Orlando Braxton and Joseph Marcello attended a “TOPS Train the Trainer” class.   

            February 6, 2009 – Captain Robert Eaton attended a Hate Crimes and Racial Profiling training. 

            March 19, 2009 – Dispatcher Mary Beth Adams attended a two day Power Phones class for dispatchers. 

            March 19, 2009 - Detective Sergeant Edward Dolan, Detective Sergeant Lisa St. Angelo and Detective Douglas Cerce attended a seminar on Rhode Island Street & Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.                       

            March 20, 2009 – Captain Robert VanNieuwenhuyze graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy, which was ten weeks long.

 

September 2008 Update

CANINE TEAM 

            The Smithfield Police Department has created and established a Canine Team. Officer Paul M. Gilmore and canine Paxson constitute the team. The police service dog is a valuable tool for law enforcement that leads to increased effectiveness in locating missing persons, tracking criminal suspects, locating abandoned articles or hidden evidence of crimes, effecting the arrest of violent or fleeing felony offenders, or conducting other police support functions for which the canine team is specially trained. 

IN-SERVICE TRAINING 

            On March 24^th and 26^th, sworn department employees received training in Basic Water Rescue and Underage Drinking Awareness.

            On April 8^th & 10^th, sworn department employees received Spring Firearms Training and Qualification. 

            On May 20^th, & 21^st, and August 13^th, sworn department employees received Taser Training and Certification. 

            On June 24^th & 26^th, sworn department employees received training in Domestic Violence. 

            On August 5^th & 6^th, sworn department employees received Shotgun Training.  

COMMUNITY POLICING UNIT 

            DARE Officers Robert Squillante and Orlando Braxton are beginning another school year at the elementary and middle schools, while School Resource Officer Joseph Marcello begins another year at Smithfield High School.

            Over the summer months, these officers have been involved in many activities to benefit the youth of our community. On August 5^th, 2008, the Police Department and Target hosted “National Night Out,” a crime/drug prevention event that involved citizens, law enforcement, civic groups and businesses. Some of the events were a bike rodeo, helmet safety, dunk tank, food sampling, live music, smoke house simulation, car seat safety, as well as a chance to meet our Canine Team. 

            Our community police officers also participated in a four-day intensive, team-building, confidence development course aimed at young men and women between the ages of 13 and 17. Participants were exposed to leadership and teamwork concepts. This was a joint effort between the Smithfield Police Department, The Smithfield Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force and the Rhode Island National Guard’s Youth Development Adventure Camp.  

            Once again, the Smithfield Police and Recreation Departments hosted Late Nite Basketball. These pick-up games were for Smithfield youths ages 10 through 16. 

SPECIAL EVENTS 

            The Smithfield Police Department participated in the Big Brothers “World’s Greatest Chocolate Chip Cookie” fund raiser to benefit Big Brothers Rhode Island. 

            Smithfield Police Department mugs are available for $10. The proceeds benefit “Friday Night Lights.”

February 2008 Update

WELCOME 

            The Smithfield Police Department welcomes Mary Beth Adams, who has been appointed to serve as a part-time dispatcher on the third shift.    

            The Smithfield Police Department is currently conducting a recruit selection process to establish an eligibility list that will be effective July 1^st, 2008. Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m., Friday, February 29^th, 2008. 

IN-SERVICE TRAINING 

            On October 22^nd and 23^rd, all sworn department employees received training in Civil Liability and Biased Based Profiling.  

            On November 8^th, 12^th, and 13^th, all sworn department employees participated in Low-Light Firearms Qualification. 

            On December 11^th, all sworn department employees received Breathalyzer Re-certification. 

            On January 9^th & 11^th, all sworn department employees received training in Holding Facility Procedures and Bias Based Profiling. 

            On February 25^th & 28^th, all sworn and civilian department employees received training in RIEAS & Conflict Management. All sworn members also received training in Hand Gun Retention. 

COMMUNITY POLICING UNIT 

            A new Community Policing Office was opened at the Smithfield Crossings, behind Dick’s Sporting Goods. Through the generosity of W.S. Development, owner of the mall, this office space was donated to be used by our Community Police Officers.  A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on December 11^th, 2007. 

            A five-week Female Self-Defense course for residents and business owners in the Town of Smithfield was held beginning January 31^st, 2008.  

            A High School Citizens Police Academy, an 8-week course for high school juniors and seniors interested in learning about law enforcement, is scheduled to begin on March 10^th, 2008. 

SPECIAL EVENTS 

            During the Holiday season, the Supreme Court sponsored their annual gift giving program. Employees of the Police Department purchased gifts for fifty needy children. This annual event helps to make Christmas a little brighter for some less fortunate children. 

            In February, employees of the Police Department participated in the annual American Cancer Society Daffodil Days fund raising event.

November 2007 Update

July 2007 Update

WELCOME

            The Smithfield Police Department welcomes Patrol Officer Jason A. Corser. Officer Corser graduated from the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy on December 1^st, 2006 and is currently assigned to the Patrol Division.          

IN-SERVICE TRAINING

• In February, all sworn officers received Firearms Simulator Training.
   
• In March, all sworn officers received training in Responding to the Mentally Ill.
   
• In April, all sworn officers received semi-annual Firearms Training.
   
• In May, all sworn officers received training in Motor Vehicle Stops and Felony Stops by the Rhode Island Tactical Officers Association.
   
• In June, all sworn officers received training in Responding to Active Shooters.
   

• In May, all sworn officers received training in Motor Vehicle Stops and Felony Stops by the Rhode Island Tactical Officers Association.
   

• In June, all sworn officers received training in Responding to Active Shooters.

MARINE PATROL

          Memorial Day marked the beginning of the Marine Patrol season. The Smithfield Police Department has created and established a Marine Patrol to enforce boating safety laws and maintain a safe environment on Town waters. The officer-in-charge is Detective Lieutenant Michael C. Rheaume. 

OFF-ROAD PATROL

The Smithfield Police Department resumed their Off-Road Patrol Program to enforce laws and ordinances related to the operation of dirt bikes, all-terrain and other off-road vehicles. The officer-in-charge is Lieutenant Alberto M. Fetta.  See the Off-Road Patrol web page here for more information.

January 2007 Update

The Smithfield Police Department recently presented Charles O. Morris with a certificate for completing a 120-hour internship at police headquarters. Mr. Morris is currently studying Law Enforcement at the Community College of Rhode Island where his internship will earn him credits through the Office of Career Placement & Cooperative Education. Mr. Morris is a Providence resident and graduate of Classical High School. He plans on receiving his Associate’s Degree this spring.

Deputy Chief Richard P. St.Sauveur, Jr. (seen in photo with Charles) oversees the Department’s Student Internship Program.
 

November 2006 Update

On October 7, 2006, Smithfield D.A.R.E. Officers supervised a “D.A.R.E. To Be Fit” bike ride through Deerfield Park and the campuses of the Smithfield High School, Anna McCabe School and Gallagher Middle School. Approximately 60 youngsters and parents participated in the event.
 

June 2006 Update

The Smithfield Police Department recently received awards for their efforts during the Operation Blue RIPTIDE and CLICK IT OR TICKET campaigns. Displaying the awards are (l-r) Lt. Michael Mousseau, Officer Robert Squillante and Dep.Chief Richard St.Sauveur.

CLICK IT OR TICKET:  The Department received a 3^rd Place Chief’s Challenge Award for its enforcement efforts in the category of towns with populations of 12,000 – 23,000. The Department has also been invited to apply for a grant of up to $2,000 for the purchase of breath testing or speed measuring devices. 

Operation Blue RIPTIDE – DWI Enforcement:  The Department received a 2005 Impaired Driving Program Award for maintaining compliance throughout this campaign. In addition, the Department was awarded a Portable Breath Tester (PBT) for its commitment and dedication during the DWI Enforcement campaign. 

Operation Blue RIPTIDE – Speed Deterrence:  The Department received a 2005 Speed Enforcement Program Award for maintaining compliance throughout this campaign. In addition, the Department was awarded a Genesis Handheld Radar Gun (retail value $500) for its efforts during the Speed Deterrence campaign.

WELCOME 

The Smithfield Police Department welcomes a new officer, Patrol Officer Melissa S. Nye. Officer Nye graduated from the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy on June 23rd, 2006, and is currently in the FTO Program (Field Training Officer). 

IN-SERVICE TRAINING 

• All sworn department members participated in semi-annual firearms training on April 5th, 6th, & 7th. 

• All sworn department members received training in Motor Vehicle Stops and Felony Stops on May 18th & 25th.  

• All sworn departments members received training in Law Enforcement Prevention of Terrorism on June 22nd & 28th. 

SCHOOLS 

• April 11, 2006 – Detective Douglas Cerce attended the Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation. 
   

• May 1, 2006 – Detective Douglas Cerce attended a Practical Homicide Investigators school. 
   

• May 25, 2006 – Officer Gregg Catlow attended a Train the Trainer class in Off Duty and Plain Clothes Encounters. 
   

• May 30, 2006 – Sergeant Lisa St. Angelo attended a seventy-two hour class on Basic Drug investigation by DEA. 
   

• June 5, 2006 – Lieutenant Michael Rheaume attended a forty hour class on Bloodstain Cause and Effect. 
   

• June 5, 2006 – Dispatchers Carol Monfils, Judy Estrela and Kristen Monk attended a Law Enforcement Dispatch Training through PowerPhone. 
   

• June 6, 2006 – Sergeant Gerald Pezzullo, Officer Orlando Braxton and Joseph Marcello attended a forty hour Child Passenger Safety Technicians certification class. 

MARINE PATROL  

Memorial Day marked the beginning of the Marine Patrol season. The Smithfield Police Department has created and established a marine patrol to enforce boating safety laws and maintain a safe environment on Town waters. The officer-in-charge is Detective Lieutenant Michael C. Rheaume. 

OFF-ROAD PATROL PROGRAM 

The Smithfield Police Department has created an Off-Road Program to enforce laws and ordinances related to the operation of dirt bikes, all-terrain and other off-road vehicles. The officer-in-charge is Lieutenant Alberto M. Fetta (above, right).  See the Off-Road Patrol web page here.

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