The Colonel's Message

 

Welcome to the website of the Rhode Island State Police. If you are interested in learning about how to become a Rhode Island State Trooper, the State Police Museum, Rhode Island's Ten Most Wanted, crime statistics, or if you need public information, I hope you will find the website informative.

On March 30, 2011, the eleventh Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, Colonel Brendan P. Doherty, retired. He served the Division for twenty-eight years, and spent the past four years as its Superintendent. He oversaw the construction of the new Headquarters Building and improvements to the Headquarters Complex in North Scituate, created a Community Outreach Program for youth in our State, and served as the first Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. On behalf of the men and women of the Rhode Island State Police, I extend my gratitude to him for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Division and the citizens of the State of Rhode Island.

I retired from the Rhode Island State Police in 2009 after serving twenty-three years. I was then appointed by President Barack Obama as the United States Marshal for the District of Rhode Island. It was with a heavy heart that I decided to leave this position to return to my home at the Rhode Island State Police. On May 9, 2011, I was sworn in as the twelfth Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police by Governor Lincoln D. Chafee. I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead this fine organization.

The Rhode Island State Police was founded in 1925, and the first Superintendent, Colonel Everitte St. John Chaffee, designed the agency to deal with “the new and rapidly expanding enforcement problems, especially those compounded by the automobile.” The Rhode Island State Police of 2011 has many more challenges than those associated with the automobile. The Division faces budget challenges, staying ahead of ever-changing and emerging technology, prevention and enforcement of drunk and impaired driving, terrorism and homeland security threats, narcotics, crimes associated with the country's economy, and many others.

When Governor Chafee asked if I would accept the position of Superintendent, I felt there were more reasons to remain in my position as U.S. Marshal. However, my instinct told me the right thing to do was accept the Governor's offer. I believe that leaders emerge during difficult times when they are needed the most. What can never be eroded through difficult times is the dedication of the men and women of the Division of State Police. The selfless devotion to the overall mission, regardless of any outside factors, will never change. I have often heard it said that “The Rhode Island State Police is an agency that has never let the people of the State of Rhode Island down.” I vow to work hard to continue to earn that trust. I pledge to uphold and enhance the Division's core values of honor, honesty, courage, fairness, integrity, excellence, and devotion to duty.

Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest in the Rhode Island State Police.