2008 Annual Report

RHODE ISLAND STATE POLICE Headquarters 311 Danielson Pike, North Scituate, RI 02857-1907 Telephone: (401) 444-1000 Fax: (401) 444-1105

Brendan P. Doherty Colonel Superintendent

The Honorable Donald Carcieri Governor State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations State House Providence, RI 02903

Dear Governor Carcieri:

I am pleased to provide you with the 2008 Rhode Island State Police Annual Report, my second since being named Superintendent in April 2007.

During the year, the Division began several new initiatives including the “Make Good Decisions” awareness campaign for young people, “Kids, Cops, & Christmas” to benefit children at Crossroads Rhode Island, and a State Police partnership with area urban schools.

The Department of Public Safety was instituted, consolidating several public safety agencies to create greater efficiencies. There have also been consolidations at two of the State Police barracks as well. Pre-construction work began on the new Headquarters Building in Scituate, with formal groundbreaking on schedule for early 2009. We are also in the final phases of selecting candidates for the 53rd State Police Recruit Training Academy that will begin in June 2009.

Our State and Nation are facing unprecedented challenges, but our members continue to successfully perform in an exemplary manner. On behalf of the men and women of the Rhode Island State Police, I thank you for your support over the past year as we strive to continue providing the best law enforcement services for the citizens and visitors of our state.

Sincerely,

Brendan P. Doherty Colonel Superintendent

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Table of Contents

Superintendent ...... 2 Professional Standards Unit ...... 7 Inspectional Services Unit...... 8 Accreditation ...... 9

Patrol Bureau Chief Of Field Operations ...... 10 District Commanders...... 11 Scituate Barracks...... 12 Lincoln Woods Barracks ...... 14 Hope Valley Barracks ...... 16 Wickford/Portsmouth Barracks ...... 18 Commercial Enforcement Unit ...... 21 Operations Officer...... 23 Night Executive Officers...... 24 Weekend Officer In Charge...... 25 Executive Security...... 26

Detective Bureau ...... 27 Detective Commander ...... 28 Financial Crimes Unit...... 29 Narcotics Unit...... 30 Area Detectives...... 32 Computer Crimes...... 33 Intelligence Unit...... 35 Violent Fugitive Task Force ...... 39 Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Unit...... 41 Criminal Identification Unit ...... 43 Property Control Officer ...... 45

Administrative Services Chief Administrative Officer ...... 46 Traffic Services / Planning and Research Unit ...... 48 Missing Children Section ...... 50 Uniform Crime Reports Section ...... 51 Training Academy...... 52 Fiscal Office...... 53 Technology and Communication Services Unit ...... 54 Radio Services...... 55 Management Information Systems ...... 56 NCIC / RILETS Control Section ...... 57 Technical Services Section...... 58 Administrative Services (continued) Personnel/Fleet Officer...... 59 Charitable Gaming Section...... 60

Special Operations Canine Team...... 61 iii

Marine Unit...... 64 Honor Guard...... 66 Motorcycle Team...... 67 Tactical Team ...... 68

Statistics...... 70

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Rhode Island State Police

MISSION STATEMENT

The Rhode Island State Police is a full service, statewide law enforcement agency whose mission is to fulfill the law enforcement needs of the people with the highest degree of fairness, professionalism and integrity, and protect the inherent rights of the people to live their lives in freedom and safety. To this end, Division employees shall perform their respective patrol, investigative and support functions to the best of their ability and cooperate with other State agencies, as well as with local and Federal authorities.

DIVISION CREED

“You are always to remember that you are

in the Rhode Island State Police and

In the Service of the State.

It is a call of honor. It requires unselfish

devotion to duty, the highest

type of honesty and downright courage.”

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Superintendent COLONEL, BRENDAN P. DOHERTY

Executive Secretary Ms. Barbara Laird

Colonel Brendan P. Doherty was sworn in as the eleventh Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police on April 28, 2007. Colonel Doherty graduated from the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy in 1980 and rose through the ranks to the rank of Major, second in command of the Division, until his retirement in 2004. While a member of the State Police, Colonel Doherty served in the Uniform Bureau and was promoted to the Detective Bureau, where he was assigned to the Intelligence Unit. He then spent the next eleven years in the Intelligence Unit with a primary focus on traditional and non-traditional organized crime, wire intercepts, intelligence gathering, and narcotics and surveillance techniques.

In 1997, Lieutenant Doherty was assigned to supervise the Public Corruption/Financial Crimes Unit, and in 1999 he was promoted to the rank of Captain/Detective Commander in charge of all investigative components. After brief assignments in Internal Affairs and as Administrative Major, he became the second in command of the Division, running daily Patrol and Detective operations. Upon his retirement, Major Doherty accepted a position at Roger Williams University as the Director of Public Safety and left briefly to accept the position of Director of Public Safety at T.F. Green Airport. He returned to Roger Williams University, where he also headed up the Environmental Health and Safety component.

Colonel Doherty holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. He has received extensive training in media relations, organized crime, ethics, homicide investigations, and leadership development. He has lectured on law enforcement matters at Roger Williams University, the Rhode Island State Police Academy, and the University of South Africa.

As Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, Colonel Doherty serves as the commanding officer of the Division and is accountable for staffing the Patrol and Detective Bureaus to provide statewide law enforcement services. The mission for these two bureaus is to promote highway safety, maintenance of order, prevention and detection of crime and the apprehension of violators. The Superintendent is also responsible for ensuring the control of traffic, maintaining safety enforcement on the State's highways and the development and enforcement of all policies and regulations for the Division. The Superintendent must ensure structure, discipline, efficiency and morale within the Division, along with establishing goals, direction, and priorities.

The Superintendent reports directly to the Governor and is charged with informing the Governor of all major, ongoing investigations, except where prohibited by law. Over the course of the past year, the Superintendent has served on the following boards, commissions and task forces: The Grants Administration Office Policy Board (formerly the Rhode Island Justice Commission); the Criminal Justice Steering Committee of the Grants Administration Office; the Rhode Island Crime Lab Commission; the Rhode Island Medical Examiner's Commission; the Criminal Justice Oversight Committee; the International Association of Chiefs of Police/State and Provincial Division, New England Police Chiefs Association, New England State Police Administrators Conference; New England State Police Information Network Board of Directors; Rhode Island Police Chiefs’

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Association, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Executive Board, RISP Museum Committee, and the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs (honorary member), the Board of Crossroads Rhode Island, and the Boys and Girls Club. Colonel Doherty is also a coach for the Boys and Girls Club of Providence/Chad Brown basketball team, and he previously served on the Board of Directors of the Beacon Mutual Insurance Company.

During 2008, the Division provided personnel to assist other state and municipal agencies. The Governor appointed the Superintendent as Interim State Fire Marshal. Lieutenant John Blessing and later, Lieutenant LeRoy V. Rose, Jr. managed the day-to-day operations of this office until a permanent Fire Marshal was named. Chief Jack Chartier was named State Fire Marshal in 2008, and we welcome him. The Division continues to maintain a presence at T.F. Green Airport. Lieutenants Kevin Hopkins and David Hayden served as Chief of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation Police Department until their retirements. Presently, Lieutenant James Pereira is the Division’s liaison at the Airport. Lieutenant Darren Delaney, Operations Officer, is now located at the Command Readiness Center with the Rhode Island National Guard.

Lieutenant David Palmer served as the Acting Police Chief in the Town of North Providence, and Lieutenant Eric Croce served as the Acting Police Chief in the City of Woonsocket. They held these positions for several months until permanent police chiefs were named. Trooper Kenneth Moriarty, who is also an Army Chief Warrant Officer, was deployed with his military unit to the Middle East during 2008. We salute him, and thank him for his service to our country.

The Division teamed up with officers from the Providence Police Department in the “Neighborhood Response Team” program again in 2008. These special patrols were deployed weekend nights during peak holiday periods in the City of Providence. The teams have been highly effective in reducing crime in the Capitol City.

During 2008, the following members of the Division retired: Major Stephen Lynch, Lieutenants Kevin Hopkins, Glenn Skalubinski, John Blessing, Pamela Moffatt, Thomas Underhill, John LaFreniere, Robert Mackisey, Franklin Rohan, David Hayden, and Scott Hemingway, Sergeant Robert Farnum, Corporals Jan Hagopian and Kathleen Flynn, Detective Scott LeBeau, Ms. Nancy Carlton, and Mr. Brian Glancy. We wish them all a happy, healthy retirement and thank them for their many years of dedicated service to the Rhode Island State Police.

The Division’s Detective Bureau continues its mission of providing excellent investigative services and responds to ever-increasing requests for its expertise. During the past year, detectives assisted local police departments in the investigation of several major cases. In addition, each detective carries a considerable caseload in his or her own specialty area. The Fusion Center, a partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, has added two criminal intelligence analysts to the unit. Michael DiComitis and John Soscia had been serving in these positions as contract employees.

During peak holiday periods, the Uniformed Bureau and Commercial Enforcement Unit joined other New England states in regional and national traffic enforcement campaigns, including “C.A.R.E.” (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), “Child Passenger Safety Week,” “Click-It or Ticket,” and “Operation A.B.C.” (America Buckles Up Children). The Division continued aggressive campaigns against impaired drivers. A billboard and poster campaign was conducted during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season through a partnership with MetLife and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Billboards were located on highways in the greater Providence area depicting the three troopers with the highest number of DUI arrests and reminding motorists not to drink and drive. This public awareness campaign was paid for with funding from MetLife Auto and Home. A similar program was conducted during the spring prom season to remind young people to “Make Good Decisions.” Billboards were again located in the greater Providence area. Mini billboards were also

3 placed at prom venues throughout the state. This program was also funded by MetLife and held in conjunction with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Students Against Drunk Driving.

In January, the State Police hosted a “Roundtable Discussion on School Violence” at Bryant University. Troopers from the Virginia State Police, who were first responders to the Virginia Tech tragedy, discussed the incident. Attendees included Rhode Island College and university presidents, directors of public safety, police chiefs, and state EMA officials. The costs of the program were underwritten by the Target Corporal, the Marriott Hotel, and Bryant University.

In February, the Division hosted a “Basic Investigators’ School for Non-Law Enforcement Agencies.” The training provided agencies with investigatory skills and resources while conducting various types of investigations. The Computer Crimes Unit also hosted three cyber terrorism trainings at various locations throughout the state. These trainings were funded by a federal grant.

In May, the Rhode Island State Police participated in the Aquidneck Island National Police Parade as part of Police Memorial Week. Captain Raymond S. White was this year’s Grand Marshal. The State Police won the award for “Best Uniform” and “Best Police Cruiser.” The Division also held its 18th Annual Memorial Ceremony during National Police Memorial Week.

Also in May, the Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and Office on Highway Safety hosted a press conference at Hope High School in Providence to unveil the new State Police “rollover simulator.” The simulator was purchased with funding from the Office and Highway Safety, and shows the effects of a motor vehicle accident if you are not wearing a seat belt.

In June, the Superintendent began a new initiative, “The Rhode Island State Police Advisory Board on Emerging Issues in Law Enforcement.” The Board includes representatives from education, the business community, private non-profit agencies, the clergy, and colleges and universities. The Board’s mission is to assist the State Police find innovative solutions to problems and recommend improvements for our state, at a time when law enforcement is being tasked to provide more services with ever-shrinking budgets.

Also in June, Trooper Brendan Doyle returned to full duty. Trooper Doyle was assaulted twelve months earlier while attempting to stop an erratic driver in the City of Providence. He suffered a severe head injury and was hospitalized for several weeks followed by many weeks of rehabilitation. We are grateful to welcome him back to full duty.

In July, the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety began its operations. The Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police also serves as the Commissioner of Public Safety. The agencies that were consolidated under the Department are: Emergency-911 Telephone System, State Fire Marshals’ Office, the Grants Administration Office (formerly the Rhode Island Justice Commission), the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy, and the Rhode Island Capitol Police. The Rhode Island State Police Finance Office was merged into the Department of Public Safety and assumed the responsibility of all the agencies’ purchasing, personnel, and payroll, functions. Major Stephen Lynch, and following his retirement, Major Raymond White were the liaison from the State Police to the Department of Public Safety.

During August, the State Police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) co- sponsored a “Best Practices” training for all Rhode Island Police Departments. In September, the State Police and Met Life co-sponsored an Auto Theft/Insurance Fraud seminar for police officers throughout the state. In September, the State Police and Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy sponsored an elderly alert/amber alert training for local cities and towns. Also in September, Sergeant Michael Rosa and Trooper Matthew Salisbury were honored with the “Hero

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Award” from the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office for saving a woman from a burning home in Providence.

Rank structure changes for members of the Command Staff, which took effect in September. The Superintendent also became the Commissioner of Public Safety. The Major/Field Operations Officer became the Lieutenant Colonel/Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Field Operations. Major/Administrative Services became the Lieutenant Colonel/Chief Administrative Officer. The Inspector/Professional Standards and Inspector/Inspectional Services were both made Majors. A third Major became the liaison to the Department of Public Safety. The State Police Finance Director was promoted as the Director of Finance and Central Management for the Department of Public Safety. The State Police Fiscal Clerk was promoted to Principal Accountant in the Department of Public Safety. In November, Lisa Holley, former Chair of the Parole Board was hired as Legal Counsel for the Department of Public Safety.

In October, Corporal John A’Vant, Detective Scot Baruti, Trooper Joy Younkin, and Trooper Meredith Zenowich participated in the Seventh Annual Law Fit Trooper Challenge. The Challenge consists of a series of six fitness and job-related competitive events to gauge the overall fitness of police officers. The Rhode Island State Police Team placed first in seven events and second in two events.

In a November ceremony at Providence College, twenty-six members of the State Police, who were promoted to the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major during the past year, were honored. Also, two troopers received the Lifesaver Award and three members of the community received the Colonel Chaffee Award.

The Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies visited the various State Police facilities from December 13th-17th for the Division’s triennial re-accreditation. The assessors commended the Division for its preparedness and professionalism. They stated that they were extremely impressed with State Police personnel. The team leader commented that the Rhode Island State Police was the most gracious and hospitable agency he has dealt with as a CALEA assessor. All three assessors recognized and commented about the pride and respect members have for the Division. Formal re-accreditation will take place at the CALEA Conference in March 2009.

Throughout 2008, the Division began the recruitment and testing process for the 53rd Rhode Island State Police Training Academy that will begin in June 2009. These new troopers will help fill the ranks following retirements from the Classes of 1985 and 1986. Members of the Division also participated in several charitable events during the year to benefit Special Olympics, the State Employees Charitable Appeal, the Community Food Bank, and Crossroads Rhode Island.

During 2008, there were several facility changes. The Chepachet Barracks was closed, and troopers were reassigned to Headquarters in Scituate and to the Blackstone River State Park substation on Route 295 in Lincoln. However, their patrolling areas remain the same. The Portsmouth Barracks was changed to a sub-station and now houses the Commercial Enforcement Unit. This facility should return to full operations as a barracks when the Class of 2009 graduates and begins their patrols. The Portsmouth Barracks troopers have been re-assigned to the Wickford Barracks, but their patrol areas remain the same. The Community Policing Program in the Town of Exeter and the Exeter Barracks was closed in July. The town does not have its own police department, so troopers from the Wickford and Hope Valley Barracks are dispatched for calls for assistance in the Town of Exeter.

Pre-construction also began on the new Rhode Island State Police Headquarters/E-911 Public Safety Answering Point in North Scituate. The official groundbreaking will be in early 2009, and the new building will take approximately 20 to 22 months to complete. The building will be 56,384 square 5 feet, and construction is estimated at $27 million. The building was designed by RGB of Providence to achieve LEED Silver Certification. LEED certification is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED buildings are designed to have an immediate and measurable impact on a building’s performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: Sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. The contractor for the project is A.F. Lusi Construction of Smithfield, and project management is by W.E. Marchetti Consulting, LLC of Warwick.

The upcoming year will present new challenges for the Rhode Island State Police, but the Division also has many exciting opportunities ahead. The new Department of Public Safety will continue to develop further efficiencies and provide support to the several state agencies. The construction of the new Headquarters building will be well underway, and the 53rd Rhode Island State Police Training Academy will begin in June. The men and women of the Rhode Island State Police will continue to provide the quality law enforcement services that our citizens have come to expect from their State Police.

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Professional Standards Unit INSPECTOR ELWOOD M. JOHNSON, JR.

The Professional Standards Unit Major, Elwood M. Johnson, Jr., is a twenty-two (22) year veteran of the Division. Major Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in the Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University. The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for the investigation of all complaints and allegations made against sworn and civilian members of the Division of State Police. The Unit strives to ensure that the integrity of the Division remains intact. Each investigation is conducted objectively, thoroughly, and without bias. A comprehensive investigation will end with one of three determined classifications; founded, unfounded, or unsubstantiated. Appropriate disciplinary sanctions or corrective actions are imposed in all founded complaints.

The Professional Standards Unit investigated a total of fifty-two (52) complaints between January and December of 2008. Thirty-five (35) cases were determined to be unfounded or unsubstantiated, while eighteen (18) cases were determined to be founded and required some form of corrective action or disciplinary sanction. In 2008, the Rhode Island State Police had contact with the public on several thousand occasions through traffic collision investigations, incidents, arrests, and citations yet only thirty-seven (37) of the Unit’s fifty-two (52) complaints against personnel had been filed by citizens or external sources.

Summary of Professional Standards Unit Investigations for Calendar-Year 2008:

Type Number of Unfounded - Discipline/Founded Pending Complaints Unsubstantiated Unprofessional Behavior (Sworn) 13 9 4 0 Job Performance (Sworn) 33 22 11 0 Miscellaneous (Sworn) 5 4 1 0 Job Performance (Civilian) 1 1 Miscellaneous (Civilian) 2 1 1 TOTAL: 52 35 18 0

Type Proper Use - Justified Discipline or Counseling Total

High Speed Pursuits 7 3 10 Discharge of Firearm 1 1 Discharge of Firearm 6 6 (To dispatch severely injured animal) Use of Force/Physical 18 0 18 Use of Force/Capstun 1 0 1 Use of Force/Cas 21 0 0 0 Use of Division Canine (K-9) 0 0 0 Use of Other Implement 1 0 1

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Inspectional Services Unit MAJOR STEPHEN M. BANNON

The Inspectional Services Unit Major, Stephen Bannon, is a twenty-two (22) year veteran responsible for evaluating the administration and operation of the Division, as well as periodic inspections of facilities, vehicles, equipment, records, personnel and investigative procedures. The Inspectional Services Unit analyzes Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards that effect/encompass Division-wide operations and compares current organizational practices, policies and procedures to mandatory and non-mandatory CALEA standards. The Major identifies and recommends the means by which deficiencies may be overcome to satisfy the standards and enable the attainment and maintenance of the Division’s accredited status.

In December of 2008, the Division underwent a triennial re-accreditation examination by a panel of three (3) CALEA assessors. Although formal re-accreditation cannot be granted until CALEA’s Annual Conference in March of 2009, the December on-site assessment went very well and the assessment team has indicated that it will recommend re-accreditation to the Commission at the March conference.

Since 2000, the Inspectional Services Unit has continued to maintain a Quality Assurance Program. Surveys are mailed to persons who have had contact with the Division in the areas of complaint investigation (both uniform and detective), accident investigation and enforcement of vehicle and traffic law. Surveys were once again mailed out in late 2008. As has been the case with every annual survey, the Division continues to maintain a 90%+ level of satisfaction for its services to Rhode Island residents.

As a result of legislation passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly during its 2007 session, the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety (DPS) was created on July 1, 2008 as part of the Governor’s FY09 Budget. The creation of this department involved countless hours of meetings, statutory construction or re-construction, and legislative committee hearings.

The Superintendent of State Police serves as the Commissioner of Public Safety. The state agencies that fall within the DPS include; E-911, the RI State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Municipal Police Training Academy, and the RI Capitol Police. The department formerly known as the Rhode Island Justice Commission was re-named as the Public Safety Grant Administration Office. Additionally, a new Central Management Office was created to manage all fiscal affairs of the six (6) agencies that make up the DPS.

Finally, during calendar year 2008, Major Bannon managed the responsibilities of Legal Office of the State Police and DPS until a permanent DPS Legal Counsel was hired in late November 2008.

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Accreditation Unit Lieutenant Wilfred K. Hill Corporal Shari L. Russell

Lieutenant Wilfred K. Hill, a sixteen-year veteran of the Division, currently serves as the Division’s Accreditation Manager. Lieutenant Hill assumed this position in June 2008. This position was re-established in May of 1999 to further streamline the voluminous amount of documentation necessary to sustain accreditation requirements.

In November of 1992, the Rhode Island State Police made a voluntary commitment to pursue national accreditation status under the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. The Commission, a non-profit and private corporation was created in 1979 through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the National Sheriffs’ Association and the Police Executive Research Forum. The Commission’s mission is to establish a set of professional standards which strengthen crime prevention programs, formalize essential management procedures, establish fair and nondiscriminatory practices, improve services, solidify interagency cooperation and coordination, and boost citizen and staff confidence in the law enforcement profession.

Since the Division initially attained accredited status in November of 1994, the Division has continually updated policies and procedures to conform to evolving law enforcement issues and accreditation standards. Furthermore, the Division has gathered numerous forms of documentation that demonstrate compliance with Division policies, procedures and accreditation standards. Currently, the Division complies with those applicable four hundred sixty (460) standards established by the Commission. The Division successfully passed the onsite visit for re-accreditation process in August of 2005 and was accredited for the fourth time by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in November 2005, receiving National CALEA recognition as a Flagship Agency.

The Division’s fifth CALEA on-site assessment was conducted between the dates of December 13th-17th 2008. As such, the majority of the work conducted this year involved providing proof of compliance for the revised CALEA 5th edition, managing standard compliance, and revising the Division’s polices and procedures to reflect the changes of the 5th edition CALEA manual. As a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of the Accreditation Unit, and Division members, for the second consecutive time, the Rhode Island State Police received National CALEA Recognition as a Flagship Agency.

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Deputy Superintendent/ Chief of Field Operations LIEUTENANT COLONEL STEVEN G. O’DONNELL

Lieutenant Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, a twenty-two year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police, is the Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Field Operations. He holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Salve Regina University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of New Haven. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Field Operations is the second highest-ranking officer in the Division.

The Deputy Superintendent is directly responsible for the Patrol and Detective Bureaus. Additionally, he is responsible for specialized units within these branches, such as the Governor’s Security Detail, Commercial Enforcement Unit, Canine, Dive, Tactical and Motorcycle Teams. The Deputy Superintendent directly oversees the Intelligence Unit & Fusion Center, the Executive Security Unit, as well as the Rhode Island State Police Liaison at the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. During the 2008 calendar year, the State Police, through the Deputy Superintendent, oversaw the State Fire Marshal’s Office until a new State Fire Marshal was named. The Lieutenant Colonel also oversaw State Police Lieutenants, who were the Acting Chiefs in the Town of North Providence and City of Woonsocket. The Deputy Superintendent is intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of the Division of State Police.

Lieutenant Colonel O’Donnell sits on the several boards and commissions, including the Governor’s Panel on Immigration, Biased-Based Policing and Racial Profiling Committees. He also represents the Division at the State House and in Congress on Rhode Island State Police initiatives. The Deputy Superintendent reports directly to the Superintendent, and along with the Superintendent, works to ensure the efficient operation and establish goals, direction, and priorities for the Division of State Police.

The Deputy Superintendent is the conduit for requests from local, state and federal agencies for the assistance of the Rhode Island State Police. Additionally, the Superintendent has designated the Lieutenant Colonel as the Public Information Officer for the State Police. He is responsible for disseminating information to the public through the media. Among the responsibilities of the Public Information Officer is the coordination of public speaking appearances and demonstrations by Division members throughout the State. He periodically meets with representatives of various media outlets to ensure that the Division has open communication with them.

In addition, the Deputy Superintendent is the Coordinator for the Rhode Island AMBER Alert Plan and is responsible for establishing the protocol for investigating child abduction investigations. The Rhode Island AMBER Alert Plan provides a rapid response to the most serious child abduction cases. When an alert is activated, the Rhode Island State Police, through the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, will immediately gain the assistance of local broadcasters to send an emergency alert to the public in the hope for a quick and safe recovery of the abducted child. In 2008, this program was expanded to include elderly persons. .

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District Commanders CAPTAIN JAMES E. SWANBERG CAPTAIN KENNETH J. MARANDOLA

The District Commander’s office is staffed with two captains. Captain Kenneth J. Marandola, a twenty three (23) year veteran, is the District “A” Commander. Captain Marandola has served as the Patrol Commander of the Chepachet, Portsmouth and Wickford Barracks and also served as a Lieutenant in the Detective Division.

Captain James E. Swanberg, a twenty two (22) year veteran, is the District “B” Commander. Captain Swanberg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University along with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology from Rhode Island College. Captain Swanberg is a former First Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps and also a graduate of Leadership Rhode Island.

Captain Marandola is responsible for overseeing the northern operations of the Lincoln Woods Barracks, Chepachet Barracks, Commercial Enforcement Unit, Night Executive Officers, T.F. Green Airport Office and the Division’s Collision Reconstruction Unit. Additional responsibilities include supervising the Division Lieutenant serving as the Liaison for the Rhode Island Airport Corporation Police Department.

Captain Swanberg is responsible for overseeing the southern operations of the Hope Valley Barracks, Wickford Barracks, and Portsmouth Barracks. Additional responsibilities include supervising the Operations Officer, which includes all of the Division’s specialized units.

The District Commanders have the overall responsibility of assuring all barracks are operating in a uniform manner to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Division. As secondary responders, the District Commanders respond to all major incidents being investigated by uniformed patrols. Also included in their responsibilities is the allocation of personnel around the state. Due to the dynamics and the varied daily responsibilities of the organization, assigning troopers around the state is a very labor-intensive part of this position.

The District Commanders work with other Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies to coordinate the Division’s efforts in the war against terrorism. All special security details and assignments are the responsibility of the District Commanders.

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Scituate Barracks Lieutenant Joseph S. DelPrete

PATROL AREA: Burrillville, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, Foster, Glocester, Johnston, Lincoln, Providence, Scituate, Smithfield, Warwick

The Scituate Barracks is under the command of Lieutenant Joseph S. DelPrete, a (22) year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police.

In November of 2008, the Rhode Island State Police Chepachet Barracks closed permanently as a result of a planned consolidation and concentrating Troopers in higher traffic and service call areas. Assigned troopers will be working from both State Police Headquarters in Scituate and the Blackstone Valley Substation located in Lincoln.

The Scituate Barracks personnel structure consists of one Lieutenant, two Sergeants one corporal, and fifteen troopers. The Lieutenant and Sergeants have an office at the State Police Blackstone Valley Substation located in the Welcome Center on Route 295 North prior to Exit 10. The prosecution office is located at State Police Headquarters serving troopers assigned to the Scituate Barracks patrol area.

The current patrol area known to the Scituate Barracks today consists of over 307 square miles. In 2007, the patrol area expanded to include Route 295 up to the Massachusetts state line and the regular manning of the Rhode Island State Police 295 Blackstone Valley Sub Station which gives Troopers easy access to the state highways and secondary roads in the area. The Scituate Barracks Troopers also have patrol responsibilities from the Connecticut state line in the northwest part of the state to the Route 6 Providence metro area where troopers regularly assist local Police Departments in this jurisdiction. The members of this barracks are also responsible for providing police services to over 10 cities and towns.

Patrol activities range from traffic patrol, speed reduction, bad check complaints, disturbance and domestic calls to more intensified investigations of armed robberies and murder. Patrols have continued their concentrated effort to remove aggressive and impaired motorists from our roadways. These traffic enforcement efforts have resulted in an 8 per cent decrease in accidents from 2007 to 2008 and 15 per cent increase in driving while impaired arrests in 2008.

In addition to patrol duties, members of the Scituate Barracks are assigned to various specialty responsibilities that support the Division of State Police. These responsibilities include being assigned to Governors Security Detail, SWAT Team, Domestic/sexual assault instructors, hostage- crisis negotiation team, Honor Guard Detail, Firearms instruction, and Canine Team. Members of the Scituate Barracks are frequently called upon to speak at citizens groups, organizations, and schools in the area.

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INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

In November of 2008, just prior to midnight, the Foster Police Department reported the armed robbery of the Sunoco Gas Station located at 186 Danielson Pike, Foster near the Connecticut state line. The lone suspect was described as a white male, wearing a hooded sweatshirt, brandishing a handgun. Foster Police also requested the assistance of the Rhode Island State Police to search for the armed suspect who was still at large and believed to be in the area of the Sunoco gas station.

Troopers of the Scituate Barracks late patrol were traveling west on Route 6 in Johnston responding to assist the Foster Police Department when they observed a dark colored Nissan Maxima sedan traveling east at an extremely high rate of speed approaching Route 295. After reviewing previous broadcasts of a similar type vehicle used in area robberies they instinctively turned, and activated their emergency lights in attempt to stop the eastbound suspect vehicle. Troopers then observed the Nissan Maxima sedan take an abrupt right turn into the Shell Gas Station on Hartford Avenue, Johnston and park adjacent to the gas pumps. Troopers were able to position their marked cruiser behind the suspect vehicle, at which point it fled from the gas station at a high rate of speed. Troopers pursued the suspect vehicle eastbound on Hartford Avenue, through Johnston and Providence as it approached the Olneyville section. As the suspect vehicle made the circular turn toward Plainfield Street, it lost control, and struck the front of Burger King located at 60 Hartford Avenue, Providence.

The suspect fitting the description in the Foster Sunoco Station armed robbery exited the driver’s side door and fled on foot North toward Plainfield Street, Providence. Troopers were able to maintain a visual contact with this potentially armed suspect and drove toward Plainfield Street, a trooper then exited the cruiser and pursued the suspect on foot back toward the Burger King, as the trooper driving the cruiser was able to use the division cruiser and contain the suspect in the parking lot. The desperate male suspect attempted to re-enter the driver’s side door of the Nissan Maxima when after a brief struggle he was apprehended by Troopers.

Troopers located a Tech –9 replica machine gun and ammunition clip on the floor of the passengers side of the Nissan Maxima and seized money from the suspect which was later confirmed used and taken in the Foster Sunoco Gas Station armed robbery. Troopers also learned that the suspect was wanted by the Providence Police Department for 1st degree and 2nd degree robbery, and was a Fugitive From Justice from the State of Massachusetts for Robbery and Aggravated Assault- Weapon originating from the Attleboro Police Department. The Nissan Maxima and registration plates were stolen from the cities of Providence and Pawtucket.

Barracks Personnel

Sergeants: Mark B. Surtel, Sgt. Buxton

Corporals: Clarence Snead

Troopers: John Shelhart, Timothy Dandeneau, Sean McCarthy, Kenneth Buonaiuto, Scott Carlsten, Jason Lawton, Scott Hartwell, Peter Cambio, Nicholas Rivello, Kristopher Lagor, Daniel Hernandez, Mark McGehearty, David Trainor, James Brown, Amanda Brezniak.

Maintenance: Thomas McCarthy

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Lincoln Barracks Lieutenant Steven M. Lefebvre

PATROL AREA: Central Falls, Cranston, Cumberland, East Providence, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Providence, Smithfield, Warwick, Woonsocket

The Lincoln Woods Barracks is under the command of Lieutenant Steven M. Lefebvre, a twenty two (22) year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. The Lincoln Woods Barracks is located at 1575 Old Louisquisett Pike in the Town of Lincoln. One Lieutenant, two Sergeants, three Corporals, twenty eight (28) troopers, one civilian maintenance person staff the barracks. Several members of the Lincoln Woods Barracks are also involved with the Tactical Team, Crisis Negotiation Unit, Technical Accident Reconstruction Unit, Marine Unit, Motorcycle Team, and other support units.

The Lincoln Woods Barracks utilizes 33 marked uniform patrol vehicles and 2 low profile vehicles to patrol an area that encompasses approximately 206 square miles. This area of responsibility is fifty percent urban, twenty-five percent metropolitan and twenty-five percent rural, which includes Rhode Island’s three major highways.

The Lincoln Woods Barracks, being situated in the states metropolitan area, is responsible for a variety of calls for service. Interstates 95 and 195 and Route 10 take up the majority of these calls. The barracks is also responsible for patrolling and providing police service to all state facilities to include: the State Capitol, the Department of Administration, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the Institute of Mental Health, the General Hospital, the Adult Correctional and Juvenile Facilities in Cranston, and all Providence County Court facilities. The Lincoln Barracks also assists the twelve local police agencies on various investigations in their area.

Over the past year, troopers at the Lincoln Barracks investigated 1,028 incidents and made 1,780 arrests. Of these arrests, 167 were for Driving under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor and/or Drug violations. With responsibility of the Providence metropolitan area, traffic problems are a significant strain on resources. As such, the Lincoln Barracks investigated 2,823 motor vehicle accidents last year. Furthermore, the Lincoln Barracks’ commitment to traffic safety is evident in the 12,531 traffic citations issued for motor vehicle code violations.

Troopers and Non-commissioned officers stationed at the Lincoln Woods Barracks handle more accidents, arrests and other incidents on a per capita basis than troopers assigned to other barracks.

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INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

In December 2008, a resident of the State of Massachusetts responded to the Lincoln Woods Barracks to seek assistance in recovering his property that had been stolen a few days prior. He reported that his vehicle had been broken into and several items stolen while it was parked at Rhode Island College in Providence. Taken from the suspect’s vehicle were various pieces of musical equipment including: a keyboard valued over $2,000 with flight case, an amplifier, and assorted cables for the equipment. On the date of the theft, the larceny was reported to The Providence Police Department. There were no suspects or witnesses to the crime.

The victim advised that only a musician would use the keyboard, and based on the value of the keyboard, he believed that the perpetrator would attempt to sell it. He located what he believed to be a listing for the keyboard on Craigslist, a classified website where people can buy and sell just about anything. By checking the email address of the seller through various websites, the victim learned that it matched a profile in “My Space” that belonged to a male who lived on Manton Avenue in Providence.

Troopers at the barracks assured the victim that everything would be done to retrieve his belongings. A decision was made that the victim would reach out to the seller through the Craigslist advertisement and express interest in buying the keyboard.

The following evening, the victim advised that he had received a reply to his request to purchase the keyboard. The seller provided additional details of the keyboard, which matched with that of the stolen item. He also provided his telephone number to arrange for a meeting location. The victim responded to the barracks and under close supervision of the investigating troopers, called the seller, agreed to purchase the keyboard for $2,300, and arranged for a safe meeting location for the transaction to take place. A photograph from the My Space profile of the suspected seller was obtained and passed out to the investigating troopers.

Troopers set up at the meeting location prior to the arranged time. A vehicle with three occupants entered the location at the prescribed meeting time. The front seat passenger was observed to be the same male that was pictured on the My Space website profile. The troopers stopped the vehicle and all occupants were identified. The keyboard was observed within the vehicle.

Although the three suspects could not be tied to the larceny, they were all arrested and charged with receiving stolen goods. The victim’s property was returned to him.

Barracks Personnel

Sergeants: William C.Jamieson and Frank B. Castellone

Corporals: John A. Beauregard, John F. Keenan, and Joseph F. Philbin

Troopers: Genaro E. Ramirez, Edward J. Stenovitch III, Wesley H. Pugh-Pennington, Simon Liu, Alfred Ruggiero Jr., John M. Allen, Kenneth M. Moriarty, Jeffrey P. L’Heureux, Kenneth D. DeMarco, Kenneth D. Jones, Matthew S. Salisbury, Cynthia Trahan, David T. Bassignani, Robert A. Richardson, Douglas S. Watters, Peter A. Filuminia, Marc A. Alboum, Brendan Doyle, Ernest E. Adams, Sean P. McGehearty, Michael J. Capone, Robert P. Laurelli, Derek G. Melfi, Herbert T. Tilson, Heather B. Donahue, William B. Reilly, Daniel S. O’Neil

Civilians: Mr. Francis Dolan 15

Hope Valley Barracks Lieutenant Eric C. La Riviere

PATROL AREA: Charlestown, Coventry, Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond, Westerly, West Greenwich

The Hope Valley Barracks is under the command of Lieutenant Eric C. La Riviere, a nineteen- year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. The barracks is located at 54 Nooseneck Hill Road in the Town of Richmond and is staffed by one lieutenant, two sergeants, three corporals, twenty-two troopers, and one civilian maintenance person. In 2008, sworn personnel from Hope Valley Barracks simultaneously served on the following specialized units: Tactical Team, Crisis Negotiation Unit, Critical Incident and Stress Management Team, Dive Team, Honor Guard, Accident Reconstruction Unit and Canine (K-9) Unit.

The Hope Valley Barracks utilizes thirty-five marked uniform patrol vehicles, two low profile vehicles, and one 4X4 vehicle to patrol an area that encompasses approximately 250 square miles. Troopers from this barracks handle a wide variety of investigations and calls for service, as the patrol is situated in one of the State’s most rural areas. Troopers are responsible for patrolling major roadways, such as Routes 95, 3, 102, 2 and 1, along with all secondary highways and rural side roads.

The Town of Exeter, which was once patrolled exclusively by members of the Exeter Barracks, is now divided and patrolled by both the Hope Valley and Wickford Barracks’s.

Troopers at the Hope Valley Barracks are committed to traffic safety and conducting thorough criminal investigations. The patrol investigated 458 motor vehicle accidents, which is a major reduction from accidents that took place on 2007. Troopers issued 10,525 citations during 2008. Troopers also arrested 792 individuals for various criminal and motor vehicle offenses, including 62 arrests for Driving While Under the Influence. The patrols also investigated 792 incidents, which included twenty-five burglary offenses and fifty-four assault complaints.

INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

In December 2008, trooper’s were on patrol and checking businesses along Route 3 in the Town of West Greenwich. Troopers were alerted to a suspicious vehicle as it exited one of the closed businesses and accelerated on to Route 95 south. Troopers initiated a traffic stop and as they began their approach on foot, the vehicle sped off. The suspect vehicle crashed moments later after losing control on the right shoulder and subsequently striking a tree. The three occupants fled on foot into the wood line. Troopers engaged in a foot pursuit and were able to catch one of the suspects. During the foot pursuit, the suspect discarded articles of clothing while attempting to elude the Troopers.

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This clothing would be later used as evidence to tie them in to other crimes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Through the use of their in-car mobile video recorder, troopers were able to get an accurate physical description that was later used in identifying and apprehending the other two suspects. While furthering their investigation, troopers were able to determine that the suspect vehicle had been stolen from a residence in Marlborough Massachusetts. A search of the vehicle produced a number of burglary tools along with several pairs of unique gloves.

This information was broadcasted to all surrounding police departments in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut in an attempt to share information and generate possible leads to other burglaries. Several inquiries came in from the Framingham, Ashland, and Waltham Massachusetts Police Departments. The Waltham Police were investigating the breaking and entry into a business in their town. During the course of their investigation, Waltham Detective’s located and seized a broken piece of a pry bar that was used to unsuccessfully open the businesses safe. Waltham Detective’s responded to the Hope Valley Barracks where they were successful in matching the broken piece of pry bar to one of the pry bars confiscated by the troopers. Additionally, the gloves seized in the vehicle matched the description of the gloves used by these suspects, which was captured by the businesses security video. The aforementioned police departments were also investigating several similar break-ins and burglaries including one-armed robbery where they believe the same three suspects are involved.

Through the use of the suspects cell phone and other investigative means, all three suspects were eventually identified and apprehended. Two of the suspects are awaiting trial for the violent crimes they committed in Massachusetts.

Barracks Personnel

Sergeants: K. Marshall, K. O’Brien, R. Carnevale

Corporals: S. Flood, B. Montminy, R. Reardon

Troopers: J. Pardington, E. Jones, C. Schram, S. Vanner, T. Jaques, E. Yelle, L. Ludovici, M. Brouillette, G. Chabot, D. Fleming, K. Kojoian, M. McGuire, A. Commendatore, S. Slade, B. Macera, D. Gazzola, M. Ferruccio, M. Zenowich, S. Brown, M. Doherty, L. Fevrier, K. Cloud

Maintenance: Mr. S. Gordon

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Wickford/Portsmouth Barracks Lieutenant James M. Manni

PATROL AREA: East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Narragansett, South Kingstown, Exeter, West Warwick, Warwick

PATROL AREA: Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton,Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren

The Wickford and Portsmouth Barracks are under the command of Lieutenant James M. Manni, a nineteen (19) year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police.

In July 2008, the Portsmouth Barracks was closed due to manpower constraints and the entire compliment of Troopers was transferred to the Wickford Barracks. The Portsmouth Barracks is now used as a substation for the Commercial Enforcement Unit as well as the Troopers that are assigned to the patrol area. Although the Troopers of the Portsmouth Barracks physically moved their duty station to the Wickford Barracks, they still maintain a presence in the patrol area listed above.

The Wickford Barracks is located at 7875 Post Road in the Town of North Kingstown. The combined Wickford and Portsmouth Barracks complement is comprised of; one (1) Lieutenant, two (2) Sergeants, three (3) Corporals, twenty-seven (27) Troopers and one (1) civilian. Vehicles assigned to the Barracks include thirty-eight (38) marked cruisers, two (2) unmarked cruisers, one (1) canine cruiser, two (2) motorcycles, and one (1) maintenance vehicle. These vehicles are utilized to patrol the combined jurisdiction of approximately 340 square miles.

The increased motor vehicle traffic in the South County area creates a constant demand for police services. The Wickford Patrols provide police services on a daily basis for commuter traffic to and from the interstate highway system and the metropolitan areas of Providence, Cranston, Warwick and suburban South County. In the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there are additional demands for service due to the State facilities and beaches located in South County and Washington County. These additional demands not only result in the need for stronger motor vehicle enforcement, but also cause a substantial increase in criminal complaints and arrests. The

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Portsmouth Patrols provide vital service in their support and patrol of the Pell Bridge, Jamestown- Verrazano Bridge, Mount Hope Bridge and Sakonnet Bridge.

In addition to patrol duties, fifteen (15) Troopers are assigned to a wide array of added responsibilities. These responsibilities include being assigned to; Governor’s Security Detail, Tactical Team, Canine Unit, Dive Team, Marine Unit, Accident Reconstruction, EVOC Unit, Honor Guard Detail, Firearms Instruction, Domestic Violence Instruction, Certified Seat Belt Instruction, Hostage Negotiation and CPR/First Aid Instruction. Barracks personnel are also frequently assigned to special details. These special details are diverse and usually specific to the patrol area. Some of the assigned details are; Quonset Air show traffic enforcement and security, LNG ship security, Tall Ships traffic enforcement and security, Reach the Beach traffic enforcement, Blessing of the Fleet road race traffic enforcement, Governor’s Bay Day and military escorts to and from Quonset Point and the Newport Naval War College.

During the 2008 calendar year, members of the Wickford Barracks issued 9,550 citations, arrested 737 subjects, handled 574 incidents and responded to 543 accidents (one fatal accident.) Patrol members arrested 90 subjects for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs and/or Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test.

During that same time frame, members of the Portsmouth Barracks issued 5,358 citations, arrested 187 subjects, handled 119 incidents and responded to 60 accidents (zero fatal accidents.) Patrol members arrested 37 subjects for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs and/or Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test.

INTERESTING INVESTIGATION:

On November 1, 2008, a female employee at a local bank responded to the Wickford Barracks to report that she believed she had been the victim of fraud. The complainant stated that over a period of time, several bank employees had befriended a male subject who frequented the bank. This subject identified himself as a talent scout for the Boston Red Sox and that he was able to obtain season tickets and playoff game tickets, generally not available to the public. The female victim later wrote three checks, in the total amount of $6,366.00, in exchange for Red Sox tickets that never materialized. When the victim suspected that she had been the victim of a crime, she requested that her money be returned, but was told by the male subject that he had a “recurrence of cancer” and was being treated at a hospital in the City of Boston.

The investigating Trooper confirmed that the male subject was never an employee of the Boston Red Sox and in fact had fabricated the story about cancer. The male subject was subsequently arrested by this Trooper and charged with three felony counts of “Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses.”

Once the facts of this case became public, over fifteen (15) victims later came forward and a Detective from the Financial Crimes Unit continued the investigation. The total amount of fraud committed by this subject is estimated in excess of $1 million dollars. The male subject was subsequently sent to the Adult Correctional Institute where he was held for 90 days for a violation of probation on the original charges. This subject faces more court proceedings in March 2009.

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Barracks Personnel

Lieutenant: James M. Manni

Sergeants: Michael Rosa, Michael Reynolds

Corporals: Robert Wall, Celeste Potter, Mark Farnum

Troopers: Marc Lidsky, Paul Conlon, Scott Raynes, Gregory Cunningham, Ernest McKenney, Terrance Pendergast, Darnell Weaver, Jean Tondre, Michael McGlynn, Edward Viera, Philip Martin, Charles LeValley, John Gadrow, Kevin Grace, Michael Brock, Eric Yanyar, David Gormly, Damien Longo, Luke Brisson, Gina Lindell, Nuno Vasconcelos, Joy Younkin, Luke Shatz, Steven Haynes, Charles Bergeron, Franklin Navarro, William Corson

Maintenance: Mr. Martin Spirito

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Commercial Enforcement Unit SERGEANT David J. Medeiros

Sergeant David J. Medeiros is the Commander of the Commercial Enforcement Unit (CEU) and has served with the Unit since 1995.

The unit presently consists of one Sergeant, one Corporal, six Troopers, and one data entry coordinator. In addition, there are currently nine uniform Troopers who have also received training in Motor Carrier Safety that are used on a part-time basis to assist in road checks, off peak inspections, commercial vehicle traffic enforcement, heavy-duty emissions testing, new entrant safety reviews, and weight details. All CEU troopers receive extensive training in all phases of Motor Carrier Safety and Hazardous Material Transportation at the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) Region- 1 Academy, located at the Massachusetts State Police Academy, in New Braintree, Massachusetts.

The Commercial Enforcement Unit, commonly known as the Truck Squad, has the responsibility of enforcing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Federal Hazardous Material Regulations. Unit members also enforce Rhode Island Size & Weight Regulations, Rhode Island Public Utility Motor Carrier Regulations, Department of Environmental Management Heavy- Duty Emissions Testing Regulations and Rhode Island Fuel Tax Regulations. Funding for the Unit comes from the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, and Transportation Act, a Legacy for Users (SAFETY-LU) and matching State funds. The Unit is also responsible for conducting post-crash accident investigations involving commercial motor vehicles.

Size and weight enforcement is conducted by using portable platform scales, portable scales and newly acquired Weigh In Motion (WIM) scales that allow the trucks to be weighed as they drive over the portable unit. The addition of WIM technology has allowed the Unit to increase the number of vehicles weighed and enforce weight restrictions more efficiently. In late November of 2007, a weight restriction of 18 tons was placed on the Pawtucket River Bridge, which is located on Route 95 between exits 27 and 28, and continues into 2008. Although notice of the restrictions were put out by the press along with several detour and informational signs being posted, statistics revealed that approximately 90 percent of the commercial vehicles stopped going over the bridge were over weight in violation. Furthermore, this number only represents the trucks that resources allowed to be weighed or trucks that were clearly over the weight limit. From the beginning of the detail through the end of July 2008, (9,004) trucks were stopped with (477) found to be overweight after weighing a total of (612) trucks. In addition, (2,477) drivers were written citations for obedience to traffic control devices. As a result, members of the RISP CEU testified before state legislators to ask them to enact an additional restriction that limits the numbers of axles a vehicle is allowed to have when traveling over the bridge. During the final five months of 2008, with the new axle restriction in effect, (195) summons were issued for having more than 2-axles/unit. Total enforcement results for 2008 include (12,107) trucks stopped, (731) trucks weighed and (594) overweight citations issued. There were also (4815) citations issued for obedience to devices over the first year of the detail. The combined fines for these citations total approximately $2,702,649.

During the period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the Unit conducted a total of 3,897 Safety Inspections of trucks and buses. This resulted in a total of 12,495 violations. In addition, a total of 746 (approximately 27%) vehicles were placed out-of-service for serious safety violations, and 245 (approximately 6%) drivers were placed out-of-service for license and hour of service violations.

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Throughout the year, members are requested to give presentations and demonstrations concerning the Federal Regulations and Safety Inspections. Unit members have also been requested to act as judges at the Rhode Island Trucking Associations’ Championship as well as participate and provide judges for the North American Inspectors Championship (NAIC), which was held in August of 2008. During this year’s NAIC, Trooper Paul Sikorskyj represented Rhode Island, Paul’s outstanding efforts contributed to his team being awarded the “high points team award."

The CEU is continuing its partnership with the Office of Motor Carriers involving High Risk Carrier and Driver Operations. This partnership allows additional enforcement activities on carrier operations throughout the nation. The partnership involves the following: When an inspection of an Interstate or Intrastate carrier reveals it to be a High Risk Operation, a formal letter of complaint is sent to the Rhode Island Office of Motor Carriers. This complaint is then forwarded to the Office of Motor Carriers in the state in which the carrier is domiciled. This allows the nation’s High Risk carriers to be checked and inspected more frequently, which in turn improves highway safety.

For the third consecutive year, the three states of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts teamed up for another successful ‘Operation Tri-State’. For three days, September 23, 24 and 25, the three states conducted a Tri-State Educational-Enforcement Effort as part of CVSA’s Brake Safety Week. During the three-day effort, 196 inspections were conducted, 83 vehicles and/or drivers were removed from the highway with more than 800 violations written.

As a result of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks, the CEU continues to be involved in numerous Homeland Security details including coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard on all LPG Vessels that unload at the Port of Providence.

Commercial Enforcement Unit Personnel

Corporal: Daniel C. Cusumano

Troopers: John E. Furtado, Sean P. O’Hern, John W. Gibbs, Ronald J. Longolucco, Mark W. Gilson, Mark J. Perotti

Aux.CEU Members: Sgt. Michael J. Gill, Cpl. Stephen B. Flood, Trps. Paul J. Sikorskyj, Ernest P. McKenney, Terrence B. Pendergast, Simon C. Liu, John J. Gadrow, Sean P. McGehearty

Data Entry Coordinator: Mr. David R. Hurst

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Operations Officer LIEUTENANT Darren H. Delaney

Rhode Island State Police Special Operations are under the direct supervision and coordination of the Division’s Operations Officer. Lieutenant Darren H. Delaney, a twenty three (23) year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police is currently serving in this position.

The Operations Officer is responsible for certifying the operational readiness and preparedness of the Division’s Special services, which includes the following units: Canine Unit, Marine Unit, Dive Team Unit, Motorcycle Unit, Honor Guard Unit, Tactical Unit and Crisis Negotiation Unit. The Operations Officer is also responsible for statewide activations of AMBER Alert, Silver Alert and Task Force II, which is responsible for coordinating and deploying search teams and resources for Missing Persons. In addition, the Operations Officer serves on several committees such as the Rhode Island Incident Management Task Force, Medical Emergency Distribution System Working Group, Hurricane Evacuation Working Group, Emergency Management Advisory Council, Weapons of Mass Destruction Working Group and Rhode Island Task Force 2.

During the past year, the Operations Office was involved in the planning and coordination of the Division’s response to such events as the International Iron Man 70.3 race, National Speakers Conference, US Applet Judges Conference, Rhode National Guard International Air Show, World Scholar Athlete Games, the State Partnership Program, several rail security programs with TSA, several full scale and table top exercises dealing with home land security operations, Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, The Big “E” Eastern States Exposition a Presidential visit and (3) former Presidential visits along with several Presidential visits from various Countries.

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Night Executive Officers LIEUTENANT Frank D. Sullivan III, LIEUTENANT Nicholas M. Tella

The Night Executive Officers are charged with commanding all sworn and civilian personnel working during the night shift. Traditionally there are two lieutenants assigned to this position. During 2008, Lieutenant Frank D. Sullivan, III, a twenty-two (22) year veteran, and Lt. Nicholas M. Tella, a nineteen (19) year veteran, shared this assignment.

Their responsibilities include the inspection and management of the Troopers during this shift while coordinating all field activities by directing investigations and responding to all significant incidents. This includes assisting local city and town police on all law enforcement matters. The Night Executive Officers report directly to the District Commanders.

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Weekend Officer - in -Charge LIEUTENANT Paul J. Olsewski

The Weekend Officer in Charge is in charge of commanding all sworn personnel working during the Weekend. Lieutenant Paul J. Olszewski is a nineteen (19) year veteran assigned to this position.

The Weekend Officer in Charge’s responsibilities include the inspection and management of the Non-Commissioned Officers and Troopers during this shift, while coordinating all field activities and responding to all significant incidents. In addition, the duties of this position include being assigned an Amber Alert Coordinator and the Public Information Officer. The Weekend Officer in Charge reports directly to the District Commanders.

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Executive Security LIEUTENANT DAVID P. TIKOIAN

The Governor’s Executive Security Unit is under the command of Lieutenant David P. Tikoian, a sixteen (16) year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. This unit is comprised of (1) Lieutenant and (1) Trooper, who report directly to the Deputy Superintendent / Chief of Field Operations. Division members assigned to this unit have successfully completed specialized training in the area of Executive/Dignitary protection.

The Executive Security Unit is charged with ensuring the safety and security of the Governor and first family at all times. Protective responsibilities include personal, grounds and facility security, postal, e-mail and telephone screening as well as threat evaluation. These duties remain the same whether the Chief Executive’s official business is within Rhode Island or requires out of state travel.

The Executive Security Unit utilizes numerous resources to ensure the safety and security of the Governor. These resources include communication and working relationships with multiple law enforcement agencies including, local and state police, Capitol Police, United State Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States State Department, Transportation Security Administration and the United States Postal Inspectors just to mention a few.

The Governor’s Executive Security personnel spend a majority of their time conducting advance work and formulating logistical arraignments for the many public appearances the Chief Executive Officer must attend while in office.

STAFF: Trooper Jeffrey C. Coleman

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Detective Bureau

Oftentimes, investigations of criminal violations require a great deal of time, expertise and personal commitment in building a successful case. The Detective Bureau is comprised of trained detectives who investigate serious crimes requiring specialized investigative techniques, forensic examination, cultivation of informants, clear and accurate testimony in a court of law and exhaustive dedication to a case through its resolution.

Furthermore, the specialized units within the Detective Bureau focus their proactive efforts towards investigating crimes associated with the distribution of illegal narcotics, stolen automobiles, white collar crime, organized crime, Asian/Latin gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs and fugitives.

The Criminal Identification Unit (CIU) further assists the various units. The CIU collects and analyzes crime scene evidence that can be instrumental in identifying suspects, weapons used and the modus operandum of a criminal case.

Detective Bureau Personnel

Detective Commander: Captain Leroy V. Rose Jr.

Assistant Detective Commander: Lieutenant David S. Neill

Lieutenants: John Leyden III, James Demers, Dennis Pincince, David Palmer, Brian Casilli, Raymond Studley,Arthur Kershaw IV,John Flaherty III, Kevin Hawkins

Sergeants: Donald Devine, John Lemont,Douglas Newberg, Michelle Kershaw, John Killian, Michael Winquist, Richard Altimari, James Dougherty, John A’Vant

Corporals: David Doucet, Benjamin Barney, Todd Catlow, Timothy Sanzi, Claire Demarais, Ken Bell, Patrick Reilly

Detectives: Joseph Dubeau, Todd Neill,Shelley O’Neill, Diane Dougherty, Dennis Fleming, Kevin Barry, Michael Casey, Staci Shepherd, Gerald Mckinney, John Charbonneau, Richard Swanson, Richard Ptaszek, Timothy Allen Jr, Matthew Moynihan, Christopher Zarrella, John Alfred, Christopher Dicomitis, John Grassel, William Accardi, Scott Baruti

Investigators: Edward Pike, Peter Hill, Peter Dias, Paul Hockwater, Anthony DiPaolo, William Quinn, Charles McCann, James Cruise.

Civilians: Ms. Karen Felice, Ms. Pauline Malec, Ms. Peta Ann Rowett, Ms. Lori Tellier, Barbara Redinger, Kerry McCartney,John Soscia, Michael DiComitis, Gerard J. Ratigan, Stephen Bathgate.

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Detective Commander CAPTAIN LEROY V. ROSE, JR.

Captain LeRoy V. Rose, Jr. is the Detective Commander of the Rhode Island State Police. He has served the Division for the past 22 years and has been assigned to the Detective Bureau for the past 19 years.

The Detective Commander is directly responsible for all criminal investigations and administrative duties within the Detective Bureau. The Detective Commander is also a member of the Witness Protection Board and supervises the Witness Protection Coordinator. The Assistant Detective Commander, Lieutenant David S. Neill assists Captain Rose with the operations of the Detective Bureau.

In addition to the extensive caseloads, members of the Detective Bureau handle, the Division of State Police is required to review, with the Attorney General’s Office, all incidents involving the use of deadly force throughout the Rhode Island law enforcement community.

The Detective Bureau is presently comprised of forty-one (41) sworn detectives, eight (8) civilian investigators, two (2) financial auditors, two (2) office managers and one (1) confidential transcriber. The following units make up the Detective Bureau: Area Investigations; Financial Crimes/Public Corruption Unit; Violent Fugitive Task Force; Computer Crimes Unit; ACI Investigations; Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Unit; Narcotics/HIDTA Task Force; Evidence/Property Control; and the Lottery Investigations Unit. Additionally, there are eleven (11) local and federal officers assigned to State Police supervisors operating task force operations in the areas of narcotics and fugitive investigations.

During the past year the Detective Bureau investigated 1073 cases and made 903 criminal arrests. The Detective Bureau works very closely with local and federal law enforcement, as well as the Offices of the Attorney General and United States Attorney, in a coordinated effort to investigate and prosecute a wide array of criminal matters.

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Financial Crimes Unit LIEUTENANT Brian Casilli

In 2008, the Financial Crimes Unit was led by Lieutenant Brian K. Casilli. The Unit is currently comprised of one lieutenant, one sergeant, one corporal, two detectives, two civilian fraud managers and one criminal case coordinator.

The Financial Crimes Unit is staffed with a diverse group of personnel skilled in areas of criminal investigation involving fraud, also known as “white collar crime”. The Unit is called upon to investigate a wide variety of financially motivated crimes that include public corruption, extortion, embezzlement, obtaining money by false pretenses, mortgage fraud, forgery, credit card fraud, bank fraud, identity theft and money laundering.

INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

In 2008 the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit conducted an in depth investigation into the criminal conduct of an “investment broker” from Newport, Rhode Island. This investigation uncovered one of the largest investment fraud schemes ever perpetrated in Rhode Island. The initial investigation revealed that a group of investors had given the broker $1,956,650 to invest in futures and commodities. The broker provided the investors with fictitious monthly statements indicating substantial returns on their investment.

Further investigation by the Financial Crimes Unit uncovered an elaborate “Ponzi” scheme where the broker paid off early investors with money received from investors duped later in the scheme. The investigation identified additional victims bringing the total number of victims to 47 and the amount of the theft to $7.3 million. The investigation revealed that the broker used the money to pay back previous investors, fund trading losses and to pay extravagant personal expenses. The broker used some of the money to purchase and operate the 65-foot yacht Van Ki Pass, rent a house in St. Barths, and travel to the Caribbean Islands and Europe.

Ultimately, the 62-year-old broker was arrested and charged with Embezzlement, Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses, and Fraudulent Use of a Computer. The arrest was the result of a seven-month investigation, with assistance provided by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation and the Newport Police Department.

The completed investigation was forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for prosecution.

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Narcotics Unit LIEUTENANT James O. Demers

During the year of 2008, the Narcotics Unit-F.B.I./Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force was under the command of Lieutenant James O. Demers, a twenty-one (22)-year veteran of the Division. The unit is currently comprised of Sergeant John P. A’Vant, Corporals Timothy Sanzi, Joseph Philbin and Detective Matthew Moynihan with canine (Axel).

The Unit is assigned to a Statewide Task Force known as the Rhode Island State Police/FBI High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The Rhode Island State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) jointly supervise and co-manage the Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of State Police Detectives, FBI Special Agents, Special Agent (part-time) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Special Agent (part-time) from the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with detectives from Providence, Pawtucket, Warwick, Central Falls, Woonsocket, Narragansett, and North Providence Police Departments. The Rhode Island National Guard-Counterdrug Support Program has two analysts assigned to the Task Force.

The Narcotics Unit/HIDTA Task Force is responsible for conducting investigations relating to violations of the federal and state Uniformed Controlled Substance Act. The Task Force mission is to identify, target for prosecution, and dismantle core and secondary organizations, which import and /or distribute cocaine, heroin, and/or other drugs in or through the Rhode Island geographical area. These violations are investigated by conducting surreptitious physical and electronic surveillance, court-authorized wire installations, pen registers, controlled buys, buy/bust operations, reverse sting operations, and parcel package interdiction. The majority of these investigations culminate in the execution of court-authorized arrest and search warrants. The execution of these warrants frequently result in criminals being arrested and the seizure of their illegally obtained assets and United States currency. The HIDTA Task Force also assists members of the Uniform Division, local police departments and other state and federal agencies with narcotic related investigations. In addition, the Unit provides narcotic’s training at In-Service and conducts public speaking engagements.

The majority of cases investigated by the Narcotics Unit/HIDTA Task Force are a result of initiating pro-active investigative techniques. These types of cases usually result from cultivation of confidential informants. Furthermore, HIDTA members develop information provided to them by members of the Patrol Division as a result of motor vehicle stops and /or arrests.

The Unit is also self-sufficient as it relies on utilizing motor vehicles and cash seizures from state and federal forfeitures to facilitate the purchase of equipment and provide financial support for the continuation of investigations.

During the 2008 calendar year, the Narcotics Unit/HIDTA Task Force was involved in the investigation of sixty-eight (68) drug-related cases resulting in ninety-two (92) state and federal criminal arrests. As a result of the 2008 investigations and arrests, the below contraband and property was seized:

CONTRABAND SEIZED

Approximately 370 grams of crack cocaine Approximately 19 kilograms of powder cocaine 30

Approximately 200 pounds of marijuana Approximately 3,304 grams of heroin Approximately 20 illegal firearms

SEIZED PROPERTY

$ 625,000.00 in United States Currency Five vehicles

INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

During the month of August 2008, members the Rhode Island State Police/Federal Bureau of Investigations-High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force (HIDTA), developed information from a cooperating source that a large drug trafficking organization (DTO), in the City of Providence, Rhode Island, was seeking to purchase 50-150 kilograms of cocaine. The cooperating source (CS) agreed to assist undercover agents and HIDTA members with the furtherance of a “reverse” sting operation involving a multi-kilogram transaction.

A target involved in the large-scale drug trafficking operation, met with the cooperating source and undercover agents in the State of Rhode Island to negotiate the large multi-kilogram transaction. While the meeting was audio and video recorded, the suspect indicated that he wanted to purchase at least 50-150 kilograms of cocaine and currently had available nearly $1,000,000.00 in United States currency to consummate the transaction.

Undercover agents agreed to meet the suspect at an undisclosed location to conduct the sale and delivery of the at least 50-kilograms of cocaine. A surveillance of the meeting was conducted by HIDTA members and members of the F.B.I. SWAT Team. During the course of the meeting and transaction the suspect was arrested without incident after taking possession of several kilograms of cocaine. As a result of the arrest, nearly $500,000.00 in United States currency was seized as well as a Jeep Cherokee with a sophisticated hydraulic hidden compartment that was used in the past to transport large quantities of illegal narcotics. Both vehicles are pending federal forfeiture.

Subsequently, the suspect was charged with Possession of Cocaine Greater than one (1) Kilogram and has since been indicted in Providence Federal District Court for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver (50-kilograms) of Cocaine. The case is still pending federal prosecution.

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Area Detective Unit LIETUENANT JOHN P. FLAHERTY III

The Area Detective Unit responsibilities include but are not limited to investigations involving homicides, sexual assaults, kidnappings, robberies, assaults involving serious injury, and investigations of police officer shootings or in custody death of prisoners. The Unit is also responsible for investigations of criminal activity at the Adult Correctional Institution and the Rhode Island Training School -Youth Correctional Center

INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

One case of interest investigated by the Unit was a double homicide investigation, which took place in the Town of Warren. During the month of July 2008, members of the Rhode Island State Police assisted the Warren Police Department with a complaint of a missing married couple from the Town. As a result of the initial inquiry, various search warrants were executed which resulted in the seizure of physical evidence. Forensic analysis was developed in the early stages of the investigation, which led members of the State Police and Warren Police to believe that the missing couple were in fact victims of foul play. After extensive analysis of records obtained through search warrants and interviews of “people of interest”, members of the Area Detective Unit and Warren PD interviewed a suspect. After time consuming interviews, the investigative team successfully obtained a confession from the suspect. The confession led members of the State Police and Warren Police Department to the discovery of the human remains of the couple, which were buried in their backyard underground septic tank system. The suspect was sub sequentially charged with two counts of murder.

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Computer Crimes Unit SERGEANT JOHN F. KILLIAN

In 2008, Sergeant John F. Killian led the Computer Crimes Unit; this unit is comprised of one sergeant, one corporal, two state police detectives, and one Providence Police detective. Present members are as follows:

The Computer Crimes Unit investigates criminal violations of law, which often involve the use of a computer in the commission of the crime. These crimes encompass all types of criminal activity ranging from traditional crimes to online fraud. The Computer Crimes Unit is frequently called upon to investigate computer related crimes that include the possession and transmission of child pornography, indecent solicitation of a child, unlawful computer access, auction fraud, identity theft, and network intrusions. In addition, the Computer Crimes Unit provides forensic analysis of digital media and technical assistance to the division and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

In 2008, the Computer Crimes Unit utilized two federal grants in order to enhance the state’s electronic capacity to address computer and network related crimes. The Department of Homeland Security funded the first grant pertaining to Cyber Terrorism. The Cyber Terrorism Grant allocated money to initiate a long-term project to develop a competent response team for Cyber attacks. This grant also provided education to state government, businesses, and the general public in order to raise their awareness in computer systems and data security. The second grant was awarded through the Department of Justice and provided funds for the investigation and prosecution of child exploitation cases. In 2008, these grants have provided the necessary funding used to expand the state’s capacity in these crucial areas.

In 2008, the Computer Crimes Unit continued an ongoing internship program with the University of Rhode Island Digital Forensic Center. The internship program enhances the creative and technical capacity of the Computer Crimes Unit, while offering valuable training and experience to qualified students.

INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

In August of 2008, the Computer Crimes Unit received information from the Winnipeg Police Department regarding a Portsmouth, Rhode Island resident that was a major participant in an International Child Pornography ring. This information regarding the Portsmouth resident was revealed after one suspect was arrested in the United Kingdom and the other suspect was arrested in Winnipeg, Canada.

After fully identifying the Rhode Island suspect, members of the Computer Crimes Unit responded to his residence in order to further investigate the information received from the Winnipeg authorities. After speaking with detectives, the suspect gave consent, which authorized members of the Computer Crimes Unit to search his residence and computers for evidence related to child pornography. A forensic preview of the suspect’s computer revealed that it contained images consistent with child pornography. As a result of this search, detectives seized two computers and other related digital media from the suspect’s residence.

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The forensic analysis of the digital media revealed that it contained thousands of images of child pornography along with evidence related to the indecent solicitation of four juvenile females residing in Kansas City, Missouri. The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and indecent solicitation of a minor. After the arrest, the suspect confessed that he traveled to Kansas City on three occasions to engage in sexual relations with two juvenile females; the juvenile females were fully identified by Kansas City authorities. This case was forwarded to the Providence Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for further investigations into the suspect and a co-conspirator located in Kansas City, Missouri.

This investigation also revealed that the suspect was responsible for processing credit card payments for two websites related to the International Child Pornography ring. An inquiry into the credit card payments by the Financial Crimes Unit revealed that the suspect received over $200,000 in an eight-month period in 2008.

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Intelligence Unit LIEUTENANT KEVIN J. HAWKINS

The Intelligence Unit is under the command of Lieutenant Kevin J. Hawkins, a nineteen (19) year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police. The Unit is currently comprised of two sergeants, six detectives and two analysts. The Intelligence Unit reports directly to the Lieutenant Colonel of Field Operations.

The Intelligence Unit is responsible for meeting the goals and objectives determined by the Division. In conjunction with these responsibilities, the Unit members are responsible for managing and maintaining confidential informants; maintaining a criminal intelligence file; tracking and identifying members of New England organized crime; maintaining and gathering information of various gangs; assisting with In-Service Training; providing informational seminars to other law enforcement agencies; assisting local, state and federal agencies with investigations; conducting electronic sweeps; researching modern technical equipment; and, assisting Rhode Island State Police personnel when deemed necessary by the Detective Commander. The Unit members are also responsible for sharing information with the New England State Police agencies, as well as, the New York State Police (NESPAC); Customs; the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Agency; the Drug Enforcement Agency; the Federal Bureau of Investigations; the New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN); and other state and local agencies.

The Unit’s primary goal is to identify and suppress the widespread illegal activities of organized criminal enterprises. Historically, the Intelligence Unit primarily monitored the activities of tradition La Cosa Nostra. However, over the past decade the Unit’s responsibilities have diversified to include investigations of terrorism; outlaw motorcycle gangs; drug cartels; and Latin and Asian organized crime. One Member of the Intelligence Unit is assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigations Organized Crime Task Force, another member of the Intelligence Unit is assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigations Joint Terrorism Task Force and another member is assigned to the Providence Police Gang Task Force.

The Intelligence Unit prioritizes investigations relating to violations of Rhode Island’s criminal statues relating to threats and extortion, gambling and lotteries, organized criminal gambling, racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO), and violations of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act linked to Organized Crime. These violations are investigated by conducting surreptitious physical and electronic surveillance, court-authorized wire installations, pen registers, controlled-buys, buy/bust operations, and reverse sting operations. The majority of these investigations culminate in the execution of court-authorized arrest and search warrants. The execution of these warrants frequently result in eminent criminals being arrest and the seizure of their illegally obtained assets.

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The majority of cases investigated by the Intelligence Unit are a result of initiating pro-active investigative techniques. These types of cases usually result from the cultivation of confidential informants.

The Unit is also self-sufficient as it relies on utilizing motor vehicles and cash seizures from state and federal forfeitures to facilitate the purchase of equipment and provide financial support for the continuation of investigations.

In late 2005, the Intelligence Unit was tasked with establishing a Statewide Intelligence Fusion Center targeting terrorist activity and Homeland Security issues. The Fusion Center is charged with the sharing of intelligence information between critical sectors of law enforcement, fire, public and environmental health, private enterprises and emergency management. The Fusion Center works in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigations Joint Terrorism Task Force. The Fusion Center has started a community out-reach program called “Operation Safe Rhode Island”, which will educate the above mentioned sectors. There is one Sergeant and two analysts assigned to the Fusion Center.

During the past calendar year, members of the Intelligence Unit/ Fusion Center investigated over 100 cases resulting in the criminal arrests of 47 subjects and the seizures of substantial assets. The seizures included over $300,000.00 in United States Currency, 5 vehicles, 7 firearms, assorted illegal narcotics, stolen goods and thousands of illegal fireworks.

INTERESTING INVESTIGATIONS

In September 2007, members of the Rhode Island State Police Intelligence Unit, were contacted by a cooperating source who advised that he had been in contact with an associate of an Organized Crime family who was actively involved in operating and managing a large scale criminal operation based out of a flea market in Providence, Rhode Island. Members of the Intelligence Unit were familiar with the subject and his long-standing association with members of organized crime. The subject had a lengthy criminal history, which included a Manslaughter conviction where the body of the victim was never recovered.

In November 2007, the cooperating source advised that he was meeting with a second subject who also had ties to organized crime. Members of the Rhode Island State Police and the FBI had arrested the subject in 1992 on charges of Arson and Mail Fraud. At the time, he was arrested with a “made” member of a Crime Family. Over the next few months, on several occasions, the cooperating witness purchased a large amount of scheduled narcotics from the second subject.

In January 2008, with the consent of the cooperating witness, members of the Rhode Island State Police initiated electronic surveillance on the cooperating witnesses’ cellular telephone. The cooperating source began meeting regularly at the flea market in Providence with the first subject as well as the owner of the flea market. During this time, the cooperating witness purchased a .22 caliber pistol from the owner as well as an amount of marijuana.

During the month of February 2008, Members of the Intelligence Unit were successfully introduced to a third individual who ran a tattoo booth at the flea market. The subject had a lengthy criminal record spanning several states. Over the course of several weeks, Detectives were able to purchase four stolen motor vehicles from the subject.

Also during the month of February, the three targets and the cooperating witness devised a scheme where they would have two unknown subjects break into the flea market during the nighttime 36 hours and cut out the catalytic converters on the vehicles parked within the confines of the flea market, which also housed a business that shipped vehicles over seas. Catalytic converters are targeted by thieves and sold to scrap yards where they are paid as much as $200 apiece. The owner of the flea market provided the key for the two subjects to enter the premises. One of the targets also provided two sawzalls to carry out the crime. Members of the Rhode Island State Police Intelligence Unit watched as the two subjects entered the confines through the locked gates of the flea market carrying the sawzalls. Due to the extreme cold temperatures, the blades on the sawzalls broke and the crime was put on hold. The theft was carried out several weeks later.

In April 2008, members of the Rhode Island State Police initiated a court ordered electronic surveillance on the cellular telephone of the first target of the investigation. This electronic surveillance was monitored through the month of June 2008.

During this time, on numerous occasions, the suspect was observed dealing large amounts of scheduled prescription narcotics as well as stolen goods and precious metals.

During the month of June 2008, members of the Rhode Island State Police successfully introduced the first target to an undercover State Trooper from the Massachusetts State Police who was posing as a peddler of imitation pocketbooks. During his first meeting, the undercover State Trooper purchased a .22 caliber pistol from the target. The undercover State Trooper also purchased a large amount of prescription drugs from the owner of the flea market. During a second meeting in the month of June, the undercover State Trooper again met with the target at the flea market. During the second meeting, the undercover State Trooper purchased a 9 MM handgun and ammunition. Over the next several months, the undercover State Trooper met with the target at different establishments on Federal Hill that are known to be frequented by members of organized crime and their associates. On four separate occasions, the undercover State Trooper purchased scheduled prescription drugs from the target. During these meetings, which were recorded, the target also openly discussed his dealing with members of organized crime as well as the hierarchy. On one occasion, the undercover State Trooper was introduced to the head of the Crime Family.

During the month of July, a female Rhode Island undercover detective was successfully introduced to the first target. This undercover detective represented herself as the girlfriend of a subject who was selling counterfeit trademark sneakers. She met with the target on two occasions and was able to exchange counterfeit sneakers for scheduled prescription narcotics.

During the month of September 2008, a separate criminal operation was identified. This operation was being overseen by another close associate to the Crime Family who had recently been released from prison after serving a 29-year prison sentence for murder. This operation was being run out a second hand furniture and appliance store in Cranston, Rhode Island. During this time it was determined that the subjects were involved in an illegal bookmaking operation as well as selling cocaine and prescription narcotics.

In November 2008, nearly one year after the case started, members of the State Police and several local police departments arrested twenty one people on a number of charges to include, RICO, the Sales of the Firearms, Delivery of Scheduled Narcotics, Delivery of Cocaine, Possession of Stolen Goods, Organized Criminal Gambling, Insurance Fraud and Precious Metals Crimes.

After his arrest, the first target of the investigation also revealed to members of the Intelligence Unit the location of the subject who he murdered in the 1970’s. With the assistance of the Rhode Island State Police Canine Unit and the Department of Transportation, members located the body in East Providence buried fourteen (14) feet underground.

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FUSION CENTER

Just over one week after Governor Carcieri issued an Executive Order that emphasizes a closer working relationship between the Rhode Island State Police and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, their combined efforts have led to the discovery of a major international counterfeiting operation with a manufacturing and distribution point in the State of Rhode Island.

During the month of March, 2008, members of the Rhode Island State Police Intelligence Unit received information from the Providence office of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement that a package containing over $170,000 of counterfeit cashier checks and money orders had been shipped from Nigeria and was destined for an address in the State of Rhode Island. After it was learned that the package had been delivered, Detectives obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the residence located at 2404 Victory Highway in Coventry.

In April 2008, members of the Rhode Island State Police, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Coventry Police executed the court-authorized search warrant. Seized from inside the residence was the original package that had been delivered containing the counterfeit cashier checks and money orders, as well as over $100,000 worth of additional counterfeit bank checks that were being manufactured on a home computer. Detectives also seized receipts of previously delivered packages originating from Africa, materials and instruments used to print counterfeit cashier checks, and a list of mailing labels with names of individuals throughout the United States and abroad who were the intended recipients of the counterfeit checks. Detectives seized a computer, which was apparently being used to communicate with persons who are believed to be in Nigeria who were directing and profiting from the operation.

Two individuals who reside at the residence were placed under arrest and were charged with Counterfeiting, Conspiracy to Commit the Act of Counterfeiting, and Possession of a Counterfeiting Device or Implement.

One of the individuals that was arrested advised that she met two individuals on the Internet who advised her how to make the counterfeit bank checks. She was then provided with the names of the individuals and the amounts she was to make the checks payable. She would then place them in envelopes, attach mailing labels that were also provided to her and mail them using various courier services to include FedEx and UPS. She was promised $600 per month to act as the “middle man” in the United States to assist in this fraud scheme. The individual by her own admissions has manufactured and sent out over one million dollars of counterfeit cashier checks over the past four weeks.

This investigation is an excellent example of a collaborative effort by various law enforcement agencies. The Rhode Island Fusion Center is a component of the Rhode Island State Police Intelligence Unit and is tasked with conducting investigations relative to Homeland Security initiatives.

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violent fugitive task force LIEUTENANT DAVID S. PALMER

The Violent Fugitive Task Force is under the command of Lieutenant David S. Palmer, and Sergeant Donald Devine. This unit is currently comprised of a Lieutenant, a Sergeant, two detectives, seven Investigators, and two members from the United States Marshal’s Service.

The Violent Fugitive Task Force is responsible for tracking and locating subjects that are wanted on violent felony charges. Members of the Violent Fugitive Task Force track and investigate long-term fugitive matters and also handle a large quantity of parole violators, Adult Correctional Institution (ACI) escapees, and requests from the Attorney General’s Office as well as from local police departments.

The Violent Fugitive Task Force currently has an off-site office in Pawtucket, RI and primarily uses the State Police Lincoln Barracks to process, hold and interview suspects.

During the past calendar year, members of the Violent Fugitive Task Force investigated five hundred and ten (510) cases. These investigations resulted in the arrest of four hundred and five (405) people wanted by police departments and courts within the State of Rhode Island and across the nation. These arrests include: one hundred eighty (180) Superior Court warrants, thirty-nine (39) Fugitive from Justice warrants and fifty-two (52) Parole Violators.

The Violent Fugitive Task Force brought additional criminal charges on subjects on the following: twenty (20) escapee’s, three (3) firearm violations, six (6) narcotic violations and several lesser felony and misdemeanor charges.

INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

In January 2007, the Violent Fugitive Task Force (VFTF) was contacted by the Attorney Generals Office who requested assistance in locating a Coventry subject wanted on a Kent County Superior Court Full Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for sentencing on one count of First-Degree Child Molestation and three counts of Second-Degree Child Molestation. The warrant was dated January 2007 after a jury had found the suspect guilty in July 2006 of First and Second Degree Child Molestation perpetrated upon the daughter of his current girlfriend. The suspect and girlfriend (the mother of the child/victim) had been living together for ten years and she denied that the suspect had perpetrated the crimes, hence the girlfriend immediately began thwarting law enforcement efforts to locate the suspect.

In February 2007, investigators developed information that the suspect had a brother in Arizona, who would be sympathetic to the suspect’s situation and would assist him in evading apprehension. The United State’s Marshal’s interviewed the brother. The brother advised that his 39

brother came to see him near Christmas of 2006 and claimed to have driven him to the airport in January 2007, believing the suspect was returning to Rhode Island. Many family members and acquaintances, in and out of the state of Rhode Island were interviewed during the course of the investigation to develop leads on his whereabouts.

In June 2007, a reliable and confidential informant (CI) advised VFTF investigators that the girlfriend and other family members were in regular contact with the suspect using pre-paid cellular telephones. The CI further advised that the girlfriend was planning to leave Rhode Island and her daughter/victim to live with the suspect at an unknown location out of state. Investigators determined that the girlfriend was in the process of selling her residence in Coventry and terminating her position as a nurse at the hospital where she was employed. In July 2007, the residence was sold.

In September 2007, members of the VFTF developed information that the girlfriend had legally changed back to her maiden name. She then obtained a Massachusetts license and registered her new vehicle in Massachusetts under her maiden name to thwart law enforcement from tracking her.

In October 2007, a check was conducted with the Arizona Registry of Motor Vehicles and it was discovered that the girlfriend had obtained an identification card in her maiden name, which listed an Arizona address. She also obtained a vehicle registration listed to a Post Office Box. From October to February, United States Marshal’s conducted numerous surveillance at the listed address and Post Office Box without observing the suspect, the girlfriend or the vehicle.

In February 2008, members of the VFTF in Rhode Island developed information from the CI that the suspect and girlfriend were staying at a residence on a certain street in Topock, Arizona. The exact number of the residence was unknown. United States Marshal’s began regular surveillance on that street.

In March 2008, Members of the US Marshal's Office Flagstaff, AZ along with members of the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force Technical Operations Group conducted surveillance in the area of the suspect street in Topock, AZ. Marshals observed the girlfriend operating her vehicle with an unidentified male. After a short surveillance, Marshals observed the girlfriend return to a residence on the street named by the CI. The Marshals responded to the residence at which time they located the suspect hiding in the closet in the residence. The suspect had lost thirty (30) pounds, grown his hair longer, had a full beard and was in possession of false identification. The girlfriend was charged by the United States Marshal’s for harboring a Fugitive. The suspect was arrested as a Fugitive from Justice and returned to Rhode Island. In August 2008, the suspect was sentenced on the Child Molestation charges to thirty (30) years full sentence; eighteen (18) years to serve, twelve (12) years probation.

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Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Unit LIEUTENANT ARTHUR J. KERSHAW IV

The Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud unit is under the command of Lieutenant David S. Palmer, a twenty-one (21) year veteran, and Cpl. David A. Doucet, a sixteen (16) year veteran of the Division. This Unit is currently comprised of a Lieutenant, a Corporal, two detectives and one civilian investigator.

The Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud unit is responsible for meeting the goals and objectives determined by the Division. In conjunction with these responsibilities, this Unit is responsible for the investigation of crimes involving the theft and other unauthorized use of motor vehicles, as well as automobile related insurance fraud. In addition, the unit provides assistance to other units within the Detective Bureau, as well as providing support to the department’s uniform members in areas such as vehicle identification, document authenticity, and investigations that remain at the barracks level.

The Unit also provides support and works as a liaison to investigators with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicle’s Enforcement Division with identifying vehicles through the use of secondary points of identification, and with the inspection of vehicles through the state’s “salvage inspection” program. The Unit also provides assistance to both the Insurance and Body Shop/Salvage Divisions within the Department of Business Regulation in the oversight of Automobile Body Shops and Auto Salvage Wrecking Yards.

Members of the Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Unit also work in close collaboration with agents from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, as well as other members of Law Enforcement on the local, state, and federal level, by offering support and assistance to those agencies with ongoing criminal investigations.

The Auto Theft unit has been aggressive in initiating proactive investigations into large-scale insurance fraud cases, the operation of automotive “chop shops,” as well as groups of individuals involved in large-scale theft and “retagging operations.”

During the previous calendar year, members of the Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud unit conducted a total of one hundred eleven (111) separate investigations, which included insurance fraud, possession of stolen motor vehicles, recovered stolen motor vehicles, and obtaining money under false pretenses. These investigations resulted in the arrest of forty-seven (47) subjects on a variety of charges. Stolen motor vehicle investigations throughout the year resulted in the recovery of twenty-seven (27) stolen motor vehicles having a total value of over two hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars ($266,000). In addition, members of the Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Unit investigated a total of sixty-one (61) complaints filed by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Fraud Unit, which resulted in the arrest of an additional fifty-three (53) individuals who illegally collected a combined total of four hundred fifty-three thousand dollars ($453,000.00) in unemployment benefits from the State of Rhode Island.

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INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

During the month of November, 2007, a Special Investigator for a national insurance company requested the Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Unit investigate a claim in which there appeared to be serious irregularities with some of the documentation provided to the insurance company by the claimant. This individual had claimed to the insurance company that his vehicle, a late model pickup truck, had sustained extensive water damage to it’s interior after being driven through what was described as a large body of water that had accumulated on a local highway following a recent rainstorm. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a local body shop for repairs, which included replacing the vehicle’s entire interior, at the cost of several thousand dollars. This particular body shop had been the subject of a previous investigation by the State Police, which resulted in the body shop owner being charged with several criminal violations.

After the authorized repairs had been reportedly been made to the vehicle, it was subsequently examined by an insurance company appraiser, who noted discrepancies between the vehicle repairs and an invoice submitted to the insurance company by the vehicle owner, which outlined what repairs had allegedly been made. This invoice appeared to have been generated by the service department of a large, well-known local truck dealership.

Detectives responded to the dealership and were able to determine that the invoice submitted to the insurance company by the vehicle owner was fraudulent. The investigation also revealed that the invoice had been created by an employee of the dealership, and subsequently deleted from the computer system in order to avoid detection. The employee was questioned and admitted creating the fraudulent invoice, and further acknowledged that he was aware it was to be used in a fraudulent insurance claim.

Detectives also questioned several employees of the body shop. Eventually, one employee, who was also a relative of the body shop owner, admitted taking part in the insurance fraud by facilitating the creation of the fraudulent invoice.

Finally, Detectives presented the vehicle owner with the admissions made by the other two individuals. Once confronted with the evidence, the vehicle owner admitted to knowingly providing the fraudulent invoice to the insurance company. All three individuals were subsequently charged with Insurance Fraud, Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses, and Conspiracy. These charges are currently pending in Superior Court.

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Criminal Identification Unit LIEUTENANT DENNIS E. PINCINCE

The Rhode Island State Police Criminal Identification Unit (CIU) is responsible for the processing of crime scenes, providing technical services with criminal investigations, and assisting agencies with forensic investigations. CIU forensic specialties include:

Crime scene processing and documentation, digital photography, evidence processing, latent print development and comparison, footwear impression development and comparison, blood spatter interpretation, shooting reconstruction and video analysis.

Actions taken at the outset of an investigation at a crime scene can play a pivotal role in the resolution of a case. Careful, thorough investigation is the key to ensuring that physical evidence is not tainted, destroyed or overlooked.

The CIU is also responsible for the positive identification of all subjects taken into custody, as well as the maintenance of criminal records and the dissemination of arrest information to authorized parties. The CIU provides fingerprinting and background checks to all persons required by State Law to fulfill background check requirements.

INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

During the month of July 2008, Warren Police Department contacted the Criminal Identification Unit requesting assistance with a missing persons complaint. A husband and wife had been reported missing by family members and had not been seen or heard from in two weeks. The couples son and girlfriend were residing in the family home and insisted that the parents had a fight and left separately, but neither had returned to the home.

The husband and wife had reportedly left their wallet and pocketbook at home when leaving two weeks prior. Warren Police obtained consent to search of the house and the CIU was tasked with conducting a systematic search of the entire property for signs of foul play.

The exterior of the residence, to include two sheds and four vehicles, were photographed and detailed inventories conducted prior to the interior of the residence being photographed and searched. During the search, it was noted the parent’s bedroom had been broken into the son and girlfriend had taken up residence. Paperwork indicated numerous attempts of accessing the mother’s credit card accounts and ATM account and the son was utilizing his father’s cell phone. During the search, presumptive blood tests were conducted throughout the first floor with negative results.

A search of the basement revealed that this was the original living area of the son and girlfriend. Adjacent to the son’s basement bedroom was a boiler room/laundry room area with a bulkhead style exit to the back yard. This room was in total disarray and filled with tools, furniture, laundry and household items. Each area was subject to a systematic search. The storage closet was emptied and a large pool of coagulated blood and maggots was discovered. It was apparent that the items in the closet were placed over the area of blood and once the closet had been filled with items, the doors had been partially closed and numerous items placed in front. The blood on the floor 43 of the closet was swabbed and immediately transported to the Department of Health for analysis. Analysis revealed that the blood was of human origin. With this information, a search warrant was obtained and a more detailed inventory was conducted.

Blood evidence was documented on the closet doors, an ironing board, the washing machine and the floor. A small gold earring was located in the bulkhead stairway. Lack of items is also considered evidence when conducting a search and it was noted that the son’s bedroom did not have a carpet or blankets. The culmination of evidence was relayed to investigating detectives who used this information when interviewing the missing couples son. The son admitted to killing his mother and father and placing them in the unused septic well located in the backyard.

The CIU, along with the Chief Medical Examiner and staff, uncovered the old septic well which had been filled with rocks from a nearby stonewall. Once the rocks were removed, both parents were exhumed, along with the suspect weapon, clothing, and household items which were originally located in the basement.

It should be noted that the gold earring located in the bulkhead stairs matched the earrings being worn by the deceased mother.

The son was subsequently arrested and charged with the homicide of his mother and father. Both the son and girlfriend were charged with the unauthorized use of the parent’s credit cards.

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PROPERTY CONTROL OFFICER LIEUTENANT RAYMOND B. STUDLEY

Lieutenant Raymond B. Studley is a nineteen (19) year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police and is charged with the control of found, recovered and evidentiary property. Lieutenant Studley assumed the role of Division Property Officer on August 19, 2007. Control of property is critically important in investigative areas and in the proper handling, security and disposition of property.

During 2008, the following narcotics and narcotic samples were received from the Rhode Island Department of Health. These narcotics and samples were a result of seizures made by the Uniform and Detective Bureaus and include marijuana, cocaine, heroin and miscellaneous narcotics:

Packages from Toxicology 420

The following is the total number of weapons received from the Uniform and Detective Bureau and the total number of weapons returned:

Weapons Seized 77 Weapons Returned 31 Vehicles to be forfeited 13

The following miscellaneous evidence was received from the Uniform and Detective Bureaus. This evidence includes items that were seized along with weapons, narcotics, and other investigations:

Miscellaneous 1,090 Items

The following evidence was returned. This evidence would include miscellaneous evidence that involved narcotics, weapons and other investigations:

Evidence Returned 67Items

The following is the amount of evidence that was destroyed:

Evidence Destroyed 4,890 Items 257 Weapons

Narcotics (50 lbs. of marijuana, 80 marijuana plants, 5 kilograms of cocaine, 325 assorted narcotic cases, various gambling paraphernalia, and numerous cell phones).

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Chief Administrative Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOSEPH R. MIECH

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT MRS. KIMBERLEY ASSELIN

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph R. Miech, a twenty-three (23) year veteran of the Division, is the Chief Administrative Officer as designated by Colonel Brendan P. Doherty. Lieutenant Colonel Miech possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University along with a Master of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University. Lieutenant Colonel Miech is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy and of Leadership Rhode Island.

The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for the personnel and fiscal management of the Division and is ultimately accountable for the Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (RILETS) and the state’s connection to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS). Responsibilities also include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Division’s administrative units. Lieutenant Colonel Miech also acts as the liaison with the Rhode Island Troopers’ Association and civilian unions pertaining to issues and concerns of sworn and civilian personnel. As a result of a positive working relationship with the unions, there were no grievances filed by either of the unions over the past 2 years.

The Division has continued to assist with the Rhode Island State Communications Network (RISCON). Numerous other radio sites have been established making the system more robust and increasing the coverage area. With statewide coverage expected to be completed in 2009, the Division has received a federal grant to purchase a majority of the mobile and portable radio equipment necessary for the Rhode Island State Police to fully convert to the 800 MHz radio system.

The planning and redesign of the new Headquarters located on the North Scituate site took place in earnest during the course of the year. These meetings took an inordinate amount of time with the accelerated time schedule that was selected to keep the project moving. Numerous changes to the plans were made to ensure the design worked on the site while meeting the future needs of the Division. The project was put out to bid in the fall and a contract was signed with Lusi Construction during the last week of December to build the building. With construction actually scheduled to begin in January of 2009, the building is expected to be completed by July of 2010.

The past year has also been extremely challenging with the creation of the Department of Public Safety. This new agency encompasses the state police, fire marshal’s office, capitol police, municipal police training academy, the former justice commission and the E-911 telephone system. Within the Department of Public Safety, a new Major’s position was created to oversee and manage the other agencies within the Department of Public Safety. Furthermore, the Division’s Finance Office was moved under the Department of Public Safety umbrella as the Central Management Officer, though personnel there still reported to the Chief Administrative Officer. Between legislative and budget office meetings on reducing budgets and personnel hiring issues, much work has been accomplished in getting the new Department of Public Safety underway.

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Lieutenant Colonel Miech has continued to push several other technology related initiatives including the Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications upgrade and disaster recovery projects, the missing children database modification to decrease paperwork for local police departments and the Rhode Island State Police while making access to this information more timely, the Sex Offender Registry automation project, new telephone and radio recording systems for the barracks and other technology–related projects.

A recruitment process was also initiated in July of this year. Following the closing of applications in August of 2008, 1,922 applicants applied for the Rhode Island State Police. Following the written, physical and oral board tests over the course of the following 5 months, approximately 228 individuals remain as we proceed with the background investigation process in 2009. Furthermore, 34 individuals in the military/make-up process will participate in an expedited written/physical/oral board process in January of 2009. After the backgrounds, psychological and medical tests remain before the final selection of candidates. Regardless, the Division remains confident that the candidates selected for the June 2009 Academy will be the “best of the best” and will represent a cross-section of the community we serve.

Lieutenant Colonel Miech has also continued to serve on various committees and projects such as representing Rhode Island at the national SEARCH conference and representing the Division on the Rhode Island Supreme Court E-Filing Task Force.

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Traffic Services/Planning and Research Unit LIEUTENANT ERIC L. CROCE

SERGEANT RICHARD RYAN, CORPORAL ANN ASSUMPICO

RHODE ISLAND TRAFFIC TRIBUNAL CORPORAL MICHAEL GILL

The Traffic Services / Planning and Research Unit is under the command of Lieutenant Eric L. Croce, a Twenty-Two (22) year veteran of the Division. Lieutenant Croce has served at every barracks and also in the Detective Bureau.

In a constant effort to improve highway safety throughout the State, the Traffic Services Unit continues to work closely with the Department of Transportation’s Office of Highway Safety. In 2008, the Unit was responsible for representing the Division on various national, state, local and private organizations and committees regarding highway safety issues. These include, the National “Operation C.A.R.E.” coalition, State Traffic Commission, Enforcing the Underage Drinking Laws Committee, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and Commission for the Care and Safety of the Elderly, and the Rhode Island Safe Kids Coalition Executive Board.

Another essential aspect of the Division’s highway safety enforcement is educational components involving child passenger safety programs. These programs are designed to educate citizens and visitors of our state regarding seat belt and child restraint safety and to increase safety belt usage in Rhode Island.

The Traffic Services/Planning and Research Unit continued to work with the Rhode Island Safe Kids Coalition, which educates and promotes child passenger safety. As the guiding agency for Rhode Island Safe Kids, the Unit works and coordinates with local police agencies in all aspects of child passenger safety checkpoints and events.

The Division currently has ten members certified as child passenger safety technicians. Two of our sworn members and one civilian member are instructors in the forty-hour course required to become a technician. These child passenger safety technicians are experts regarding the proper installation of child safety seats. These members are available on a daily basis upon request and will inspect child restraint seat installation when requested by the motoring public. During 2008, Division technicians participated in child safety seat checkup events held throughout the State. This program has received tremendous support from the public and is an important aspect regarding the Divisions’ goal towards improving child passenger safety in the State of Rhode Island.

The Traffic Services/Planning and Research Unit oversees a full-time sworn Division member who is assigned to the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal as Court Prosecution Officer. The duties of the Division’s Prosecution Office include the dissemination and collection of Tribunal summonses and handling all arraignments for motorists who appear before the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal for Division issued summonses. The Prosecution Officer also schedules Division trials, if requested by 48 the motorists, at the arraignment. The Prosecution Officer represents the Division at motion hearings, appeals, as well as answering any and all discovery and inspection requests filed by motorists or their attorneys for all Division related Traffic Tribunal matters. The Prosecution Officer acts as the liaison with the staff at the Traffic Tribunal and has varied clerical and administrative assignments as well.

The Traffic Services/Planning and Research Unit oversees the coordination of all overtime assignments, which include Speed Aggressive Driving, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) patrols and Road Construction Detail assignments with Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

The Traffic Services/Planning and Research Unit will continue its effort to implement progressive and innovative changes in the field of law enforcement. In addition, the Unit researches and develops new technical and administrative programs that will enhance the future organizational growth of the Division. Furthermore, the Unit is also charged with the responsibility of planning and organizing various events such as: the yearly Memorial Ceremony, Media Educational Summits and department promotional events.

The Unit is also responsible for the Rhode Island State Police internship program. In 2008, The Traffic Services/Planning and Research Unit placed twenty-seven (27) interns from colleges and universities throughout New England. Each intern was afforded the opportunity to serve with the Division, as well as enhance their academic pursuits. Additionally, the State Police has hosted several high school students in Job Shadowing programs. This program allows high school students who are interested in a career in law enforcement to spend several hours during a school day with a Trooper in an attempt to learn what a Trooper does over the course of a day.

Additional responsibilities of the Traffic Services/Planning and Research Unit include but are not limited to collecting and compiling statistical information regarding the Division and the circulation of all data and planning information in a timely manner. The Unit is also accountable for the creation, compilation, and production of the Division’s Annual Report and goals and objectives.

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Missing and Exploited Children Unit Mr. Steven A. Loynds manager

Mr. Steven A. Loynds is the Administrative Assistant in charge of the Missing and Exploited Children Unit and has served with the Division for eighteen (18) years. The Missing and Exploited Children Unit processes Missing Person (Children) reports received from forty-six law enforcement agencies throughout the State. These reports are verified as active in NCIC (National Crime Information Center) and are then entered into a database, from which reports are generated on a regular basis. These reports are also sent to the forty-six law enforcement agencies, which validate and verify the status of the individual Missing Children cases. Once a child is returned, the case is removed from NCIC and the Missing Children database.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington has provided a computer and software to the Unit, which enables it to coordinate with the National Center and with clearinghouses in the other forty-nine states and in many other countries. Through this network, pictures of missing children and other information related to the search for and recovery of missing children are shared. Flyers and data on missing children from the National Center and other agencies are distributed to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The Unit also has educational and informational materials relative to child safety issues, which are available to schools in Rhode Island.

During the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the Unit received a total of 1,298 missing/runaway juvenile reports from all law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Of those, 15 remain active and 1,283 were located/returned.

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Uniform Crime Reporting Unit Mrs. Linda Fraccola Operations Manager

Mrs. Linda Fraccola is the Operations Manager for the Rhode Island State Police and has served with the State Police for twenty two (22) years. She is responsible for the statewide operation of the Uniform Crime Reporting Unit (UCR) and is the crime collection liaison between local law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The UCR System is the State's crime system, which is mandated by Rhode Island General Laws to assemble uniform offense and arrest data from local and state law enforcement agencies, in a form prescribed by the Superintendent.

The Rhode Island UCR System conforms to the specifications of the Criminal Justice Information Services of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which provides a detailed nationwide view of crime based on the submission of statistics by law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

With receipt of data covering thirty-nine (39) reporting jurisdictions within the State of Rhode Island, the problems of attaining uniformity are readily apparent. It is the standard operating procedure to examine incoming reports for mathematical accuracy and completeness and perhaps of even greater importance, for reasonableness as a possible indication of error. Regardless of the extent of the statistical verification process used by the UCR Unit, the accuracy of the data assembled under this system depends on the sincere effort exerted by each contributor to meet the necessary standards.

This Windows based management system has been programmed to the specifications of the UCR Unit and to detail offenses and arrest data, law enforcement employee counts and other special programs of particular interest. With the use of these computer-generated reports and statistical analysis, the UCR Unit produces an annual publication entitled, “Crime in Rhode Island.” The UCR Unit then assembles, publishes and distributes the statistics to criminal justice agencies, the general assembly and public research groups.

“Crime in Rhode Island” can be obtained by downloading through the Rhode Island State Police Home Page at www.risp.ri.gov/ by navigating to the Crime Statistics Link.

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Training Academy LIEUTENANT Ernest C. Quarry, Jr.

The Training Academy is under the command of Lieutenant Ernest C. Quarry, Jr., (18) year veteran of the Division and assisted by Trooper Derek W. Borek, (14) year veteran of the Division who are responsible for all training activities.

The Training Academy is located at 64 Winsor Road in the Town of Foster and is responsible for conducting the Rhode Island State Police Basic Instruction School, all in-service training for members of the Division, selected regional law enforcement conferences and continuing education courses in law enforcement. The Training Academy also coordinates training with the other New England State Police Administrators Conference (NESPAC) Trainers.

The Training Academy handles a variety of public service functions on behalf of the Division such as conducting career awareness programs at many area high schools and colleges in Rhode Island as part of a continuing effort to attract qualified candidates for the Rhode Island State Police.

In February 2008, the Division continued its mandatory In-Service Training Program that is designed to provide sworn members with all In-Service Training Courses in three (3) phases facilitated throughout the calendar year.

Phase I consisted of ten (10), thirteen (13) hour sessions on Blood borne Pathogens / Cultural Diversity, / Use of Force Continuum, Expandable Baton & Riot Baton re-certifications / Immigration and Customs Enforcement Training / Gang & Motorcycle Gang Recognition Training / Officer Safety – “Your Vest won’t Stop this Bullet” / Active Shooter & Perimeter Control Training. Phase II consisted of ten (10), nine (9) hour sessions on Firearms Training / Annual Qualifications & Shotgun Training / Mental Illness Training / Evidence Collection Procedures / Entering & Tracking Property Procedures / Personal Protective Equipment. Phase III consisted of ten (10), thirteen (13) hour sessions on DWI Re-certification / Highway Enforcement & Report Writing / Clandestine Meth Labs / Airport Response Procedures / Work Zone Safety / Domestic Violence / Firearms Training – Night Shooting Low Light.

The Training Academy’s goal is to ensure that the Rhode Island State Police remain at the forefront of law enforcement training in order to serve and protect the citizens of the state.

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Fiscal Office Mrs. Elaine Richards Director

Assistant: Mrs. Dawn Murphy

Mrs. Elaine Richards is the Director of Fiscal Management for the Rhode Island State Police and has been employed in the Fiscal Office since 1983. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing the staff accounting and fiscal management of the Division. Through her office, the Division's budget is projected and monitored in conjunction with the State's Budget Office. Incorporated with these duties is the additional responsibility of reviewing and processing all purchases made by the Division along with the maintenance of the personnel employment records and payroll activities. Mrs. Richards is also responsible for developing, budgeting and implementing the capital improvement projects for the Division. As of July 1, 2008 her office is also responsible for the fiscal management of the agencies that fall under the Department of Public Safety.

Expenditures – All Funds

Fiscal Year 2008 $56,125,216

2% 26%

9% 63%

Personnel Operating Pensions Capital Purchases & Equipment

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Technology and Communication Services Unit LIEUTENANT Karen D. pinch

Lieutenant Karen D. Pinch is the officer in charge of the Division’s Technology and Communication Unit. Lieutenant Pinch has been a member of the Division for 16 years and has served at each barracks, the Training Academy, and the Planning and Research Unit prior to her assignment to Technology and Communications.

Lieutenant Pinch serves on the following committees: Communications Working Group, the Commission on Prejudice and Bias, the Traffic Records Coordinating Council, and the E 9-1-1 Advisory Commission. Lieutenant Pinch also serves on the Building Committee, which oversees the construction of the new State Police Headquarters.

Lieutenant Pinch is one of only four instructors in Rhode Island for the Child Passenger Safety Standardized Course developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In conjunction with these duties, she is the Vice President of the Rhode Island SafeKids Coalition, which is the local certifying body for child passenger safety technicians.

Lieutenant Pinch oversees the RILETS/NCIC Control Section, the Technical Services Unit, Management Information Systems, the Radio Services Bureau, the Accident Bureau, and the Missing Children Unit.

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Radio Services Mr. Thomas Crotty, Director

Mr. Robert P. Godin – Electronics Technician

Mr. Thomas Crotty is the Director of Radio Communications and has served with the Division for over ten (10) years. He is responsible for the performance of the Rhode Island State Police radio communication systems. The radio systems provide voice and data communications for the Division and are supported by thirteen (13) communication sites located throughout the state. The system also supports radio traffic for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, Department of Environmental Management, and the Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Center. In addition to the state agencies, the RSIP radio infrastructure also supports the statewide 800 MHZ interoperable radio system (RISCON). This radio network is used by numerous cities and towns as their primary radio system, but also provides statewide interoperability for hundreds of first responders. The infrastructure also supports radio systems used by the FBI, US Coast Guard, FAA, NOAA and other governmental agencies.

As the microwave and VHF radio communications systems are the lifeline of the Rhode Island State Police, it is imperative that the systems are at an optimum level of performance at all times. The staff inspects and monitors all communication sites on a regular basis to insure that the systems are kept at the highest level of reliability. Radio Services is also responsible for the installation and repair of the fleet emergency systems that include emergency lights, radio equipment, mobile data and radar units.

Radio Services is currently involved in projects to upgrade the microwave system and a transition to 800 MHz radio communications.

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Management Information Systems Mr. James Shea Director

Assistants: Ms. Carol Darigan Mr. Rafael Tejada Mr. William Guy Mr. Glenn Lawrence

The Management Information Systems (MIS) Unit maintains the operation and enhancement of the Rhode Island State Police’s Wide Area Network. This network encompasses the entire state, consisting of five barracks, the Financial Crimes Unit, the training academy, several remote sites, and the Headquarters complex located in North Scituate. The Unit manages over sixteen servers, two hundred plus users, and several miles of fiber optic and twisted pair cabling.

Currently, the MIS Unit is embarking on several ambitious projects to modernize its core computing systems. We are looking to maximize the current bandwidth and to increase the already tight network security protocols already in place. The unit is also looking to virutalize the network servers and increase storage as the data continues to grow.

The Management Informations Systems Unit will continue it’s efforts in keeping the Rhode Island State Police current in it’s technology. This will enable the State Police to utilize technology in its mission to provide Law Enforcement to the people of Rhode Island in the “Service of the State”.

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RILETS/NCIC Control Section Miss Joan Collins Supervisor

Miss Joan Marie Collins is the supervisor of the RILETS/ Telecommunications Unit. She has served with the State Police for sixteen (16) years, starting as a Telecommunicator in November of 1992. Miss Collins manages the Rhode Island Most Wanted web site under the direction of the Detective Lieutenant in charge of the State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force, is the AMBER Alert Web Portal Administrator, and performs the work of the RILETS / NCIC Quality Assurance Unit.

The RILETS/ Telecommunications Unit operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, accessing several databases for information collected by criminal justice agencies that is needed for the performance of the law enforcement function, that includes wanted person information; missing person information; unidentified person information; stolen property information; criminal history information; information on identifiable individuals compiled in an effort to anticipate, prevent, or monitor possible criminal activity, vehicle registrations, and driver’s licenses, etc. The fundamental information and support provided by the Unit is essential for the safety of the Troopers and other police officers.

The staff has contributed in apprehending suspects by examining provided data and making inquiries that help to learn the true identify of those who have provided false information to Division Members, most who were found to have warrants.

Assistance is provided to municipal police departments, state, and federal agencies, concerning policies and procedures for the NCIC, NLETS, and RILETS systems. The Unit also assists the agencies with any problems that they may encounter with the systems, including hardware or software concerns, and frame relay failures. There were 1921 calls for assistance logged during 2008. In addition, the unit monitors and directs both incoming and outgoing interstate message traffic to ensure that they are properly formatted and directed to the correct destinations.

The Unit is responsible for maintaining affidavit and arrest Warrants for the State Police, conducting intensive backgrounds through database searches, processing the monthly NCIC validations, creating-editing-and activating AMBER Alerts via the AMBER Alert web portal, obtaining out-of-state criminal history information for authorized state programs, and monitoring the National Alert Warning Systems telephones and R.I. Emergency Management Agency radios for emergency and testing situations.

During the past calendar year, the Unit performed a total of 92,723 requests for computer checks for Division members. These checks resulted in 409 confirmed NCIC hits and 2133 confirmed hits from the Rhode Island state files.

Unit Staff

Mr. Paul Johnson Ms. Colleen Noonan Mr. Richard Peck Ms. Joanne Greenleaf Ms. Susan Walsh

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Technical Services Unit Mr. Gordon P. Roberts Interim Director of Telecommunications

Mr. Gordon Roberts is the Interim Director of Telecommunications and has been employed by the Rhode Island State Police since 1992. The previous Director Of Telecommunications, Mr. Brian J. Glancy, retired in September of 2008. Mr. Roberts has the responsibility for both the Technical Services Unit and the RILETS Telecommunications. The Technical Services Unit is responsible for the operation, maintenance and programming of the Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. The RILETS System is the state’s law enforcement and criminal justice information network and delivers documented law enforcement and criminal justice information to all local, state and federal law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in Rhode Island. The RILETS System is operational twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, three hundred sixty-five (365) days a year. The RILETS Telecommunications Unit operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides timely criminal justice related information to State Police personnel. The unit also provides and maintains the RILETS help desk and is responsible for monitoring the status of RILETS, its message traffic and its interfaced systems on a continuing basis.

The RILETS System is directly interfaced to: the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, which provides on-line information on wanted / missing persons, stolen property and criminal history record information; the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), which provides law enforcement message switching services among the fifty (50) states; the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General which provides automated Criminal History Information; the Rhode Island Judicial Information System, which provides real time criminal warrant information to authorized users; the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, which provides automated vehicle registration, drivers license and driver history information; and the National Weather Service, which provides automated weather updates to all RILETS Users.

The RILETS Network was upgraded to the latest technologies, and reconfigured for greater bandwidth, and enhanced security in 2007. The entire RILETS hardware and software platform was replaced in March 2003. The new RILETS System provides a greatly enhanced capability to run investigative off-line searches. Off-line searches aid law enforcement investigations by retrieving old data, or information not currently available on the on-line RILETS Network. The new RILETS also provides a greatly enhanced statistical package that produces more detailed analysis of system usage and performance.

The Technical Services Unit and the MIS Unit are responsible for the Mobile Data Terminals in the State Police patrol vehicles and provide communications for the local law enforcement agencies’ laptops. The Mobile Terminal Controllers are directly connected to the RILETS System and provide real time information on wanted persons, stolen vehicles and registry information.

All of the MDT equipped RILETS User agencies, and the State Police, had migrated to the new CDMA/1XRTT Wireless Technology platform that provides faster and more reliable mobile network connectivity. In addition, some users have migrated to the newer and faster EVDO Wireless platform. Most of the RILETS User Agencies, and the State Police have now migrated to a new Mobile Workstation client that provides enhanced electronic access to the agencies internal case files (managed by the RISP MIS Unit), and automated lookups against RILETS.

Lt. Karen Pinch is the CJIS/NCIC Systems Officer for Rhode Island and is the Rhode Island NLETS Representative. Lt. Pinch is the RI State Police representative to the FBI’s CJIS/NCIC Northeast Regional Working Group and the RI State Police representative to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. 59

Personnel/Fleet Officer/Supply Unit Sergeant Robert E. Cunniff, Jr.

Administrative Supply Officer: Mrs. Linda Slader

Maintenance: Mr. Thomas McCarthy Mr. Vincent Snurkowski Mr. Dennis Ziroli, Jr.

Sergeant Robert Cunniff is an 18-year veteran of the Division and oversees the Division’s Personnel, Fleet, and Supply Unit. The office is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the Division’s Performance Appraisal Management System (PEMS), as well as the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program. The PEMS require annual performance appraisals of all sworn and civilian personnel, as well as probationary and post promotional appraisals of all Division members. The FTO program monitors the progress of new Troopers.

This office also processes all uniform requests and handles subsequent uniform and gear distribution and tracking. The office ensures that the Division is properly equipped and complies with the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards pertaining to equipment, vehicles, and record keeping. The compilation of all sworn member’s vacation time, sick leave, military status and other leave information is also the responsibility of the Personnel Officer.

Sergeant Cunniff also serves as the Division’s Fleet Manager. The office is responsible for new vehicle specifications, emergency equipment, laptop computer, and video camera installation, as well as maintenance and auto body repairs of the fleet. This office also monitors the Division’s fleet. The Fleet’s mileage and maintenance are tracked as well as any factory recalls or other vehicle safety issues.

The office also oversees maintenance personnel and is responsible for supply services.

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Charitable Gaming Unit Mrs. Pauline Malec Administrative Assistant

Pauline Malec is the Administrative Assistant for the Charitable Gaming Unit. She has been employed in this position since August 2008. Lieutenant James Demers is the Superintendent's Designee for the Charitable Gaming Unit.

Rhode Island General Law gives the Division of State Police both regulatory and enforcement authority over all charitable gaming activity conducted in Rhode Island. At the present time, raffles and bingos are the only games allowed. The Charitable Gaming Unit serves citizens from all walks of life. For many, it is the only contact they ever have with the Rhode Island State Police. Most of the charitable and non-profit organizations in Rhode Island are in contact with this unit.

Ms. Malec is responsible for reviewing and authorizing all applications for charitable gaming events. She provides assistance to the applicants in this process. She answers questions and provides information to the general public as well as to other State agencies, local police departments, and members of the legal community. All raffle applications require dual approval from the Chief of Police of the city or town in which the drawing is held and the State Police. The Charitable Gaming Unit works closely with all local police departments. All organizations must file a financial report with the State Police after the drawing is held. During 2008, one thousand one hundred six (1106) authorizations were granted to charitable organizations to conduct raffles.

The amount of money wagered on bingo in Rhode Island has fallen dramatically since the opening of the Indian casinos in Connecticut in the early 1990s. This decrease in income reflects a trend that is going on nationwide. The number of organizations conducting weekly bingo in our State has dropped from sixty-five (65) in 1990, to seventeen (17) in 2008. The General Assembly attempted to remedy this situation in 1998, by increasing the amount of money that could be awarded as prizes at a bingo from $4,250 to $6,050 per night. In July 2005, the General Assembly again increased the amount of money to be awarded in prizes during bingo to $7,500 per night; however, most charitable organizations do not take in the gross receipts needed to pay out $7,500 per night. In 2008, ninety- three (93) senior citizen organizations were granted authorization to conduct bingo on a regular basis and thirty-five (35) organizations were granted approval to conduct recreational or one-time bingo games. All together, one hundred ninety-three (193) organizations were authorized to conduct bingo in 2008.

Charitable Gaming Unit information and applications are available to the public online on the State Police website (www.risp.ri.gov). Citizen response to this new avenue of information and service has been tremendously positive as many citizens now log on to the Charitable Gaming web page.

Revenue from charitable gaming activity is not taxed in Rhode Island as it is in most other states. A five-dollar application fee is levied on each application.

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Canine Unit

From January 1, 2008 until December 31, 2008 the Canine Unit was comprised of ten sworn members and ten canines.

The Canine Unit is under the supervision of the Operations Officer, Lt. Darren Delaney and Canine Unit Coordinator Corporal Matthew T. Zarrella.

This unit has the capability of offering a wide range of services. Those services include explosive detection, Utility/patrol work, narcotic detection and cadaver detection. Additionally, the unit offers a full program in Search and Rescue including Disaster Search, Wilderness Search and trailing. One trooper is trained in Search Management and both Search & Rescue Dog handlers are members of the RI Urban Search & Rescue Team.

Members of the canine unit have been utilized by the Division on a regular basis and have responded to requests to assist the US Military, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

During the year 2008, the three canine Patrol Units that were previously placed on a three- month pilot program to respond statewide to assist on canine related calls worked in that capacity on a full time basis with a high degree of success.

Troopers worked from 4:00 PM until 4:00 AM on their respective three and three shift and were responsible for their normal patrol duties and paperwork as well as their canine related calls.

This program clearly proved to be a great benefit to the Division as well as other law enforcement agencies around the state.

Additionally, in 2008 one of the K-9 Patrol Teams newly became cross-trained and certified in the detection of Narcotics. Furthermore, all four of the Patrol/narcotic K-9s became certified in Meth as a result of new NESPAC requirements, which were modified due to the increase in use of Meth in the northeast.

The unit conducted a total of 200 narcotic searches in 2008, which resulted in the seizure of 250 pounds of marijuana, 36 pounds of cocaine and 3.2 pounds of Heroin. The unit also seized 6 vehicles and a total of $145,000.00 in United States Currency. There were 7 cadaver searches and 10 area searches for lost or missing persons. There were 37 patrol dog calls that included building searches, tracks and area searches for fleeing suspects. Many of these calls were to assist local police departments who had made requests for our assistance. There were 10 article searches resulting in the seizure of pertinent evidence. There were a total of 15 bomb searches conducted at various locations throughout the State. The unit participated in 22 public speaking demonstrations for a variety of civic groups and organizations.

In November 2008, the two RI State Police K-9 Search & Rescue Teams were requested by members of the detective division to assist with a search of a buried body in the back yard of an East Providence apartment complex. The body was that of a long time organized crime member who was murdered in 1978. Information obtained by detectives lead them to the aforementioned apartment complex where an excavation ensued with the use of a backhoe.

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On the first day of the search one of the canine teams searched the yard and alerted to a spot on the ground, which was then marked and dug to a depth of 8’, feet but no human remains were found.

On the second day of the search most of the back yard was dug up but still no human remains were located.

On the third day of the search, two more canines that were trained to locate human remains were brought in to assist. After a thorough search of the back yard, both canines alerted in the same general area as the first K-9 had on the first day.

This time investigators decided to re-excavate the original area the first K-9 team identified to them. However, investigators planned to dig deeper than they had before.

By mid afternoon and at an approximate depth of 14 feet the backhoe uncovered what appeared to be skeletal remains. After an on site examination by the medical examiner and his team, the remains were identified as human. Later those same remains were positively identified as the missing person in question.

In November 2007, the RI State Police created a new position within the Canine Unit entitled Canine Coordinator. The Canine Coordinator position falls under the Special Operations Unit and the Canine Coordinator reports directly to the Special Operations Officer.

Although this position is still considered new, it continues to greatly improve logistics and communication within the unit. The Canine Coordinator continues to handle and maintain all documentation and paperwork necessary to facilitate such a unit including the ordering or all needed equipment and training aids.

This year the canine unit sadly announced the passing of K-9 Ajax, a Belgian Malinois who was trained in Bomb Detection. K-9 Ajax had a long and successful working career with the division and his passing is a tremendous loss. However, K-9 Dutch, a Labrador Retriever who served as a back up dog to Ajax has now become the lead dog for his handler and is working eagerly for him.

Canine Unit Personnel

Lt. Darren Delaney Unit Supervisor

Cpl. Matthew T. Zarrella Canine Coordinator / Master Trainer K-9 Max, K-9 Eva – German Shepherds/ Cadaver, Disaster, Search & Rescue

Cpl. Roger Reardon Master Trainer Patrol/Narcotics

Trp. Erik Jones K-9 Moe – Belgian Malinois / Patrol/Narcotics

Trp. Ronald Longolucco K-9 Dutch- Labrador retriever / Bomb Detection

Trp.Thomas Jaques K-9 Happy – German Shepherd / Bomb Detection

Trp.Matthew Moynihan K-9 Axel - German Shepherd / Patrol / Narcotics 63

Trp.Scott Carlsten K-9 Bear- German Shepherd / Cadaver / Disaster / Search and Rescue

Trp. Kevin Grace K-9 Kato- German Shepherd / Patrol / Narcotics

Trp.Peter Filuminia K-9 Eison - German Shepherd / Patrol / narcotics

Trp. Erik Yanyar K-9 Boris- German Shepherd / Patrol / narcotics

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Marine Unit/Dive team

The Division Marine Unit is composed of a (8) sworn Troopers who are dive certified through the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI). The divers are utilized in the search and recovery of drowning victims along with underwater/coastal searches of all types of evidence. The divers, as well as six more sworn members are also certified boat operators of the Division Vessel 2705.

The 2705 has a fully enclosed, heated cabin which is able to protect many occupants from harsh elements at any time of the year. It is equipped with RADAR, underwater topographical sensor and communications so that it can be operated in any form of weather or reduced visibility.

With the number of missions for the 2705 increasing, six members attended a forty-hour advance patrol boat operator’s course hosted by United States Cost Guard.

1. Navigate safely using nautical charts by applying pilotage, dead reckoning, and electronic navigation methods.

2. Know, understand and apply the nautical rules of the road.

3. Have a basic understanding of onboard electronics including chart plotter GPS and RADAR.

4. Demonstrate the safe operation of vessels at fast and slow speeds, docking and undocking, safe deployment and recovery of divers, safe deployment and recovery of vessels from trailers, taking other vessels along side, boarding in open water and towing other vessels.

5. Know, understand and apply proper radio protocol including the proper channels needed for communicating with the USCG.

6. Navigate in low visibility conditions.

The 2705 has been underway numerous times for training, dive missions, Homeland Security missions in the form of bridge inspections, ferry escorts and Governor security related objectives. The vessel has assisted the USCG, RIDEM and local harbormasters with patrols during the RI Air show, Folk and Jazz Festivals, Governor’s Bay Day as well as the Blessing of the Fleet. It had been repeatedly requested by the Block Island Harbormaster to patrol Old Harbor and New Harbor during the busy holiday weekends.

Boating safety patrols also included the objective of BUI enforcement, that were regularly scheduled in 2008. With four Troopers on board as the crew, which includes boat operators and boarding officers, the vessel had been deployed to patrol for impaired boaters on numerous occasions.

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Members of the Dive Team attended an extensive 40-hour advanced SCUBA training hosted by the New York State Police Dive Team.

INTERESTING INVESTIGATION

Members of the Dive Team were requested by the Town of Tiverton Fire Department to assist with a search for one of their Fire Fighters that had drowned while searching for another drowning victim. Members deployed and established search areas around the pond. After an exhaustive search members of the team located and recovered the body of the missing fire fighter.

The team also assisted the Massachusetts State Police in searching for a weapon used in a homicide in Massachusetts that was reportedly discarded in the Black Stone River in Pawtucket. During the initial dive and search, twenty one (21) vehicles were discovered on the bottom of the riverbed. Members of the Blackstone River Heritage Corridor Commission contacted the State Police and requested assistance in removing the vehicles from the river. Members of the Dive Team and Auto Theft Unit were utilized to conduct an under water recovery mission. As a direct result of these actions, five (5) stolen vehicles were recovered.

Dive Team Members/Boat Operators

Detective: Joseph Dubeau, Richard Swanson Troopers: Simon Liu, Michael McGlynn, David Gormly, David Bassignani, Robert Richardson

Division Boat Operators

Sergeant: Douglas Newberg

Corporal: Stephen Flood

Troopers: Christopher Schram, Terrence Pendergast, John Gadrow

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Honor Guard Unit

The Honor Guard Unit consists of forty-seven (47) members who are trained in precision military drill and protocol. The unit is under the direction of Lieutenant Darren H.Delaney, the Divisions Operations Officer. During 2008, members of the Honor Guard represented the Division in forty-eight (48) events such as parades, funerals, and opening ceremonies. The Honor Guard Unit has established itself as an award winning unit and continues to maintain an excellent reputation throughout the New England region.

Unit Members

Lieutenants: Delaney, Sullivan, Quarry, Hill, Tokoian

Sergeants: Rosa

Corporals: Wall, Assumpico, Philbin

Troopers: Sikorskyj, Pardington, Coleman, Cunningham, Barry Dandeneau, E. Jones, McKinney, Ruggiero, Gilson, McGlynn, Moriarty, Viera, Alfred, DeMarco, Grassel, K. Jones, Salisbury, Ludovici, LeValley, Gadrow, Grace, Hartwell, Cambio, Watters, Filuminia, Lagor, M. McGehearty, Macera, S. McGehearty, Gazzola, Capone, Brezniak, Tilson, Reilly, Navarro,Corson

.

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Motorcycle Unit

The Rhode Island State Police Motorcycle Unit is currently commanded by Lieutenant Frank D. Sullivan III. The unit utilizes two (2) 1993 and two (2) 2007 Harley Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide Police Motorcycles for patrol in heavy traffic areas, beach traffic, for special functions and on occasion, routine patrol when staffing levels permit. The motorcycles were also used for the following details in 2008: The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, Annual Aquidneck Island National Police Parade in Newport, and the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run. The Motorcycle Unit may be used on any other occasion deemed necessary and appropriate by the Superintendent. All Motorcycle Unit members have successfully completed a highly skilled two week police motorcycle operator’s course.

Motorcycle Unit Members

Captain: Raymond White

Lieutenant: Eric LaRiviere, Francis Sullivan III, Kevin Hawkins

Sergeants: Michael Reynolds, Robert Carnevale

Corporal: Joseph Philbin

Troopers: Marc Lidsky, Thomas Peck Jr., Ernest McKinney, John Alfred, Simon Liu, John Charbonneau, Peter Chabot, Christopher Zarrella

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Tactical Team

The Rhode Island State Police Tactical Team has a long established tradition of protecting the lives and property of the citizens of the State of Rhode Island. The Tactical Team is under the command of Lieutenant James Manni. The Tactical Team was designed for situations in which a traditional police response would be inadequate or ineffective.

During 2008, the Tactical Team continued to train and prepare at a high level of expertise in many different areas, including hostage rescue, officer rescue, barricaded suspects, high-risk search warrants, large structure and building clearing, woodland/open area searches, dignitary protection and active shooter scenarios. In addition to this training, Tactical Team members assisted local police departments with active shooter training, assisted Division members with in-service training dealing with firearms and officer safety issues, and volunteered their time with parade and public relations details. Several Tactical Team members also served as instructors/cadre throughout the year during NESPAC-approved Tactical schools.

Each Tactical Team member has completed training through NESPAC approved courses in Basic SWAT, Advanced SWAT, Basic Sniper and Mechanical Breaching. Team Leaders also continue to meet monthly with New England State Police SWAT teams to learn from neighboring incidences and exchange ideas.

The Tactical Team continues to work closely with the Division Canine Unit, Crisis Negotiation Unit and local police agencies. The Tactical Team also participated in “Operation Chariho”, a large- scale active shooters scenario within the Chariho Regional School district in southwestern Rhode Island.

During 2008, the Tactical Team completed 180 hours of training and was utilized for five (5) high-risk search warrants.

In January of 2008, the Tactical Team was involved in a joint-activation with the Massachusetts State Police STOP Team. A male subject had been involved in a domestic situation with his estranged wife in nearby Connecticut and was eventually involved in a pursuit that ended on the state line between Douglas, MA and Burrillville, RI. The male subject had stopped his vehicle and was threatening to harm himself with a rifle. Both states’ Tactical Teams were activated and a tense 4-hour standoff began. Crisis Negotiators from both states utilized the Rhode Island State Police armored vehicle to negotiate from, which eventually brought this incident to an end with the male subject relinquishing his weapon and giving himself up to Massachusetts authorities.

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Tactical Team Members

Team Commander: Lieutenant James Manni

Assistant Team: Commander Corporal Ken Bell

Troopers: Joseph Dubeau, Scott Raynes, Gregory Cunningham, Timothy Dandeneau, Derek Borek, John Gibbs, Mark Gilson, Thomas Jaques, Kenneth Moriarty, Jeffrey L’Heureux, Edward Viera, Kenneth Jones, Eric Yelle, Matthew Salisbury, Thomas Chabot, Kevin Kojoian, David Bassisgnani, Daniel Fleming, Robert Richardson

.

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Barracks Accidents Incidents Arrests Citations

Scituate/Chep. 476 690 598 8469 Lincoln 2822 1029 1781 12547 Portsmouth 60 119 187 5358 Wickford 543 574 737 9550 Hope Valley 458 792 792 10525 Total 4359 3204 4095 46449

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Driving While Intoxicated

DUI Scituate/Chepachet 40 Lincoln 167 Detectives 0 Portsmouth 37 Wickford 90 Hope Valley 62 Total 396

180 167 160

140

120

100 90

80

62 60

40 40 37

20

0 0 Chepachet Lincoln Detectives Portsmouth Wickford Hope Valley DUI 401670 379062

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DUI TOTAL REFUSALS 52 TOTAL NON REFUSALS 344 TOTAL 396

TOTAL REFUSALS 13%

TOTAL NON REFUSALS 87%

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Accidents by Barracks

3000 2822

2500

2000

1500

1000

543 476 458 500

60 4 0 Chepachet Lincoln Detectives Portsmouth Wickford Hope Valley Accidents 476 2822 4 60 543 458

Citations by Barracks

14000

12547

12000

10525

10000 9550

8469

8000

6000 5358

4000

2000 1279

0 Chepachet Lincoln Detectives Portsmouth Wickford Hope Valley Citations 8469 12547 1279 5358 9550 10525

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Speeding by Barracks

9000

8000 7631

7000

6179

6000 5633 5342

5000

3881 4000

3000

2000

1000 366

0 Chepachet Lincoln Detectives Portsmouth Wickford Hope Valley Speeding 6179 5342 366 3881 5633 7631

Seat Belt by Barracks

700 654

600 554

500 484

412 400

300

200

126

100

37

0 Chepachet Lincoln Detectives Portsmouth Wickford Hope Valley Seat Belts 412 554 37 126 484 654

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Incident by Barracks

1200

1029 1000 928

792 800

690

600 574

400

200 119

0 Chepachet Lincoln Detectives Portsmouth Wickford Hope Valley Incidents 690 1029 928 119 574 792

Arrest by Barracks

2000

1781 1800

1600

1400

1200

1000 903 792 800 737

598 600

400

187 200

0 Chepachet Lincoln Detectives Portsmouth Wickford Hope Valley Arrests 598 1781 903 187 737 792

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Workload Assessment 2007 Chart

20000

18000

16000

14000

12000

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0 Chepachet Lincoln Portsmouth Wickford Hope Valley Citations 8469 12547 5358 9550 10525 Arrests 598 1781 187 737 792 Incidents 690 1029 119 574 792 Accidents 476 2822 60 543 458

Chepachet Hope Valley 18% 22%

Wickford 20%

Lincoln 30%

Portsmouth 10%

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Personnel Allocation 2008 (Sworn Uniform/Assigned to Barracks)

Chepachet Hope Valley 17% 22%

Chepachet Lincoln Sworn Portsmouth Wickford Wickford Lincoln Hope Valley 19% 29%

Portsmouth 13%

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Crimes 2008

IBR Crime 2004 Detectives Scituate Lincoln Portsmouth Wickford Hopevalley Statewide

MURDER/NONNEGLIGENT MANSLA 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 KIDNAPPING / ABDUCTION 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FORCIBLE RAPE 5 4 7 1 1 0 18

FORCIBLE SODOMY 3 1 1 0 0 0 5

SEXUAL ASSAULT WITH OBJECT 1 1 3 3 0 0 8 FORCIBLE FONDLING 5 3 2 0 0 5 15 ROBBERY 0 1 0 0 1 1 3 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 8 4 6 2 1 3 24

SIMPLE ASSAULT 12 26 47 2 16 51 154 INTIMIDATION 12 6 11 0 5 3 37 ARSON 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BURGLARY 0 3 2 1 2 25 33

PURSE-SNATCHING 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

THEFT FROM BUILDING 0 2 8 0 0 17 27 THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE 1 5 26 1 5 3 41 ALL OTHER LARCENY 23 21 28 5 25 23 125 MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 42 10 28 1 6 10 97

COUNTERFEITING / FORGERY 21 14 16 2 10 4 67 FALSE PRETENSES / SWINDLE 210 32 73 12 31 11 369 CREDIT CARD/AUTO.TELLER 19 21 26 0 17 12 95 IMPERSONATION 2 1 3 1 2 2 11

EXTORTION / BLACKMAIL 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

SHOPLIFTING 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 THEFT FROM A BUILDING 6 0 0 0 2 0 8 THEFT MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS 4 0 2 0 3 2 11

Crimes are listed by the Rhode Island State Police Barracks where they originated. The actual investigation of the crimes may involve Personnel from more that one Barracks.

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Crimes 2008

IBR Crime 2004 Detectives Scituate Lincoln Portsmouth Wickford Hopevalley Statewide WELFARE FRAUD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 WIRE FRAUD 7 1 0 0 1 0 9 EMBEZZLEMENT 20 1 5 2 2 1 31

STOLEN PROPERTY OFFENSES 9 4 14 1 1 6 35

DESTRUCTION/DAMAGE/VANDALI 3 11 25 1 14 59 113 DRUG/NARCOTIC VIOLATIONS 212 32 110 25 53 81 513 DRUG EQUIPMENT VIOLATIONS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 STATUTORY RAPE 1 1 1 0 2 3 8

PORNOGRAPHY/OBSCENE MATERIAL 7 1 0 0 1 0 9 OPERATING/PROMOTING/ASSIST 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 ASSISTING/PROMOTING PROSTIT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BRIBERY 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

WEAPON LAW VIOLATIONS 20 2 20 1 4 14 61

BAD CHECKS 12 240 55 13 32 39 391 DISORDERLY CONDUCT 4 20 46 1 7 35 113 DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE 0 48 182 42 102 75 449 FAMILY OFFENSES, NONVIOLENT 0 0 1 1 1 4 7

LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS 0 1 0 1 6 4 12 RUNAWAY 1 2 1 0 2 0 6 TRESPASS OF REAL PROPERTY 1 0 0 0 2 5 8 ALL OTHER OFFENSES 380 168 457 46 185 297 1533

TRAFFIC,TOWN BY-LAW OFFENSES 217 273 916 79 408 390 2283

INCEST 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 DRUNKENNESS 0 0 1 3 0 1 5 Totals 1276 960 2124 247 951 1188 6746

Crimes are listed by the Rhode Island State Police Barracks where they originated. The actual investigation of the crimes may involve Personnel from more than one Barracks.

Driving Under the Influence numbers listed in the above chart include all DUI offenses. Each driver may be charged with more than one DUI offense.

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2008 Rhode Island State Police Directory

Barracks (Non-Emergency)

Scituate Barracks 311 Danielson Pike, North Scituate 334-6726 Lt. Joseph Delprete, Patrol Commander

Hope Valley Barracks 54 Nooseneck Hill Road, Richmond 539-2411 Lt. Eric LaRiviere, Patrol Commander

Lincoln Woods Barracks 1575 Old Louisquisett Pike, Lincoln 444-1100 Lt. Steven Lefebvre, Patrol Commander

Wickford Barracks 7875 Post Road, North Kingstown 294-3371 Lt. James Manni, Patrol Commander

Headquarters 311 Danielson Pike North Scituate, Rhode Island 02857

General Information 444-1000

Accident Reports/Missing Children Mr. Steven Loynds 444-1143

Business Office Ms. Dawn Murphy 444-1129

Charitable Gaming Unit Ms. Pauline Malec 444-1147

Commercial Enforcement Unit Sgt. David Medeiros OIC 444-1140

Detective Bureau Captain David Neill, OIC 444-1158

Traffic/Planning & Research Lt. Eric Croce OIC 444-1398

Training Academy Lt. Ernest Quarry OIC 444-1191

Uniform Crime Reporting Mrs. Linda Fraccola 444-1156

Web-site address: www.risp.ri.gov

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Rhode Island State Police A Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency

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