Recruitment campaign targets Rhode Island law enforcement jobs

Posted on May 3, 2018

A new recruitment campaign is targeting Rhode Island law enforcement jobs.

Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, along with Rhode Island Capitol Police Chief Joseph T. Little Jr., announce the launch of a recruitment campaign for new Capitol Police Officers. They also announced changes in the job requirements that are designed to increase the pool of eligible applicants.

“Our goal is to attract a highly qualified group of diverse candidates who more accurately reflect the community we serve,” Colonel Assumpico said. “We want to ensure we are attracting the best possible applicants who have the experience, skills and commitment we seek in all of our officers.”

The role of the Capitol Police is to provide police services and general security for the State Capitol and other state agencies and buildings, Chief Little explained. They are responsible for maintaining order and providing for the safety, security and protection of employees, visitors and state property.

Officers operate metal detectors and x-ray machines at the entrances to the State House, as well as all courthouses and several other state buildings, Chief Little said. They are responsible for screening employees and visitors, as well as preventing and detecting crimes and apprehending violators.

In the past, applicants were required to have satisfactorily completed the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy or a comparable program offered by a state or municipal department. They also were required to have a valid Police Officers Commission on Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certificate.

These requirements essentially restricted the pool of applicants to current, former or retired member of law enforcement agencies, Colonel Assumpico said.