Community Policing

"Police and Community-Partners in Excellence"

The Newport Police Department was the first police department in the State of Rhode Island to implement the philosophy of Community Policing in 1989. The unit has received national acclaim for its approaches to problem solving strategies and programming, which serve as a model for other police departments.

 

What is Community Policing?

Community policing is a philosophy, management style and organizational strategy that promotes pro-active problem solving and police-community partnerships to address causes of crime and fear as well as other community issues. The Community Policing Unit works to formulate effective strategies in problem resolution.

The Newport Police Department's Community Oriented Policing Unit, commanded by Lieutenant April Amaral, is part of the Patrol Division. The Community Policing Unit has Four Community Policing Officers, each of whom is assigned to a specific area in the city. As partners with the community, the Police Department encourages the public at large to report crimes or suspicious activity to the Police Department. As the phrase goes,"see something, say something." 

Members of the Community Policing Unit urge residents and visitors to reach out to them with any issue they feel the police should be notified of and can together with community involvement, help solve. E-mail Lieutenant April Amaral at aamaral@cityofnewport.com for any questions and concerns.