Scituate Police Department earns Rhode Island accreditation; council urges other departments to explore savings

Scituate — The Scituate Town Council recognized the Scituate Police Department for achieving accreditation from the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission, a process department leaders said required more than a year of policy updates and staff work.

“It's an honor to get this,” the chief said, thanking the deputy chief (who led the effort), retired Chief Rick St. (from Smithfield) and staff across dispatch, patrol and civilian roles for rewriting policies and implementing standards. The chief said the accreditation required revising long‑standing policies and emphasized ongoing work to maintain the accreditation; the department will be up for reaccreditation in three years.

Councilors applauded the department and suggested other municipal departments consider accreditation where it could save taxpayer dollars. One councilor noted a roughly $25,000 reduction in insurance deductible or claims exposure tied to accreditation protocols, urging fire and other departments to pursue similar cost‑savings mechanisms.

The council framed the recognition as both an operational milestone and a potential model for townwide efficiency efforts. Next steps include continued policy maintenance and a re‑accreditation process in three years.

Speakers quoted: "It's an honor to get this." (Police chief, SEG 077). "I would think other departments should look at how to save the town money," (Councilor, SEG 123–136).

Clarifying details: Accreditation was awarded Sept. 24 (year cited in meeting). The deputy chief led the rewrite of policies; council discussion referenced a cited $25,000 Insurance reduction as an example of potential savings but financial details were discussed only in general terms during the meeting.