Page 6 - 2021 A Year in Review

Colonel Michael J. Winquist - Chief of Police

Colonel Michael J. Winquist was sworn in as the
Department's twenty-first Chief of Police on October 1,
2014. He is responsible for all operational and

administrative functions of the Cranston Police
Department.

Before being named Chief of the Cranston Police

Department, Colonel Winquist served as a member of the
Rhode Island State Police for over twenty-four years,

retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel/Deputy
Superintendent. He received numerous commendations

and letters of recognition for exemplary police work.
During his tenure with the State Police, Colonel Winquist served in nearly every
Division, including the Uniform Division, Area Detectives, Narcotics Unit, Providence

Police Gang Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
Task Force, Fusion Center and Intelligence Unit and Motorcycle Team.

Colonel Winquist has led many investigations targeting traditional and non-traditional

organized crime groups. These investigations resulted in the arrests of numerous
individuals and the forfeiture of assets derived from criminal activity. In 2006, Colonel

Winquist was charged with developing the State's Fusion Center, which continues to
play a vital role in protecting the State from domestic and international threats by

sharing intelligence amongst Federal, State, and local partners.

Colonel Winquist holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in the Administration of Justice
from Roger Williams University and a Master of Science Degree in the Administration
of Justice from Anna Maria University. Colonel Winquist is also a graduate of the
2012/251st session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) National Academy in
Quantico, V.A.

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Cranston Police Department Year in Review 2021