The Office of Professional Standards
The Office of Professional Standards is responsible for investigating and/or managing inquiries into all complaints and allegations made against sworn and civilian members of the Cranston Police Department. The Office is currently under the command of Captain Sean Parker. The Professional Standards Division strives to ensure that the integrity of the Cranston Police Department remains intact. Each investigation is conducted objectively, thoroughly, and without bias. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Office of Professional Standards if they wish to express their satisfaction or disappointment concerning their interaction with a sworn or civilian member.
Procedure for Filing Complaint or Compliment
You may file your complaints by telephone at (401) 942-2211, in writing by mail, or by fax to (401) 477-5113. You may file a complaint in writing by completing the attached Citizen's Complaint Form (see bottom of page). Your written complaint or compliment should include as much of the following information as possible: your name, address, telephone number(s); the subject of your complaint with his/her name, rank, officer's badge number (if known); the location, date, and time of the alleged incident; the nature of your complaint with all pertinent information; along with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses to your incident.
Description of Investigative Process
Thorough and objective investigations shall always follow all complaints that are made against sworn and civilian members of the Cranston Police Department. Depending on the nature of the allegations, an investigation would generally include interviews of and/or memorialized accounts by complainants, witnesses, and our employees, along with collection and analysis of relevant documentary, physical, and other forms of evidence. All investigations shall be conducted in accordance with departmental policy, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the provisions of the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights under Rhode Island General Law.
Conclusion of Investigations
A comprehensive investigation will generally end with conclusion of fact and a disposition: sustained (proven), unfounded (disproven), or not sustained (insufficient evidence to prove or disprove). The investigation may also uncover policy failure or an unrelated policy or procedure violation. In any event, complainants will be notified in writing at the conclusion of the internal investigation. By law, we are generally restricted from commenting on matters concerning confidential inquiries into personnel matters, however, appropriate corrective action and/or discipline is applied when allegations are substantiated. In an effort to improve the professionalism of the Cranston Police Department, counseling and/or remedial training may be implemented, regardless of finding.
Policies and FormsComprehensive Community Police Relationship Act Information
Cranston Police Department
Office of Professional Standards
5 Garfield Ave.
Cranston, Rhode Island 02920
(401) 942-2211
Colonel Michael J. Winquist
Chief of Police
