Page 4 - 2020 A Year in Review

As I was preparing this message for the
2020 year-end review, it caused me to

pause to reflect on how unique this year as
compared to my more than thirty years in

policing. We faced many historical
challenges, including the COVID-19
pandemic and widespread incidents of civil

unrest throughout the country resulting
from high-profile police use of force

encounters. I am incredibly proud of how
all members of this department stepped up
and faced both issues head-on.

As COVID-19 infection rates were starting to spread, we quickly developed a plan to
ensure our personnel and the general public's well-being. This plan included the

formulation and adaptation to new operational procedures designed to guarantee we
could deliver the same high level of services our citizens deserve and expect. Based on

strict adherence to CDC guidelines, we were fortunate to maintain adequate staffing
levels throughout the department due to limited COVID-19 exposures. Fortunately,

based on our internal rapid testing program, we quickly identified those who had
contracted the virus so they could adequately quarantine. Fortunately, all of our

personnel promptly recovered and returned to duty. While the pandemic remains a
health and safety concern, as more residents continue to be vaccinated and the rate of
exposure fall, my hope is the worst is behind us

Calls for social justice could be heard throughout the country. As many individuals
peacefully protested, others used the opportunity to loot and destroy private property

and commit other criminal acts. Officers from the Cranston Police Department were
called to the front lines by providing mutual aid in the City of Providence and

protecting our residents' safety and property. The professionalism and the great
restraint they displayed at various demonstrations on the Providence-Cranston border
and protecting Garden City cannot be overstated. It was the source of many

compliments from Cranston residents and individuals from across the state. The calls

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Cranston Police Department Year in Review 2020