Page 6 - 2020 A Year in Review

Colonel Michael J. Winquist - Chief of Police

Colonel Michael J. Winquist was sworn 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.

Prior to 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, where 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 to include 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 both traditional and non-
traditional organized crime groups. These investigations resulted in the arrests of

numerous individuals, as well as 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

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Cranston Police Department Year in Review 2020