Uniform Division
Captain Matthew Richardson
Officer-in-Charge
Contact Number (401) 767-8832
The Woonsocket Police Uniform Division is the largest and most visible unit in the Department. The division consists of fifty-one uniform Police Officers who are supervised by eight sergeants and three lieutenants. The Captain is the Commander of the Uniform Division.
Every patrol officer, regardless of their assignment, is sworn to carry out the mission of the department. These duties include the protection of life, liberty, and property. The enforcement of all applicable laws and ordinances, preservation of peace and public order, the detection and apprehension of violators of the law, and the repression of criminal activity. Uniformed patrol officers are diligently patrolling their assigned beats within the city around the clock, maintaining a consistent presence, in an effort to deter crime.
Typically, the department has seen an increase in calls for service on a yearly basis. In, 2025, officers responded to 36,530 calls for service resulting in 1,555 arrests. Some of the calls include traffic accidents, domestic disputes, juvenile problems, and more serious offenses such as drug violations, robbery, and even homicide. Over the last several years, total arrest numbers have dropped, primarily due to changes in Rhode Island General Law, which have decriminalized numerous offenses that were previously arrestable and are now violations.
The division is acutely aware of the importance of quality of life issues facing the community. We are committed to addressing such issues as noise, traffic safety, and animal control problems. A community based response and service to the residents of the City of Woonsocket is our ultimate mission. Please feel free to contact any of the listed department heads with any concerns or problems you might have.
The Uniform Division is comprised of: