5 Groundbreaking Ways The Central Falls Police Department RI Is Redefining Community Policing In 2025
The Central Falls Police Department (CFPD) in Rhode Island has emerged as a national model for progressive law enforcement, moving beyond traditional policing models to embrace a holistic, community-first approach. As of late 2025, the department is consistently making headlines for its innovative programs, particularly those focused on mental health integration, nonviolence, and positive youth engagement, solidifying its reputation as a leader in modern American policing. The CFPD’s commitment to transparency and collaboration has fostered a stronger, safer community within the small, densely populated city of Central Falls.
The success of the CFPD is a direct result of strategic leadership and a dedicated focus on building trust. Their recent achievements, including major international and national awards, highlight a department that is not just enforcing the law, but actively working to solve the root causes of community challenges. This deep dive explores the current initiatives and the key figure driving this remarkable transformation in Rhode Island law enforcement.
Colonel Anthony J. Roberson: The 19th Chief of Police
The transformative period at the Central Falls Police Department is guided by the vision of its current leader. Colonel Anthony J. Roberson serves as the 19th Chief of Police, bringing years of dedicated experience and a focus on community-centric strategies to the department.
- Name: Colonel Anthony J. Roberson
- Title: Chief of Police, Central Falls Police Department (CFPD)
- Tenure: Serves as the 19th Chief of Police.
- Career Start: Began his law enforcement career in 2002.
- Leadership Philosophy: His tenure is marked by a strong emphasis on community policing, positive youth engagement, and innovative nonviolence initiatives.
- Key Achievements: Under his leadership, the CFPD has received prestigious honors, including the IACP Leadership in Community Policing Award.
- Contact: Colonel Roberson can be reached at (401) 616-2550.
1. The Nonviolence Training Mandate: A Rhode Island First
In a pioneering move, the Central Falls Police Department has become the first police department in the state of Rhode Island to have all of its officers trained in Nonviolence. This comprehensive training is a foundational element of the department’s commitment to de-escalation and peaceful conflict resolution. The initiative is a clear signal that the CFPD views nonviolence not just as a technique, but as a core philosophy for community interaction.
This achievement is part of a broader city-wide effort to roll out additional non-violence initiatives, including the appointment of a new Central Falls Nonviolence Outreach specialist. The goal is to ensure that every interaction between law enforcement and residents is handled with the utmost professionalism and a focus on minimizing force, ultimately leading to stronger, safer communities.
2. Embedding a Behavioral Health Clinician with 911 Response
One of the most groundbreaking and critical initiatives implemented by the CFPD is the partnership that embeds a Behavioral Health Clinician directly with the department. This novel program, a collaboration between the CFPD, Gateway Healthcare, and the City of Central Falls, addresses the growing need for mental health expertise in crisis situations.
The clinician is a vital resource, bringing mental health expertise directly to 911 calls involving residents in crisis. This allows officers to focus on safety while the clinician provides immediate, professional support and resources. This model not only supports vulnerable residents but also provides officers with a helpful resource, improving the overall quality of crisis intervention and diverting non-criminal mental health issues away from the criminal justice system.
3. National and International Recognition for Community Policing Excellence
The CFPD’s dedication to community-focused law enforcement has not gone unnoticed. The department has garnered significant national and international awards, cementing its status as a leader in the field:
- 2023 IACP Leadership in Community Policing Award: The Central Falls Police Department was named the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Leadership in Community Policing Award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). This award recognizes outstanding community policing initiatives by law enforcement agencies worldwide, highlighting the effectiveness of CFPD's strategies.
- 2024 NASRO National Award: In July 2024, the department was honored by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) for its positive policing work in the community. This recognition underscores the department's successful efforts in youth engagement and fostering positive relationships within the Central Falls School District.
These accolades demonstrate a consistent, multi-year commitment to integrating the community into the decision-making process for the deployment of police services, a core tenet of their operational philosophy.
4. Prioritizing Youth and School Safety Programs
A major focus for the CFPD, extending into 2025, is the safety and well-being of the city’s youth. The department is actively involved in the implementation of a City-Wide School Safety Program. This program involves close coordination with Mayor Maria Rivera and the Central Falls School District to enhance security and build trust.
The initiative includes surveying school officials, selecting appropriate vendors, and providing essential training for both school and police personnel. This proactive approach to school resource operations and youth engagement is what earned them the 2024 NASRO national award, showcasing how positive interaction with young people leads to safer environments and stronger community bonds. The department understands that cooperation and teamwork are essential to combine diverse resources for the benefit of all residents.
5. An Ongoing Commitment to Transparency and Modernization
The CFPD’s mission remains fundamentally focused on protecting life and property and enforcing the law in a fair and impartial manner. However, the methods of achieving this mission are continually being modernized. The release of the 2024 Annual Report in early 2025 provides a transparent look at the dedicated work of the men and women of the department.
The department’s efforts to recruit certified police officers, with deadlines extending into December 2025, illustrate a drive to maintain a fully staffed and highly professional force capable of implementing these new, complex community-focused programs. The Central Falls Police Department is not resting on its past successes; it is actively shaping the future of law enforcement in Rhode Island and beyond, setting a high standard for how police and community can collaborate effectively to create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.
Detail Author:
- Name : Darion Halvorson DVM
- Username : odell.kautzer
- Email : ofriesen@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1978-01-28
- Address : 412 Marley Burgs Mayertfurt, PA 33239-1783
- Phone : +1-913-812-0801
- Company : Williamson-Lowe
- Job : Costume Attendant
- Bio : Delectus veritatis odio natus nam ut. Quia et laudantium doloremque porro sit sequi doloremque. Et totam qui consequatur.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/satterfield1998
- username : satterfield1998
- bio : Minus minus consequatur eum aperiam. Non expedita dicta quis harum debitis.
- followers : 1856
- following : 2250
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/hardy.satterfield
- username : hardy.satterfield
- bio : Dicta voluptatem aperiam non et blanditiis. Eos enim qui saepe enim blanditiis.
- followers : 1213
- following : 2906
