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SR 933

SENATE RESOLUTION JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE RHODE ISLAND STATE POLICE DEPARTMENT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Ceremonially celebrates 100 years of the Rhode Island State Police, designates April 2025 as State Police Month and April 2, 2025 as State Police Day, and directs acknowledgment to

04/01/2025 Senate read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 933

SR 933 — Joyously Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Creation of the Rhode Island State Police Department

Overview

Senate Resolution 933 (SR 933) commends and commemorates the Rhode Island State Police on its 100th anniversary. The resolution recognizes the historical creation of the department and designates April 2025 as State Police Month, with April 2, 2025 designated as State Police Day. It directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island State Police Superintendent.

  • Introduced: April 1, 2025
  • Status: Senate read and passed on April 1, 2025
  • Referred for Immediate Consideration: Yes
  • Sponsor(s): Senators Tikoian, Ruggerio, Lawson, Patalano, LaMountain, Appollonio, de la Cruz, Rogers, Gallo, and Felag
  • Type: Legislative resolution (ceremonial, not a change in law)

Purpose and Intent

  • To honor the centennial milestone of the Rhode Island State Police (RISPD), reflecting on its founding, development, and impact on public safety in Rhode Island.
  • To highlight the department’s historical role in adapting to evolving enforcement needs, including those associated with the advent of automobiles.
  • To publicly acknowledge the leadership structure established by the founding statute and the tradition of accountability and service that has shaped the RISPD over 100 years.

Key Provisions

  • Acknowledge that Chapter 588 of the Acts and Resolves, enacted April 2, 1925, established the Rhode Island State Police.
  • Affirm that the original statute created a disciplined, mobile police organization, with authority and accountability concentrated in the Superintendent, who reports directly to the Governor.
  • Note the Superintendent’s duties, including appointment of department personnel, establishment of headquarters/substations, and procurement of vehicles and equipment.
  • Recognize the department’s provision for officer protections in the event of death or injury in the line of duty.
  • Declare April 2025 as State Police Month and designate April 2, 2025 as State Police Day.
  • Direct the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the RISPD Superintendent (as of the document, Colonel Darnell S. Weaver).

Historical Background Highlighted

  • The founding statute aimed to create a capable force to address early 20th-century enforcement challenges, particularly those related to automobiles.
  • The first RISPD Superintendent was appointed in 1925, and the initial headquarters opened in April 1925 (Benefit Street Arsenal).
  • Early recruitment emphasized military-style discipline and high standards; approximately 600 applicants vied for 23 positions, with training beginning May 11, 1925.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • This is a ceremonial resolution, not a bill proposing statutory changes or funding.
  • If enacted by the Senate, it serves to memorialize and publicly celebrate the milestone and instructs ceremonial actions (State Police Month/Day declarations) and transmission of the resolution to the department.

Impact and Beneficiaries

  • Primarily affects public awareness and recognition of the RISPD’s century of service.
  • Benefits the Rhode Island State Police by officially commemorating its history and contributions.
  • Informs the general public about the RISPD’s heritage and ongoing role in statewide law enforcement.

Summary

SR 933 is a ceremonial measure celebrating the 100-year legacy of the Rhode Island State Police, designating April 2025 as State Police Month and April 2, 2025 as State Police Day, and directing official acknowledgment by the Secretary of State to the department’s Superintendent. It provides historical context and honors the department’s founding principles and leadership structure established in 1925.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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