Central Falls Police win national award for positive policing work in schools

The Central Falls Police Department was honored this week by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), the world’s leader in school-based policing, for its outstanding public service to its school community.

“The Central Falls Police Department is honored to be the first in Rhode Island to receive the National Model Agency Award from NASRO,” said Central Falls Police Chief Anthony Roberson. “We remain committed to building bridges of trust with our students and families by prioritizing community policing. No single factor has been more critical to diminishing crime levels than the partnerships we share throughout the city and state in an effort to better serve our community. This recognition stands as a great accomplishment for the agency and the City of Central Falls.”

Out of hundreds of agencies across the nation, Central Falls Police Department was chosen and honored this week at the 2024 School Safety Conference in Phoenix, Arizona for its exemplary work embracing NASRO’s “Triad Model,” along with training, policies, and high standards.

“It’s no surprise our Police Department has received another national accolade for its outstanding work supporting and protecting our community. Over the last several years, it’s clear that our enhanced community policing work is making a huge impact in Central Falls, and importantly, the intentional support our officers provide our schools to educate, counsel, and protect is making a difference,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “I’m so proud of our Police Department, and I’m grateful for the improved safety outcomes their efforts continue to demonstrate in our city, from lower crime rates, to more guns off the streets, to enhanced community trust and more engaged youth.”

NASRO developed the “triad” concept of school-based policing. It divides the school resource officer (SRO) responsibilities into three areas: public safety educator, mentor/informal counselor, and law enforcement officer. The Central Falls Police Department has embraced this model, educating, counseling, and protecting its school community. Importantly, the agency leads by example and promotes a positive image of law enforcement to students and the broader Central Falls community.