Colonel James M. Manni was sworn in Friday as the new Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. He also assumes the role as Director of the state’s Department of Public Safety.
“To the people of Rhode Island, this is my pledge to you: we will treat every person equally, no matter their race, color, creed, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status,” Manni said during a swearing-in ceremony at the Statehouse. After the Ceremony, Manni pledged to diversify the state police force.
“We need to reflect the communities we serve, for certain,” Manni said. “It did not happen overnight, it will not be solved overnight. This is why, if you look at the state police academy that’s in their right now, it is the most diverse academy in the history of the state police.”
Manni says he hopes to strengthen community relations and says he will begin by assessing departments to look for areas of improvement.
Manni takes over for Colonel Ann Assumpico, the first woman to lead the force, who retired at the end of year.
