1st Woman Chosen to Lead Rhode Island State Police
Ann Assumpico, a state police captain, was appointed colonel Thursday by Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo. Assumpico becomes the 13th superintendent of the state police and also becomes the first woman to lead any police agency in Rhode Island.
Col. Ann Assumpico, (Photo: Rhode Island State Police)
A woman will lead the Rhode Island State Police for the first time, reports the Associated Press.
Ann Assumpico, a state police captain, was appointed colonel Thursday by Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo. Assumpico becomes the 13th superintendent of the state police and also becomes the first woman to lead any police agency in Rhode Island. She succeeds Steven O'Donnell, who retired in September.
Raimondo also announced a plan for legislation to remove some of the responsibilities of the position and create a new cabinet-level position of director of public safety. The Department of Public Safety includes the state police, as well as the state fire marshal, capitol police, sheriffs and other agencies. Previously, the state police superintendent oversaw those agencies as Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
Assumpico, 59, was a member of O'Donnell's command staff and had overseen the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy and the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy. She has spent nearly 40 years in law enforcement, 24 of those with the state police.
"We already have a stellar reputation, a storied tradition of excellence," Assumpico said during a Statehouse ceremony to introduce her. "Let's open more doors and build on our strengths."
More Patrol
POLICE Product Test: Streamlight Wedge SL
The Streamlight Wedge SL is a high-performance light for inspection or administrative tasks that features USB-C charging and an output up to 500 lumens in a compact package.
Read More →
NLEOMF Officer of the Month Saved Child from Burning Vehicle
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (California) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Read more about Jaycox’s heroic actions.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE
Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →