Barrington police chief calls for additional detective
Chief LaCross praises the work of his detectives
Barrington Police Chief John LaCross was very pleased with the work of his department during the investigation following the Feb. 2 shooting on Maple Avenue.
But, the chief added, the local police department could do even more, help more people, if the force had one additional detective.
"Yes, we could be more effective and provide more services for the citizens," he said. "We have tremendous output from our department, but we really could use a third full-time detective."
Chief LaCross praised the work of Captain Dino DeCrescenzo and Detective Ben Ferreira and Sergeant Josh Birrell on the investigation into the Feb. 2 shooting on Maple Avenue, as well as key contributions from patrolmen who were on duty that night, and the school resource officer.
"They do a great job," said Chief LaCross. "But we could do more."
The chief said the workload for detectives has increased over the years and the department has, at times, been stretched. There are currently 25 full-time officers, although one of the officers could be leaving the department soon.
"All you need is one major felony case, and its puts all the other cases on hold," said Chief LaCross.
The solution, said the chief, is hiring one more detective. He said Barrington is understaffed when it comes to detectives, and offered nearby police departments as evidence.
Chief LaCross said no other East Bay police department has only two full-time detectives — Warren and Tiverton have three each, while Middletown has seven on staff.
He said an additional detective would allow Barrington to "provide quicker, more efficient service."
Chief LaCross emphasized that the work produced by Capt. DeCrescenzo, Det. Ferreira and Sgt. Birrell is among the best detective work he has ever seen. (Chief LaCross served previously as the detective commander for the Rhode Island State Police, managing 52 detectives.)
"They (DeCrescenzo, Ferreira, Birrell) could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with anyone," he said. "They are class acts.
"I'm very proud to work with them."
Police detective population
Following is a breakdown of how many full-time detectives East Bay police departments have on staff:
• Barrington — 2
• Warren — 3
• Bristol — 4
• Portsmouth — 5
• Tiverton — 3
• Middletown — 7
