Johnston Police Department

The Johnston Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency in the town of Johnston, Rhode Island. The town has a population of about 29,000. The department is headed by Chief Mark Vieira. It is headquartered at 1651 Atwood Avenue.

History

The town was established in 1759. In 1874, Samuel A. Irons was appointed as the first commissioner of police. Hiram Kimball served as police chief from 1898 to 1934. His only policeman was his son. By the 1930s, the department had grown to a total of six, including the police chief Chester Colwell.

Equipment

The department has taken advantage of various federal programs that provide equipment to local police. In the 2010-11 fiscal year it received $4.1 million in assistance including 30 assault rifles, 44 bayonets, 12 Humvees and other items.