Contact Information

  • POLICE EMERGENCIES -  911
  • Non-Emergencies - (401) 468-4200
  • Administrative Offices - (401) 468-4224 
  • Animal Control - (401) 468-4377 
  • Community Police - (401) 468-4344
  • Detectives - (401) 468-4233 
  • Licensing - (401) 468-4340 
  • Professional Standards - (401) 468-4332
  • Prosecution - (401) 468-4300 
  • Records - (401) 468-4285 
  • Special Details - (401) 468-4215 
  • Tips Line - (401) 732-8477 
  • Traffic - (401) 468-4343 
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The Warwick Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team consists of a group of specially selected officers who have been highly trained in the use of special weapons and tactics for the purpose of handling high risk situations involving barricaded suspects, hostage takers, high risk warrant service, VIP protection, or other situations requiring training and expertise beyond the capabilities of the regular police officer.  Members of the SWAT Team train each month to sharpen their skills and abilities.  A total of sixteen hours per month is devoted to the training.  Components of the SWAT Team include a reactionary team (entry team), a sniper/marksman team, a hostage negotiation team, and a Warwick Fire Department Certified SWAT Medic Team.

The mission of the Warwick Police Department’s SWAT Team is to bring a successful conclusion to high risk situations through the use of specially equipped and highly trained personnel without injury or loss of life to citizens, suspects, or police officers.

The SWAT Team is comprised of twenty-five team members.  The Team is supervised and led by Inspector Chris Mathiesen, Team Leader.   Lt. Thomas Hannon is the officer in charge of the Reactionary Team (Entry Team).  The Crisis Negotiation Team is led by Lt. Kenneth Furtado, and Sgt. Brad Connor is the OIC of the Sniper/Marksman Team.   

The Warwick Police SWAT Team has a long-standing tradition of excellence and has been a model for many local, state and international teams.


WARWICK  POLICE  DEPARTMENT EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL (EOD) UNIT

The Warwick Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team consists of three police officers who are all members of the Rhode Island State Bomb Squad.

In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the Bomb Disposal Community has seen an increase in the level of threats.  The City of Warwick with it’s large business community and the State Airport, has been effected by these events.  Bombs, bombings and bomb threats are a reality in our society.  The Warwick Police Department is charged with providing protection for the life and property of its citizens by insuring that it has the most qualified personnel to handle these deadly devices.  All Warwick Officers are aware of their responsibilities by General Order 360.04, which establishes a guideline when responding to situations involving explosive devices or bomb threats.  It is the responsibility of the Department Bomb Disposal Technicians to render safe any and all explosive devices.

The Warwick Police Department EOD Unit consists of the following individuals:

Inspector Chris Mathiesen, OIC, Senior Bomb Disposal Technician

Sgt. Alan Valliere, Bomb Disposal Technician

Officer Dale Drowne,  Bomb Disposal Technician

The EOD Unit trains eight hours a month with the Rhode Island State Bomb Squad.  Tools available to the Unit consist of a portable X-ray machine, search suit, disruptors, and various other tools necessary to render safe any and all explosive devices.  Furthermore, a robot and bomb-sniffing dogs are available through other agencies on a mutual aid basis.

The EOD Unit also provides explosive breaching capabilities for the SWAT Team.

Citizens of the City of Warwick are encouraged to contact the EOD Unit should they need information pertaining to the disposal of explosives including old ammunition, military ordnance, chemicals, or any other suspicious devices.  The telephone number is 468-4200, ext. 4331.