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Seekonk Police Increase Presence for Missing Person Training

Seekonk officers conducting a training exercise at Gammino Pond.

News Summary

The Seekonk Police Department is conducting a missing person search training exercise at Gammino Pond, starting at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Residents can expect increased police activity in the area, including officers on foot, bicycles, and patrol vehicles. The department reassures the community that there is no cause for alarm as this exercise is a vital part of their emergency readiness efforts. In addition, police have intensified patrols due to a rise in car break-ins and recently introduced a comfort dog in local schools to foster community ties.

Seekonk – The Seekonk Police Department is advising residents of an increased police presence in the Gammino Pond area on Tuesday as part of a scheduled missing person search training exercise. The exercise is set to begin at approximately 10:30 a.m., and officials want to reassure the community that there is no cause for alarm.

Officers involved in the training will be seen on foot, on bicycles, and in patrol vehicles. The law enforcement activities will be particularly noticeable near the pond, including at the entrances from Newman Avenue and Dexter Street, the surrounding trails, and areas such as the Dexter Street Cemetery and the Seekonk Library.

This announcement was made public through a post on the department’s social media channels. The training exercise is an important component of the department’s ongoing efforts to ensure readiness for real-life emergency situations involving missing persons.

In addition to the training exercise at Gammino Pond, Seekonk Police recently reported on a “non-criminal” investigation taking place at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. This investigation has been confirmed to present no active threat to the public. To ensure safety and facilitate the investigation, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island announced the closure of the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge over the weekend, specifically on Sunday and Monday.

Concerns Over Crime

In recent weeks, the Seekonk Police Department has also responded to a rise in car break-ins and thefts, particularly in the northern part of Seekonk. Captain Matthew Jardine stated that the increase in thefts is significant enough to warrant public attention. As a proactive measure, police have intensified their overnight presence in the area through directed patrols aimed at preventing further incidents.

The department is urging residents to safeguard their property by removing all valuables from their vehicles and ensuring that cars are locked when left unattended. These preventative measures are part of the department’s broader strategy to maintain public safety and security in the community.

Community Engagement Initiatives

In positive news, the Seekonk Police have recently introduced a school resource officer comfort dog named Mac into local schools. Mac was chosen through a popular naming contest that received over 3,000 entries from the community. The comfort dog is intended to assist students in establishing a rapport with law enforcement and to promote a supportive atmosphere within the school environment.

The comfort dog, donated by Boonefield Labradors, reflects the department’s commitment to fostering community ties and ensuring that students feel safe and connected to their local police force.

Conclusion

As the Seekonk community navigates these various developments—from the planned police training exercises to concerns regarding vehicle thefts and the introduction of a comfort dog—the Seekonk Police Department continues to focus on public safety and community engagement. Residents are encouraged to remain informed and engaged with local law enforcement efforts.