Chief Michael Rapoza
Chief Michael Rapoza began his law enforcement career began in Massachusetts, where he served as a patrol officer before joining the East Providence Police Department in 2005. Throughout his career, he has held a wide range of assignments reflecting operational leadership, investigative experience, and a strong commitment to professional development.
As a patrol officer, Chief Rapoza served as a Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, and department firearms instructor. He was later assigned to the Vice/Narcotics Division, where he worked in an undercover capacity with the DEA Providence Office and the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office South Coast Anti-Crime Team in New Bedford. Following his promotion to Sergeant, he returned to the Patrol Division before transferring to the Office of Professional Standards.
Chief Rapoza also served in instructional and leadership roles at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy, where he was a firearms instructor and ultimately the Firearms Program Manager for police departments across the State of Rhode Island. He was later promoted to Lieutenant and then Captain, commanding both the Services Division and the Operations Division.
In April 2025, Chief Rapoza was promoted to Deputy Chief and subsequently appointed Acting Chief in June 2025. In February 2026, he was officially appointed Chief of Police. He is a long-term member of the department’s Peer Support Team and served for 16 years as an operator and team leader with the Special Reaction Team.
Chief Rapoza’s leadership philosophy centers on officer wellness, professional development, and ensuring that sworn and civilian personnel have the tools, training, and support necessary to perform at the highest level in service to the community.
Chief Rapoza holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College and a Master of Public Administration from Johnson & Wales University. He also earned a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.






