GLOCESTER – Some led to arrests or citations, and others only to warnings, but the Glocester Police Department ramped up traffic enforcement during the month of November, stopping more than 200 vehicles traveling on town roadways.
GPD Administrative Assistant Holly Duffany noted that while some of the traffic stops were through regular patrol shifts, others came as a result of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Initiative, which helps to enhance patrols around the holidays.
An activity log obtained by NRI NOW shows that the stops began right on the first of the month, with three drivers cited and one issued a warning.
A stop initiated by Glocester Police on Sunday, Nov. 2 led to the arrest of one 35-year-old Harrisville man for reckless driving, while two other drivers were issued verbal warnings that day.
The number of stops each day continued to increase as the month progressed, with many on Putnam Pike, Snake Hill Road and Cooper Road. On Friday, Nov. 14 alone, GPD stopped 20 drivers, issuing 10 citations and arresting on 24-year-old Connecticut man for driving under the influence.
Initiated traffic stops led to two arrests on Saturday, Nov. 22, including a Lincoln man accused of driving without a license and a Glocester man for DUI. Records show GPD’s busiest day for enforcement was Wednesday, Nov. 26, when officers conducted 27 stops leading to eight citations.
By month’s end, the department had conducted 214 traffic stops according to NRI NOW’s informal tally, issuing 81 traffic citations and making four arrests.
By comparison, the department initiated 178 stops in September and 191 in October.
Funded in part through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the initiative aims to reduce accidents and fatalities on state roadways through increased enforcement by both state and municipal police, particularly during the holiday season. NHTSA announced in September that there will be $800 million in traffic safety grants available in fiscal year 2026 to support law enforcement and ensure that officers will continue to identify and stop dangerous drivers before they can hurt others on the road.
Rhode Island’s last traffic safety grant application noted that in 2025, the state experienced three consecutive months with no
roadway fatalities for the first time in recorded history.
Duffany noted that GPD will continue to participate in the program year round
“Its primary focus is on impaired driving, distracted driving, and speed enforcement,” she said.
Glocester Police Chief Joseph DelPrete said the town received a slight increase in funding from the program this year compared to the previous year.
“We did some additional enforcement during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend,” said DelPrete. “The goal is to use these funds to support traffic safety programs in the Glocester jurisdiction. However, some of the best enforcement/impaired driving happens during non-program assignments.”
So glad tickets were issued on Cooper! When I drive to route 7 so many tailgaters annoy me when I’m doing the right thing! When they pass me in a no pass area I cringe! I refuse to pull over for speeders!
I feel the same way about Route 44. Especially heading West as there is only one short 2 lane stretch for people to pass. I don’t know how they say the left left ends there. So many people do not allow for the right lane to be in the right.
Thank you GPD for your work to keep our community safe. Keep up the good work.