The Community Police Officers have been certified as alcohol server training instructors, and are available to provide training to local liquor establishments. Consistent with Rhode Island General Laws, all persons who sell or serve alcoholic beverages, anyone serving in a supervisory capacity over those who sell or serve alcoholic beverages, anyone whose job description entails the checking of identification for the purchase of alcoholic beverages and valet parking staff must receive such training every three (3) years.
What is TIPS?
TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) is a dynamic, skills-based training program designed to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking by enhancing the fundamental “people skills” of servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol.
Who needs Alcohol Server Training?
According to RI General Law §3-7-6.1:
• All persons who sell or serve alcoholic beverages, anyone serving in a supervisory capacity over those who sell or serve alcoholic beverages, anyone whose job description entails the checking of identification for the purchase of alcoholic beverages and valet parking staff shall receive Alcohol Server Training as set forth herein.
• Any eligible employee of a licensee shall be required to complete certified training within sixty (60) days of the commencement of his or her employment and must attain a minimum score of seventy-five percent (75%).
What can I expect?
A TIPS class will be held at the police station with one or more instructors in a classroom setting. Your instructors will be police officers who are TIPS trainers and offer a different prospective than most alcohol server training programs found locally. A typical class will last between three (3) and four (4) hours depending on class size and how quickly the class learns the material.
When is the next class?
We encourage you to check our website weekly or contact the Community Policing Unit at 231-2500 ext. 202 as we schedule classes on an as-needed basis. We typically conduct three (3) or more class per year but will conduct more if there is a need. If your establishment has a group of employees that need alcohol server training then you should contact us so we can schedule a class.
How much does the class cost?
The fee for the class is $17 which is only to cover the cost of the TIPS manual. The Smithfield Police Department does not make any money from conducting a class. Our goal is to ensure that all servers in the town serve responsibly and legally to all guests.
How do I receive my TIPS card?
One you have successfully completed the class the cards will be mailed to the police department. We will in turn reach out the contact person for your establishment to pick up the cards. Processing of your test is done by TIPS and can take up to one month to complete. We do not correct your test and therefore can’t control how quickly your card arrives.
Want to know more?
For additional information or questions about this program contact:
Officer Orlando Braxton from the S.P.D. Community Policing Unit via email at obraxton@smithfieldpd.com. He can also be reached by phone at (401) 231-2500, ext.238. Although emails and voicemails left during weekdays are checked daily, please allow at least 48 hours for responses to your inquiry.
Other Questions?
For general questions regarding any of our other community programs at the Smithfield Police Department check out the specific webpage dedicated to that program or contact us by phone at (401) 231-2500, ext.202 or via email at events@smithfieldpd.com.
How else can I stay informed?
Smithfield Police Community Newsletter
Do you want to be added to our Smithfield Police Community Newsletter? It’s easy. Simply send an email to newsletter@smithfieldpd.com with the word “Newsletter” in the subject field and you will be added to our mailing list. That’s it. To go to our Smithfield Police Community Newsletter page, where you can download the most current newsletter as well as previous ones, click here.
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