Warwick Police Receive $800K in Federal Funding

Funding will allow department to upgrade radios and scanners for improved communication

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Warwick Police Department in Rhode Island has been awarded $800,000 in federal funding to purchase new radios and digital scanners for police cruisers. The funding, secured by Congressman Seth Magaziner, will enable seamless communication across local, statewide, and partner radio systems, improving coordination and response times for first responders.

Why it matters

Effective communication between law enforcement agencies is crucial, especially during emergencies and critical incidents. This funding will help the Warwick Police Department upgrade its outdated equipment, enhancing their ability to respond quickly and coordinate with other agencies when needed to protect public safety.

The details

The $800,000 in federal funding will allow the Warwick Police Department to purchase multi-band portable radios and install digital radio scanners in police cruisers. According to Police Chief Michael Lima, the new equipment will enable seamless communication across different radio networks, improving coordination and operational efficiency.

  • The funding was secured through the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill that was passed by the House on January 8, 2026 and signed into law.
  • Warwick officials announced the funding and plans for upgrades on February 18, 2026.

The players

Seth Magaziner

U.S. Congressman who secured the $800,000 in federal funding for the Warwick Police Department.

Frank Picozzi

Mayor of Warwick, Rhode Island.

Michael Lima

Colonel and Police Chief of the Warwick Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“While highly effective within their own systems, communication barriers can arise when agencies operating on different radio networks must coordinate. This funding will allow us to purchase multi-band portable radios... enabling seamless communication across local, statewide and partner radio systems.”

— Michael Lima, Police Chief, Warwick Police Department

“This is more than just a technology upgrade; it is a direct investment in the safety of first responders and the public. When agencies can communicate without delay, operations are more efficient, coordination is stronger and outcomes are better for the communities we serve.”

— Michael Lima, Police Chief, Warwick Police Department

“It's been a sobering reminder that terrible events can and do happen all the time and can happen any time. That is why it is so important that first responders, and law enforcement in particular, have up-to-date communications equipment in order to make sure that response times are as fast as they possibly can be, so that lives will be saved.”

— Seth Magaziner, U.S. Congressman

What’s next

The Warwick Police Department plans to begin the process of purchasing the new radios and scanners in the coming months, with the goal of having the upgraded communication system fully operational by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

This federal funding will enable the Warwick Police Department to modernize its communication capabilities, improving coordination and response times during emergencies. The investment in updated technology underscores the importance of equipping first responders with the tools they need to protect public safety effectively.