The cops are back in Conimicut.

Well actually, they never left, even though the police substation on West Shore Road near the village center was forced to close because of a collapsing floor in the boiler room which isn’t any bigger than a closet. That happened late last year. The substation was relocated to PAL headquarters on Bend Street that is also in Conimicut, but off the beaten path.

There was talk of permanently closing the West Shore Road substation. The Conimicut Village Association and its president Ginny Barham appealed to the mayor to reopen it, reasoning the police presence slowed traffic, gave the community an extra measure of security and provided a place for community members to meet with police and share their concerns.

The administration wanted cost estimates before making any commitments. Reopening the station looked bleak.

Mayor Frank Picozzi, a contractor by trade, stopped in with Alfred DeCourt, the city building official. They thought the city could make repairs and they wouldn’t need to go through a bidding process. That’s what happened.

On Friday Officer Mark Jandreau was found parked outside the West Shore Road substation. The air conditioner was humming inside and Jandreau was preparing to move back. The floor has been repaired. Everything seemed to be in working order including the internet, Jandreau reported.

In addition to Jandreau, Sgt. William Castaldi and Officer James Wenneman are assigned to the substation.

Jandreau said the substation is open three to four hours a day between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.  In addition to driving through the neighborhood, the unit will also use e-bikes for patrol. Jandreau said the department has 14 of the pedal assist bikes and as the weather improves they’ll be used more frequently. He said the bikes are especially helpful in working crowded areas where a bike can gain quicker access than a cruiser. They are also good at reaching destinations without broadcasting your arrival, he said. The bikes have front and rear lights, but no flashing lights. Some are also designed to carry a computer and small printer so officers can file reports and issue tickets.

Mayor Frank Picozzi said Tuesday there may be a community event recognizing the reopening of the substation. For the indefinite future, it’s open again.