The department protects the island's property including all facilities by patrolling certain contracted residential buildings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but the New York City Police Department is responsible for providing policing service on Roosevelt Island.

The department has approximately 40 public safety officers who patrol the islands less than 1 square mile in area.

Both police departments were staffed by peace officers and members had statewide jurisdiction and powers both on- and off-duty.

Not long after that (in 1985) the DHCR Police were disbanded and its staff were permitted to remain as security guards for RIOC, or could join other law enforcement agencies.

They were blue with yellow tops and gray lines with the words "Roosevelt Island Police" written in red lettering.

RIPSD officers are prohibited the use of a firearm as per NYS criminal procedure law, they wear dark blue uniforms with patches on the front and back and RIPSD patches on their arms,[1] bullet resistant vests, a can of pepper spray, expandable PR-24 baton, flashlight and a digital radio that is directly linked to the central dispatcher and other public safety officers.