Rhode Island Arrest Records

Rhode Island Public Records /Rhode Island Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Rhode Island?

Yes, arrest records in Rhode Island are generally considered public, but with important limitations under both the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA), R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2 and related criminal procedure statutes. The law allows members of the public to request access to many government documents, including certain law enforcement records. As a result, basic arrest information—such as the name of the person arrested, date, charges, and arresting agency—is typically available from police departments, sheriff’s offices, or the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

That said, not all arrest records are open for unrestricted public access. Rhode Island exempts from disclosure records that would interfere with ongoing investigations, juvenile arrests, sealed or expunged cases, medical or psychiatric information, and other categories deemed confidential. While arrest logs and inmate rosters are public, full criminal history records are restricted and maintained by the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). These records often require fingerprints, fees, and proper authorization to obtain. This system ensures transparency while safeguarding privacy, due process, and public safety.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Rhode Island?

Access to arrest records in Rhode Island is primarily governed by the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified in Rhode Island General Laws § 38-2-1 et seq. This comprehensive law establishes the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records.

APRA operates under the principle that public records should be accessible to citizens, with the law stating that "public records shall be available for public inspection and copying." However, the law also recognizes numerous exemptions to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and other sensitive information.

Additional laws that impact access to arrest records include:

Rhode Island General Laws § 12-1-12, which governs the collection and maintenance of criminal identification records
Rhode Island General Laws § 12-1.3-1 et seq., which addresses the expungement of criminal records
Rhode Island General Laws § 12-1.2-1 et seq., concerning the sealing of records

The Rhode Island Attorney General's Office plays a crucial role in enforcing APRA and issues advisory opinions on matters related to public records access. The Office has published guidelines to help both government agencies and the public understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

Court decisions have further shaped the interpretation of these laws, establishing precedents for what information must be disclosed and what may be withheld. The Rhode Island Supreme Court has generally favored transparency while recognizing legitimate privacy concerns and law enforcement needs.

What Information Is Included in a Rhode Island Arrest Record?

A typical Rhode Island arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records serve as official documentation of arrests and typically include:

Biographical Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Home address at time of arrest
Gender
Race/ethnicity

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Booking number
Charges filed (including statute numbers)
Arrest circumstances
Use of force information (if applicable)

Case Processing Information:

Court docket number
Arraignment date
Bail or bond information
Court appearances
Case disposition (if resolved)
Sentence information (if convicted)

Additional Elements:

Mugshot/booking photograph
Fingerprint information
Property inventory (items in possession at arrest)
Miranda rights acknowledgment
Medical screening information
Detention facility assignment

The level of detail may vary depending on the agency maintaining the record and the nature of the arrest. Records maintained by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections may contain additional information about incarceration, while court records will include more details about case proceedings and outcomes.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Rhode Island in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Rhode Island involves following specific procedures established by various state agencies. The process varies depending on which agency maintains the records you seek.

From the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI):

The BCI is the central repository for criminal history information in Rhode Island. To request records:

Complete a BCI Request Form, available on the Attorney General's website.
Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID).
Pay the required fee (typically $5 for in-state requests).
Submit your request in person at:

Rhode Island Department of Attorney General - Bureau of Criminal Identification
4 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 274-4400
Rhode Island Department of Attorney General

The BCI public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

From Rhode Island State Police:

For records of arrests made by the State Police:

Submit a written request to the Records Bureau.
Include the subject's name, date of birth, and specific information sought.
Pay applicable fees.
Mail or deliver your request to:

Rhode Island State Police Headquarters
311 Danielson Pike
North Scituate, RI 02857
(401) 444-1000
Rhode Island State Police

From Local Police Departments:

Contact the records division of the specific police department that made the arrest. Most departments require:

A written request form
Proof of identity
Payment of fees
Specific information about the arrest (date, name, etc.)

From Rhode Island Judiciary:

Court records related to arrests can be obtained through:

The Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal at https://publicportal.courts.ri.gov/PublicPortal
In-person visits to the appropriate courthouse
Written requests to the clerk of the court where the case was heard

Rhode Island Judiciary
Licht Judicial Complex
250 Benefit Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-3250
Rhode Island Judiciary

For third-party requests, additional documentation may be required to demonstrate a legitimate purpose for accessing the records. Processing times vary by agency but typically range from same-day service for in-person BCI requests to several weeks for more complex or archived records.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally, though the availability and comprehensiveness of information vary across platforms.

Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal

The Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal provides access to court case information, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. Users can search by:

Name
Case number
Attorney
Business name

The portal includes information on case status, scheduled hearings, charges, and case disposition. While not providing the complete arrest record, it offers valuable case outcome information.

Rhode Island Department of Corrections Inmate Search

The RI DOC Inmate Search allows users to locate individuals currently incarcerated or recently released. The database includes:

Basic biographical information
Facility location
Scheduled release date
Offense information

Municipal Police Department Websites

Several Rhode Island police departments maintain online arrest logs or blotters, including:

These typically show recent arrests but may not provide comprehensive historical data.

Third-Party Aggregators

Commercial websites aggregate public record information, including arrest data. While convenient, these sites:

May charge fees
Often contain outdated or incomplete information
May not comply with Rhode Island restrictions on record use

Important Considerations for Online Searches:

Online records may not include complete arrest information
Some sensitive cases may be restricted from online access
Older records may not be digitized
Information accuracy should be verified through official channels
Rhode Island law restricts how arrest record information can be used, particularly for employment purposes

For comprehensive and verified arrest records, direct requests to the appropriate government agency remain the most reliable method, despite the convenience of online options.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law establishes different levels of access to arrest records based on the requester's identity and purpose. While arrest records are generally public, certain restrictions apply.

Individuals with Full Access:

The subject of the record has the right to access their own arrest records by providing proper identification.
Law enforcement agencies have complete access for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
Court personnel can access records related to court proceedings.
Prosecutors have access for case preparation and prosecution.
Defense attorneys can access their clients' records and, through discovery, records relevant to their cases.
Probation and parole officers have access for supervision purposes.
Authorized government agencies conducting background checks for sensitive positions.

Individuals with Limited Access:

General public can access basic arrest record information, though certain details may be redacted.
Media organizations have the same access rights as the general public under APRA.
Researchers may access anonymized data or specific records with appropriate approvals.
Employers have restricted access and face limitations on how they can use criminal history information in hiring decisions under Rhode Island's "Ban the Box" legislation (R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-5-7).
Private investigators must demonstrate legitimate purpose and comply with privacy laws.

Restricted Access:

Access is generally prohibited or severely restricted for:

Juvenile arrest records (with limited exceptions)
Expunged or sealed records
Records related to certain domestic violence cases
Records involving certain sex offenses where victims have privacy protections

The Rhode Island Attorney General's Office provides guidance on access rights and can issue advisory opinions in disputed cases. Government agencies maintaining arrest records are required to have procedures in place to verify the identity and access rights of requesters before releasing information.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law permits government agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of arrest records. These fees vary by agency and request type.

Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) Fees:

$5 for in-state background checks
$35 for national background checks (includes FBI fingerprint check)
Additional fees may apply for expedited service

Rhode Island State Police Fees:

$5 for a records check
$25 for a certified criminal history
Additional fees for specialized searches or certified copies

Rhode Island Judiciary Fees:

$5.00 for record searches
$1.00 per page for photocopies
$5.00 for certified copies
Electronic access to basic case information is free through the public portal

Local Police Department Fees:

Typically $5-15 for local arrest record checks
Additional fees for certified copies
Fees vary by municipality

Fee Waivers:

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-4, fees may be waived if:

The request is in the public interest
The requester demonstrates inability to pay
The records are requested for a public purpose

Government agencies are required to provide the first 10 pages free of charge to individuals requesting their own records. Additionally, certain nonprofit organizations and researchers may qualify for reduced fees or waivers when records are requested for educational or public interest purposes.

Payment methods vary by agency but typically include cash, check, money order, and in some cases, credit cards for in-person requests. Online requests generally require credit card payment.

All fees must be reasonable and related to the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying as stipulated in the Access to Public Records Act. Excessive fees can be appealed to the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office or challenged in court.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Rhode Island

Rhode Island maintains arrest records for varying periods depending on the nature of the offense, case outcome, and the maintaining agency. The state follows specific retention schedules established by law and administrative policy.

Standard Retention Periods:

Active Criminal Records: Maintained indefinitely by the Bureau of Criminal Identification for felony arrests
Misdemeanor Arrests: Generally maintained for at least 10 years from the date of arrest
Arrests Without Charges/Prosecutions: May be eligible for earlier removal, typically after 3-5 years
Juvenile Records: Special rules apply; many are sealed when the individual reaches 18
Court Records: Maintained according to the Rhode Island Judiciary retention schedule, with felony cases kept permanently and misdemeanor cases typically kept for 10-25 years

The Rhode Island Public Records Administration establishes official retention schedules for government records, including arrest records, under authority granted by R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-1-10.

Factors Affecting Retention:

Severity of offense - Records for serious felonies are kept longer than minor offenses
Case disposition - Convictions are maintained longer than dismissals or acquittals
Subsequent criminal activity - New arrests may extend retention of older records
Court orders - Judicial expungement orders override standard retention periods
Special categories - Sex offenses, domestic violence, and certain other categories have extended retention

Digital records have largely replaced paper records in Rhode Island's criminal justice system, allowing for longer retention periods. However, older paper records may have been destroyed according to previous retention schedules or may be archived with the Rhode Island State Archives.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Rhode Island Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Rhode Island, certain sensitive information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy, safety, and ongoing investigations. The Access to Public Records Act (APRA) and other state laws establish specific exemptions.

Commonly Redacted Information:

Personal Identifiers:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Date of birth (may be partially redacted)
- Home addresses of certain protected individuals
Victim Information:
- Names and identifying details of sexual assault victims
- Information about domestic violence victims
- Details that could endanger victim safety
- Medical information of victims
Witness Information:
- Names and contact information for confidential informants
- Details that could compromise witness safety
- Information about undercover officers
Juvenile Information:
- Records related to juvenile arrests are generally confidential under R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-64
- References to juvenile co-defendants or witnesses
Investigation Details:
- Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
- Investigative techniques and procedures
- Grand jury information
Medical and Mental Health Information:
- Details about arrestee medical conditions
- Mental health evaluations or history
- Substance abuse treatment information
Other Protected Information:
- Information specifically protected by other state or federal laws
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Information sealed by court order

The Rhode Island Attorney General's Office has issued guidelines to help agencies determine what information should be redacted before public disclosure. Government agencies are required to justify any redactions by citing specific statutory exemptions.

When requesting records, individuals can challenge redactions through an appeal to the head of the agency, followed by an appeal to the Attorney General's Office or Rhode Island Superior Court if necessary.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Rhode Island

Rhode Island law provides several mechanisms for sealing or expunging arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes can help individuals minimize the negative impact of past arrests on employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Expungement of Records:

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3-1 et seq., individuals may petition for expungement if:

For misdemeanors:
- Five years have passed since completion of sentence
- No subsequent criminal convictions
- No pending criminal cases
For felonies:
- Ten years have passed since completion of sentence
- No subsequent criminal convictions
- No pending criminal cases
- Not convicted of a "crime of violence"

The expungement process requires:

Filing a Motion for Expungement with the court where the case was heard
Paying the filing fee (approximately $100)
Attending a hearing before a judge
If granted, obtaining certified copies of the expungement order

Sealing of Records:

For cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or no charges filed after arrest:

Records may be sealed under R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1-12.1
The process is similar to expungement but with less stringent requirements
Individuals must file a motion with the appropriate court

Juvenile Record Sealing:

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 14-1-6.1, juvenile records may be sealed when:

The individual reaches 18 years of age
No subsequent criminal activity has occurred
The court determines sealing is appropriate

Automatic Expungement:

Rhode Island has recently implemented limited automatic expungement for certain marijuana possession offenses under R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28.11-22.

Legal Assistance:

The expungement process can be complex, and many individuals seek legal assistance from:

Rhode Island Legal Services
Rhode Island Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Program
Private attorneys specializing in record clearance

Rhode Island Legal Services
56 Pine Street, Suite 400
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 274-2652
Rhode Island Legal Services

Once records are expunged or sealed, individuals may legally state they have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense in most circumstances, with certain exceptions for law enforcement and specific licensing agencies.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and licensing contexts. These limitations aim to balance public safety with fair opportunities for individuals with criminal histories.

Employment Restrictions:

Rhode Island's "Ban the Box" law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-5-7) prohibits employers from:

Inquiring about criminal history on initial job applications
Considering arrests that did not result in convictions
Considering expunged or sealed records
Using criminal history information that is not substantially related to job duties

Employers must:

Wait until after the first interview to inquire about criminal history
Consider the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and rehabilitation efforts
Provide applicants an opportunity to explain their record

Housing Limitations:

Housing providers in Rhode Island face restrictions when using arrest records:

Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines on criminal background screening
Private landlords cannot have blanket policies rejecting all applicants with criminal histories
Policies must consider the nature of offenses and time elapsed

Licensing Restrictions:

Professional licensing boards in Rhode Island:

Must have a "direct relationship" between the criminal offense and the license sought
Cannot deny licenses based solely on arrests without convictions
Must consider evidence of rehabilitation
Must provide written explanations for denials based on criminal history

Credit and Background Check Limitations:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and Rhode Island law:

Consumer reporting agencies cannot report arrests older than seven years
Agencies must take reasonable steps to ensure accuracy
Individuals must be notified when adverse actions are taken based on background checks

Penalties for Misuse:

Improper use of arrest records can result in:

Discrimination claims under state and federal law
Administrative complaints to the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights
Civil lawsuits for damages
Regulatory actions against businesses that systematically misuse records

The Rhode Island Attorney General's Office and the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights provide guidance to employers and others on the proper use of criminal history information. Individuals who believe their records have been improperly used can file complaints with these agencies.

Lookup Arrest Records in Rhode Island

State Repository for Criminal History Records:

Rhode Island Department of Attorney General - Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)
4 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 274-4400
Rhode Island Department of Attorney General

State Law Enforcement:

Rhode Island State Police Headquarters
311 Danielson Pike
North Scituate, RI 02857
(401) 444-1000
Rhode Island State Police

Rhode Island Department of Corrections
40 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 462-2611
Rhode Island Department of Corrections

State Court System:

Rhode Island Judiciary
Licht Judicial Complex
250 Benefit Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-3250
Rhode Island Judiciary

Rhode Island Supreme Court
Licht Judicial Complex
250 Benefit Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-3272
Rhode Island Supreme Court

Attorney General's Office:

Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
150 South Main Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 274-4400
Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices:

Rhode Island's sheriff system operates at the state level rather than county level:

Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs
670 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 275-2900
Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs

Municipal Police Departments:

Providence Police Department
325 Washington Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 272-3121
Providence Police Department

Warwick Police Department
99 Veterans Memorial Drive
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 468-4200
Warwick Police Department

Cranston Police Department
5 Garfield Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 942-2211
Cranston Police Department

Pawtucket Police Department
121 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 727-9100
Pawtucket Police Department

East Providence Police Department
750 Waterman Avenue
East Providence, RI 02914
(401) 435-7600
East Providence Police Department

Woonsocket Police Department
242 Clinton Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 766-1212
Woonsocket Police Department

Newport Police Department
120 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-1306
Newport Police Department

State Archives and Records:

Rhode Island State Archives
337 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2353
Rhode Island State Archives

Federal Agencies in Rhode Island:

FBI Boston Division - Providence Resident Agency
One Financial Plaza
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 272-8310
Federal Bureau of Investigation

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Rhode Island
One Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 528-5300
U.S. Marshals Service

U.S. District Court - District of Rhode Island
One Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 752-7200
U.S. District Court - District of Rhode Island