Rhode Island Public Records
The Rhode Island State Records website has a mission to aid every person with the right to seek out and obtain Rhode Island public records. This right is in accordance with the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act, which specifies that all government information and records are presumed public.
The goal of this website is to ensure all members of the general public can use the right to access Rhode Island state public records. This can be done without requiring a reason for accessing such information, or providing personal information, unless the requested information is confidential by constitutional, statutory or court-based law.
The information documented on this website includes criminal records, court records, vital records, and over 100 million transparent public records.
Are Rhode Island Records Public?
Yes. As per the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA), records maintained or stored by public bodies is available to the public. Individuals and entities have the right to access government-generated documents and information that are not private by nature or deemed exempted by law. Essentially, the act ensures that any individual can submit public records act requests to government agencies.
What is Considered Public Information in Rhode Island?
Public records in Rhode Island include non-confidential materials like books, letters, electronic data processing records, maps, tape recordings, photographs, films, computer-stored data, and other forms of materials created or collected in relation to an agency's official business. Rhode Island public records include:
- Public arrest records
- Public bankruptcy records
- Public criminal records
- Public court records
- Public inmate information
- Public land or property records
- Public Rhode Island divorce records
- Public sex offender information
- Voters’ registration cards
- Minutes of open meetings
The Rhode Island APRA covers records generated by county, city, or state-run agencies and some quasi-public agencies responsible for maintaining documents of public business. These agencies shall make non-confidential records available to persons or entities for inspection or duplication in a preferred format, as long as it is not too tasking. However, not all government-generated records are available to the public. The APRA exempts some documents or information from public access, and custodians may withhold or redact these from requesters. While some records can be accessed from free public data search, obtaining a hard copy may require a fee to process.
How Do I Find Public Records in Rhode Island?
Finding public records in Rhode Island depends on the type of record needed, as there is no central repository for all public records or mediator for all public record requests. In line with the Rhode Island Public Records Act, each agency is responsible for maintaining and disseminating records of their public business, as specified by the Act. However, persons interested in how to access public records in Rhode Island may follow the following steps:
- Identify the record or type of information required
The first step to accessing any record is determining the type of record or information required and other specific details like the date covered by the document, case numbers, party names, and the number of pages needed. Prospective requesters should know, beforehand, the form by which the record should be i.e., paper, tape recordings, certified, and so on. This step will help record requests easier for the requester and request processing and record retrieval faster for the custodian. - Identify record custodian
Most times, this step is easy as different agencies maintain their records like courts maintain civil and criminal case records, while the Department of Health keeps vital records on birth, marriage, and death. These vital records can be accessed from the database maintained by the Rhode Island department of health. However, this may be slightly difficult if the public body has branches. For instance, deciding if a law enforcement record is available with the State Police, County Sheriff's Offices, or City Police or not knowing the specific court where a case was filed to make a request. Therefore, record seekers need to identify the appropriate agency or department in the state, county, or municipality that keeps the record and processes the request. - Determine the record availability
Knowing the record and its custodian does not mean that the record is publicly available. Sometimes, certain documents or information may be confidential and inaccessible, while some may require consent from the record subject in the form of a notarized release form. Hence, interested persons have to find out if the record is public before making requests so as to prevent avoidable stress later on. Individuals can also contact the record custodian to confirm the record availability and ask how to do a public records search. Furthermore, most agencies provide information on how to carry out record searches or requests on their website. - Create a request or conduct an online search
Once availability status is confirmed and interested persons have determined how to check for public records in Rhode Island, requesters can go ahead to make the request or online search if a request is unnecessary. Public information concerning inmates, sex offenders, and court cases may be available online, and persons do not need to request access. However, persons who want copies of court records and other documents may have to create and send requests to the record custodian.
Requesting a record may involve writing a letter containing the following information:
- Requester’s name
- Record type (divorce decree, arrest record, police body cam tapes, etc.)
- Record or event descriptions (case number, filing date, arrest date, location, etc.)
- Record subject details such as name, DOB, and sex
- Requester’s contact details or mailing address
- Request specifics like the type of copy (paper or tape, certified or abstract), number of copies, number of pages, and the highest cost available for record search and duplication
However, some agencies have online request portals, online forms, or downloadable and fillable request forms on their websites.
Submit the request and other requirements
Once the request letter or form is complete, requesters should submit it through the appropriate channels, such as mail, email, fax, dropbox, or in person. If the custodian requires specific documentation - government-issued ID, certified court order, notarized release form, proof of relationship - requesters should also attach copies to the mail or submit it together with the request form in person. Always confirm the address before sending the request.
Lastly, requesters should provide applicable fees in the form accepted by the custodian (money order, cash, certified check, etc. Most times, cash is not acceptable by mail. Payment may be together with the request or after the custodian sends a reply that states how much the record will cost.
How to Use Third-Party Sites to Find Public Records in Rhode Island
City Records
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
Government agencies do not sponsor the last known or current address of the registrant Third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Public Records
Public records can also be accessed from third-party websites. These third-party public records aggregate websites offer search services that are non-geographically limited, making the search result expansive and typically straightforward. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record as long as the subject is not a juvenile
- The last known or location of the record subject
Third-party public records search websites are not government-sponsored services. Therefore, the availability and accuracy of results can vary.
How Do I Look Up Public Records in Rhode Island for Free?
To find free public records in Rhode Island, interested persons should consider the type of record to be accessed. This is because some public records are available on government-maintained online databases, some are provided by custodians for free inspection, while others require payment. For instance, some custodians, like courts, often allow requesters to view readily available or online records for free but charge requesters for duplicating documents, same with other custodians.
Not all records are available for free, but in some cases, online search tools provided by public bodies are free to view, although getting duplicate copies will require requesters to pay the actual cost, except the court waives the fees. Requesters who only need to inspect records can carry out free public records searches. Individuals who need access to public records can contact the county clerk's office or the county recorder’s office to make inquiries.
The state of Rhode Island began creating public records in the year 1775, and these public records typically cover all 67 counties in Rhode Island. Digitization of public records is becoming the standard - a process that began around 30 years ago - and this means third party and governmental websites are able to offer these records online with increased reliability. This allows Rhode Islanders to abide by the commitment of the United States of America to remain a fair and just society for all.
