Washington County, RI Arrests & Jail Records

Law enforcement in Washington County is handled by local Police Departments, as Rhode Island does not have county-level sheriffs. To obtain arrest records, individuals should contact the local Police Department or other holding agencies.

Anyone may file a written or oral request for police arrest records at the arresting department's Records Division. The cost to acquire police arrest records in Washington County is $0.15 per page, and the department may take up to 10 business days to fulfill the request.

Police Departments such as South Kingstown and Narragansett facilitate record requests through their public record request portals, while North Kingstown and Westerly Police Departments provide a printable record request form for individuals who prefer to submit their request by mail.

The Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) within the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office is responsible for conducting background checks, fingerprinting, and providing access to criminal history records.

Washington County residents may obtain background checks in person for $5 at the Attorney General's Office, located at 4 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. Upon arrival, individuals must register through the walk-in virtual line service by scanning a QR code or sending a text message as indicated on the signage in the parking lot. Entry is permitted only after receiving confirmation via text. Additionally, a valid ID, such as a state-issued ID, driver's license, or U.S. passport, is required.

For those who prefer to request a background check by mail, applicants must submit the following documents to the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General, at 4 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920:

• A signed and notarized Release form
• A copy of a valid photo ID (front and back)
• A $5 check or money order payable to the BCI
• A self-addressed, stamped return envelope

Individuals seeking a national background check for employment, caregiving, or business-related purposes must bring a completed fingerprint form, a valid ID, and any additional paperwork required by the employer or statute. The $45 payment must be made using a credit or debit card at the Attorney General's Office.

In Washington County, criminal cases are primarily handled by two court systems: the Superior Court and the District Court. To obtain arrest records related to an arrest that resulted in formal charges, you may visit the Clerk of the Court where the case was filed. Alternatively, the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal provides electronic access to criminal case records.

Reliable third-party websites, such as InfoTracer, also offer quick access to comprehensive arrest records in Washington County.