North Kingstown Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in North Kingstown, Rhode Island?
Arrest records are public in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, pursuant to the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA), R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-1 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The North Kingstown Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations.
The North Kingstown Police Department Records Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records within the municipality. Members of the public seeking access to these documents must submit formal requests through established channels. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain exceptions apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-2(4).
The Police Log published by the North Kingstown Police Department provides a summary of calls for service that are deemed public records under Rhode Island law. This resource offers a chronological account of law enforcement activities, including arrests, within the jurisdiction.
How to Look Up North Kingstown Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking arrest records in North Kingstown have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The municipality has established specific procedures to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with state regulations. The following options are available to requestors:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the North Kingstown Police Department Records Office to submit requests for arrest records during regular business hours. Forms for public records requests are available in the lobby for non-business hours or can be downloaded from the official website.
Online Access: The North Kingstown Police Department maintains certain arrest information through their official website, including the regularly updated police log that documents recent law enforcement activities.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the Records Office, citing the specific information sought under the Access to Public Records Act.
Rhode Island Judiciary Portal: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Rhode Island Judiciary's public portal, which provides case information for matters proceeding through the court system.
North Kingstown Police Department
8166 Post Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
(401) 294-3311
Official Website
Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-3(d), the department must respond to requests within ten (10) business days. A reasonable fee may be charged for search and retrieval services in accordance with § 38-2-4, not to exceed $15.00 per hour after the first hour, which is provided at no charge.
Contents of a North Kingstown Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the North Kingstown Police Department contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and individuals involved in law enforcement actions. These documents typically include:
- Full legal name and demographic information of the arrested individual
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, with reference to applicable Rhode Island General Laws
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") when applicable
- Fingerprint records collected during processing
- Custody status and bail determination information
- Case number and court assignment details
- Brief narrative describing the circumstances leading to arrest
The Municipal Court of North Kingstown maintains jurisdiction over certain violations, including those brought by the North Kingstown Police Department. Records pertaining to these cases may contain additional information regarding court proceedings, judgments, and penalties imposed.
It should be noted that pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-2(4)(D), certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect confidential informants, victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, and other sensitive information as prescribed by law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in North Kingstown
The expungement process in North Kingstown follows Rhode Island state law, specifically R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3-1 through § 12-1.3-4, which establishes the criteria and procedures for removing arrest records from public access. Expungement represents a legal process through which eligible individuals may petition the court to seal or destroy records of arrests and/or convictions.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in North Kingstown include:
- First-time offenders who have completed all terms of their sentence
- Individuals whose cases resulted in dismissal or acquittal
- Persons arrested but never charged with a crime
- Those who have maintained a clean record for the statutorily required waiting period (varies by offense type)
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the court that handled the original case. For most North Kingstown arrests, this would be either the Rhode Island District Court, Second Division, located in Washington County, or the Rhode Island Superior Court, Washington County. The petition must include certified court records, proof of identity, and may require payment of filing fees.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where a judge determines whether the petitioner meets all statutory requirements for expungement. The North Kingstown Police Department and the Office of the Attorney General have the opportunity to object to the petition based on statutory grounds.
If granted, an expungement order requires all public agencies, including the North Kingstown Police Department, to seal the records pertaining to the arrest. Following expungement, individuals may legally state they have never been arrested for the expunged offense in most circumstances, with certain exceptions for specific employment sectors as outlined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3-4.
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