Rhode Island § 12-1-4 - Identification and Apprehension of Criminals
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 12-1-4 — Identification and Apprehension of Criminals, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-1-4. Identification and Apprehension of Criminals
R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1-4
§ 12-1-4. Division of criminal identification — Chief and assistants.
There shall be a division of criminal identification in the department of the attorney general to be in charge of a chief who shall be appointed by the attorney general to serve at the pleasure of the attorney general, and who shall devote all of his or her time to the duties of his or her office. The chief with the approval of the attorney general may appoint any assistants that he or she may deem necessary to carry out the work of the division, within the limits of any appropriation made for that purpose, and may with the approval of the attorney general discontinue the employment of any assistants at any time. The chief shall perform the functions required by the provisions of this chapter. In addition to availability of records to law enforcement agencies and officers, the records shall be made available to any attorney of record in any criminal action, and any officials of businesses which are required by federal or state law or regulation to effectuate a criminal background check of potential or prospective employees. The information shall be confidential and shall be used only by the employer for the employee’s application of employment.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1927, ch. 977, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 31; G.L.
1938, ch. 620, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 40; G.L. 1956, § 12-1-4; P.L.
1977, ch. 239, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 9.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 12-1-4
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 12-1-4 cover?
Section 12-1-4 ("Identification and Apprehension of Criminals") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 12-1-4?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 12-1-4" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 12-1-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.