Rhode Island § 12-2-3 - Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 12-2-3 — Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-2-3. Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police
R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-2-3
§ 12-2-3. Power to preserve order.
(a) Railroad police officers may:
(1) Preserve order within and upon the premises and cars of the corporation upon whose petition they were appointed;
(2) Arrest without a warrant intoxicated or disorderly persons frequenting the premises or cars and by their presence or conduct, or by profane or indecent language obstructing or annoying travelers using them; and
(3) Take the persons to the nearest police station or other place of lawful detention.
(b) In addition to these powers, railroad police officers shall possess and exercise any other powers to arrest without a warrant on the premises, cars, vehicles, or any property in the custody or control of the corporations or companies and upon streets, highways, and lands immediately abutting the property or premises, that are conferred on police officers of the cities and towns of the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 107, § 5; G.L., ch. 167, § 3; P.L. 1902, ch. 972, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch.
128, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 134, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 615, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 12-2-3; P.L.
1972, ch. 134, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 88, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 12-2-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 12-2-3 cover?
Section 12-2-3 ("Railroad, Steamboat, and Bridge Police") 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 § 12-2-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 12-2-3" (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 § 12-2-3 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.