Rhode Island § 42-56-17 - Corrections Department
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 42-56-17 — Corrections Department, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-56-17. Corrections Department
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-56-17
§ 42-56-17. Identification and description of inmates.
(a) The director of corrections, or the director’s designee, shall cause prisoners confined under sentence in the adult correctional institutions to be physically and factually described in accordance with accepted criminal identification standards for the identification of criminals. The director of corrections, or the director’s designee, shall cause identification to be made by a person or persons in the official service of the state, and shall prescribe rules and regulations for keeping accurate records at those institutions, and for classifying and indexing the records.
(b) The department of corrections shall collect the following information from individuals entering its custody: sex, race, nativity (country of origin), ethnicity, and level of education, and publish a summary of such information on an annual basis.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 290, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 183, § 2; P.L. 2023, ch. 169, § 1, effective
June 20, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 170, § 1, effective June 20, 2023.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 42-56-17
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 42-56-17 cover?
Section 42-56-17 ("Corrections Department") 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 § 42-56-17?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 42-56-17" (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 § 42-56-17 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.