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Fingerprinting & Background Checks

The Richmond Police Department performs state and nationwide criminal background checks upon request by Richmond residents who are applying to become foster parents, adopt a child through the State, or who are prospective employees in child care, DCYF, massage therapy, mental health facilities, nursing, and/or schools (see below list under Types of Backgrounds). By law, most background checks require fingerprinting and the applicant is assessed a $45 fee for that service. The Richmond Police Department possesses a Live Scan fingerprinting computer that interfaces with the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) and the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General's Office.

There is no fee for citizens requiring assistance in completing a traditional fingerprint card, where fingertips are rolled in ink and then the card.

Process

Applicants must complete a Criminal Record Check Release Form and submit it along with two (2) forms of identification (one with a photograph). If a citizen is not available during the hours listed, they may contact the Department to schedule an appointment.

The applicant shall receive a formal written response from the police department as to the results of the background investigation. Responses are sent by postal mail unless the applicant requests to pick it up at the station.

Hours

Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

If for some reason these dates and/or times do not work, please call the department to make an appointment.

Fees

Type of BackgroundFee (pursuant to RI General Law)
Adoption$45 fee - pursuant to RIGL § 15-7-11
DCYF Employees$45 fee (paid by DCYF for active RI state employees) - pursuant to RIGL § 40-13.2-5.2
Firefighters (residents only)$45 fee - pursuant to RIGL § 45-2-3.4
Foster ParentNo fingerprinting fee - pursuant to RIGL § 14-1-34
Health Care & Nursing Employees$45 fee - RIGL § 23-17-34 does not require applicants to be fingerprinted - free unless fingerprinted
Massage Therapist$45 fee - pursuant to RIGL § 23-20.8-3
Medical Marijuana Cultivator$45 fee - pursuant to RIGL § 21-28.6-16
Mental Health Facility Employees$45 fee - pursuant to RIGL § 40.1-25.1-3
School Employees$45 Fee - pursuant to RIGL § 16-2-18.1

The following backgrounds must be conducted by the RI Attorney General's Office BCI Unit per RIGL § 16-48.1-5:

  • Nursery School Employees
  • Preschool Employees 
  • School Volunteers
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