FINGERPRINTING                            and 

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND Checks

The police department conducts criminal background checks upon request by Richmond residents and prospective employees of Richmond schools, which include a state and nationwide criminal history query.  The actual BACKGROUND check is free of charge, but some of those that require FINGERPRINTING are assessed a $35 fee.  Backgrounds that generally require fingerprinting include prospective foster parents, adoption of children, school teachers/employees, and applicants seeking employment in child-care.  The Richmond Police Department possesses a LIVESCAN fingerprinting computer that interfaces with the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General's Office.  In some instances, a fee is charged to those who are fingerprinted on our Livescan, but there is no fee if the applicant requires assistance in completing a traditional FINGERPRINT card upon which fingertips are rolled in ink and then the card.

Applicants seeking backgrounds should submit two (2) forms of identification (one with photograph),                                                           then complete and submit the form that is attached to this link:  Criminal Record Check Release Form.doc

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

FOSTER PARENT: No Fingerprinting Fee -pursuant to RI General Law § 14-1-34

ADOPTION: $35 Fee 

CHILD-CARE employee: No Fingerprinting Fee - pursuant to RIGL § 40-13.2-5

CHILD-CARE volunteer: $35 Fee - RIGL does not require volunteers to be fingerprinted, but some employers prefer it to be done

SCHOOL Employees: $35 Fee - pursuant to RIGL § 16-2-18.1  

NURSING Employees: $35 Fee - RIGL § 23-17-34 does not require applicants to be fingerprinted - FREE unless fingerprinted