The police department conducts 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 of the below listed backgrounds require FINGERPRINTING and the applicant
is assessed a $45 fee for that service. The Richmond Police Department possesses a LIVESCAN
fingerprinting computer that interfaces with the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services
Division (CJIS) and the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General's Office. While there
is a Live-Scan fingerprinting fee for most employment/adoption backgrounds, 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
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.
