Best Practice
A request must be in writing. A response is due in 10 business days. Appeal denials to the Attorney General.
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Rhode Island (RI)
Law: Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 38-2-1–38-2-15)
Notes: A request must be in writing. A response is due in 10 business days. Appeal denials to the Attorney General.
Generate a Request for Rhode IslandJurisdiction Facts
Sourced from the jurisdiction registry. Not legal advice.
Statutory Response Deadline
10 business days under R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-3(e), extendable by 20 business days.
Observed Average Response
112 days (MuckRock observed average, not a statutory deadline).
Fee Waivers / Intake
No statutory fee waiver.
Appeals
Appeal to the Attorney General or file suit in superior court.
Primary legal sources
Direct links to the governing statute, official requester guidance, and central portal for this jurisdiction.
Common Agencies
Providence Police Department
Portal: Submit online
Mail: Providence Police Department, 325 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903
Fees & notes
PPD uses the NextRequest portal for APRA requests; requestors can track their submissions online. MuckRock users have successfully obtained records through this system.
Source Reviewed 2026-04-27
Rhode Island Attorney General's Office — APRA Requests
Portal: Submit online
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Attn: Open Government Unit, Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General, 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
Fees & notes
Online request form preferred. For AG records only. Complaints to [email protected].
Source Reviewed 2026-04-27
Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) — APRA
Portal: Submit online
Mail: Louis Pasteur Building, ATTN: Linda Shumate and Mariangel Guaba, 25 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Fees & notes
Phone: (401) 462-2121. Fax: (401) 462-6594. NextRequest online portal available. Paper form also downloadable.
Source Reviewed 2026-04-27
State of Rhode Island — Access to Public Records Act (APRA)
No verified submission path on file.
Fees & notes
10 business day response time. Written request recommended for enforcement of procedures and penalties. No requirement to provide identification or reason. Open Government Unit at the AG's Office handles complaints: [email protected].
Source Reviewed 2026-04-27