Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs Rules and Regulations

Regulation Authority:

R.I.G.L. 42-7.3-9

Purpose and Reason:

The purpose for this adoption is promulgate rules and regulations governing the conduct of the members of the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs. After considering all public comments received the Department made the following changes: 1. Foreword, Paragraph 1: information was added regarding the initial establishment of the Division of Sheriffs in 1663 to capture the history of the Division. 2. Chapter II, Section 16 (A), Gratuities, Gifts and Rewards: the word “knowingly” was added in the first sentence to clarify that members had to knowingly solicit or accept any gratuity or other item to be in violation. 3. Chapter II, Section 16 (B) and (D), Gratuities, Gifts and Rewards: subsection (ii) was moved to the new section (D) to which additional language was added to better clarify the intent of the section. The acceptance of gratuities or discounts is allowed under certain circumstances; therefore language indicating that had to be added. 4. Chapter II, Section 19 (D), Insubordination: it was requested that this language be added to this paragraph to ensure that the activity still be allowed. The Department concurred, and the language was added. 5. Chapter II, Section 19 (E), Insubordination: it was requested that this paragraph be added to this section to ensure the rights described not be inhibited by the rules and regulations. The Department concurred, and the language was added. 6. Chapter II, Section 21, Use of Tobacco: language was added to better clarify what members have to adhere to when smoking while on duty. 7. Chapter II, Section 36 (A), Subject to Call: it was requested that language be added to clarify the circumstances under which members would be called back. 8. Chapter II, Section 40 (B), Rest Periods/Meals: it was requested that language be added to clarify the intent of the sentence. Adding the language “in an emergency” clearly describes the circumstances under which members must be for duty at all times. The Department concurred, and the language was added. 9. Chapter II, Section 40 (D), Rest Periods/Meals: this language was added to better clarify the intent of the language in that section. 10. Chapter II, Section 43 (A), Public Pronouncements: a request was made to add the language “on behalf of the Division” to clarify the intent of the section. The Department concurred, and the language was added. 11. Chapter II, Section 51 (A), Violations: it was requested that language be added to clarify that violations of any published and/or posted policy be grounds for discipline, rather than just any policy. 12. Chapter II, Section 61 (D) (ii) (1) and (2), Personal Appearance: the effective date in both subsections was changed to June 11 from May 1 because the date the rules and regulations will be in effect has changed since the rules and regulations were proposed.