Bristol County Arrest Records

Bristol County, Rhode Island, arrest records are documents created by Bristol County local police departments, the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs, the Rhode Island State Police, and other relevant law enforcement agencies when they take individuals into custody for various offenses within the county. These documents become part of Bristol County court records if prosecutors or attorneys reference them during criminal trials within the Bristol County Superior or District Court.

In Bristol County, law enforcement officers may arrest individuals if they have valid warrants or sufficient evidence that the subject committed an arrestable offense. However, in urgent circumstances, officers may also arrest individuals without warrants.

Arrested persons are detained at local police departments holding cells or any Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) adult correctional facilities.

Are Arrest Records Public in Bristol County?

Yes, Bristol County arrest records are public documents. Title 38, Chapter 2, Section 38-2-3.2 of the Rhode Island General Laws grants interested persons the right to access Bristol County arrest records. However, for privacy reasons and to protect the integrity of law enforcement, the public cannot view or copy Bristol County arrest records if they relate to:

• Minor offenders
• Sealed or expunged records
• Active law enforcement investigations
• Victim, witness, or informant information
• Non-conviction cases
• Mental health, domestic violence, or sexual abuse.

Accessing Bristol County restricted arrest records requires legal authorization. Individuals seeking information about Bristol County arrests should contact the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs at:

Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs
670 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 275-2900
Fax: (401) 275-2914

Bristol County Arrest Statistics

The Federal Bureau of Investigation data show 1,077 arrests for crimes within Bristol County between January 2020 and December 2024. In 2023, 575 individuals were taken into custody by Bristol County law enforcement agencies for arrestable offenses. By comparison, there were 615, 578, and 525 arrests in 2022, 2021, and 2020.

Between 2020 and 2023, simple assault and DUI arrests were the most common incidents in Bristol County, accounting for over 75% of arrests. Liquor law and drug/narcotic violations were also common arrestable offenses within this timeframe. The table below shows the number of arrests in Bristol County between 2020 and 2022.

Bristol County Arrest Statistics 2020 to 2023

Data Source: FBI Arrest Statistics.

Find Bristol County Arrest Records

Individuals seeking access to Bristol County arrest records should download, complete, and submit Public Records Request Forms through fax, email, or mail to the Rhode Island State Police at:

The Department of Public Safety Legal Office
311 Danielson Pike,
North Scituate, RI 02857
Fax: (400) 444-1105
Email: records@risp.gov.

Alternatively, inquirers should log into the Rhode Island Department of Corrections Inmate Search Portal and search for Bristol County arrest records through inmate information.

Also, record seekers can contact Bristol County local police departments and request access to their arrest logs or log into the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal and search for Bristol County arrest records through Bristol County court records.

Bristol County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Bristol County arrest and criminal records are complementary but different documents. Bristol County arrest records detail the arrests of individuals by law officers within the county. In contrast, Bristol County criminal records provide comprehensive information on criminal acts and their legal prosecutions within the county.

A Bristol County arrest record does not prove Innocence or guilt for a crime. On the other hand, a Bristol County criminal record confirms that the owner is legally guilty of criminal acts.

Criminal records may also have a more significant impact than arrest records; they may influence social status, employment, and housing opportunities more significantly.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Bristol County arrest information may stay on a record permanently. However, Title 12, Chapter 1.3 of the Rhode Island General Laws grants individuals the right to petition the courts to expunge arrest records if they are eligible. Any individual seeking to expunge Bristol County arrest record must fulfill the following requirements:

• The arrest did not result in a conviction.
• The record owner observed a five-year waiting period for an eligible misdemeanor or 10 years for a felony if a conviction is made.
• The petitioner does not have subsequent convictions within the waiting periods and is of good moral behavior.
• The applicant is a first-time offender and has fulfilled all other requirements.

Bristol County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are court documents that authorize law enforcement to take individuals into custody. In Bristol County, a judge/magistrate of the Bristol County Superior, District, or Family Court may issue arrest warrants if there is evidence of criminal acts. Also, Bristol County courts may issue arrest records for several other reasons. For instance, arrest warrants may become necessary if:

• A person disobeys court orders.
• A suspect plans to flee the jurisdiction to avoid trial for an offense.
• An individual withholds material evidence during investigations or criminal trials.

A Bristol County arrest warrant must outline the following information to be legally valid:

• Name and physical description of the subject
• Charges against the individual
• Section of the Rhode Island General Laws allegedly violated
• A statement or affidavit of probable cause
• Date of issuance of the arrest warrant
• Name and signature of the issuing judge/magistrate
• Name and location of the issuing court
• Conditions for the arrest of the subject
• Jurisdictional limit of the warrant
• Instructions to law enforcement on how to execute the warrant.

Do Bristol County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants do not expire in Bristol County or other parts of Rhode Island unless the subjects die or the courts cancel them. Bristol County arrest warrants will remain active until law enforcement apprehends the wanted persons.