270 R.I. Code R. 270-RICR-10-00-2.4

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 270-RICR-10-00-2.4 - Leadership

A. Mission Statement

1. It is the mission of the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs to provide the highest level of services to the Rhode Island Judiciary and Rhode Island Criminal Justice System while maintaining the greatest degree of integrity, impartiality, and confidentiality; to treat all individuals with the utmost respect, dignity, and fairness; to work with the Department of Corrections and all law enforcement agencies in a spirit of cooperation; to protect and provide security for all who enter the Rhode Island Courts while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism and decorum.

B. Organizational Mission

1. The organizational mission of the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs is distributed among its members.

2. The primary duties of the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs are to provide and maintain security for judges at all state courts; to provide and maintain security in all courtrooms and other public areas within state courthouses; to provide and maintain security in the cellblocks in all state courts, and exercise all powers as required and prescribed in all other provisions of the general laws and public laws relating to the powers and duties of sheriffs.

3. The Division shall also be responsible for statewide transportation of prisoners to and from police departments, the adult correctional institutions, all courthouses, and other places of detention; transportation of persons arrested by state and local police departments to places of detention; supervising the conduct of and maintain order and discipline of the prisoners in their custody; the custody and safety of prisoners while being transported to and from court sessions, places of detention, and outside hospitals prior to commitment to the adult correctional institutions; security of prisoners during the hearing of their cases, and while in outside hospitals prior to commitment to the adult correctional institutions; the safety and welfare of prisoners in their custody; to provide security in connection with transportation in the execution of extraditions; and to perform matters related to civil process, as prescribed by law.

4. Proficiency in operation demands that the Division's form and organization be quasi-military. It must have a chain of command properly suited to its own unique demands and for the proper execution of its mission.

5. Consistent with this organizational mission, Division members shall not knowingly engage in actions, conduct or associations, either on or off duty, which compromise the authority of the member or other members, or which give appearance of improper influence on the Division member's judgment when making decisions affecting the Division, offenders or staff, or which bring discredit on the Division or undermine its goals and objectives in any way. Such action may be subject to disciplinary action.

C. Appointment of Members

1. The Director of Public Safety shall appoint qualified persons to serve as members of the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs.

D. Superior Officers

1. A superior officer, who shall be the rank of sergeant or higher, shall conduct personal inspections at suitable intervals to determine that all assignments are performed as ordered; anticipated results are attained; Division resources are fully employed for the accomplishment of the Division's mission; and that any apparent needs or operational deficiencies of the Division are revealed.

2. A superior officer shall supervise and allocate responsibilities to subordinate officers, maintain discipline, and enforce Division rules, regulations, policies and procedures. A superior officer plans, supervises, and reviews the work of all Division of Sheriffs personnel and reports all to his/her Commanding Officer.

3. A superior officer shall make an immediate, impartial report to his/her commanding officer relating any incident that he/she is aware of that involves a violation of the rules and regulations of the Division by any subordinate member of the Division. He/She shall similarly bring to the attention of his/her commanding officer any complaint lodged against any member or employee by another person.

4. A superior officer shall not abuse those under his/her command by disrespect of their dignity as human beings.

5. A superior officer shall inspire confidence and industriousness in his/her subordinates by the use of tact in giving orders and by constructively correcting mistakes.

6. A superior officer shall avoid, as far as circumstances may permit, the censuring of a subordinate in the presence of others, and he/she shall be fair and impersonal in evaluating the work of subordinates.

7. A superior officer shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of proper professional attitudes of his/her subordinates in their dealings with the public.

8. Upon assignment, a superior officer shall assist at, be present for, or conduct shift briefings in accordance with specific orders of his/her commanding officer. He/She shall be responsible that all special duty assignments, orders or instructions necessary for the proper performance of the Division's mission are carried out.

270 R.I. Code R. 270-RICR-10-00-2.4