Criminal Background Checks
The Jamestown Police Department is authorized by Rhode Island General Laws to conduct the criminal background checks listed in the chart below. If the reason you need a criminal background check is not listed below please visit the RI Attorney General’s website at http://www.riag.ri.gov/BCI/ for further information.
Reason for Background Check |
Fee |
Timeframe Results Valid |
Adoption |
$45 |
N/A |
Child / Day Care Employee |
No Fee |
18 months |
DCYF Employees |
$45 |
6 months |
Firefighter Employment |
$45 |
N/A |
Foster Care |
No Fee |
N/A |
Massage Therapist |
$45 |
N/A |
Medical Marijuana Caregiver |
$45 |
2 years |
Medical Marijuana Cultivator |
$45 |
N/A |
Mental Health Employees |
$45 |
18 months |
Religious Organization Employee or Volunteer |
$45 |
N/A |
School Employees |
$45 |
1 year |
Youth Serving Agency |
$45 |
18 months |
In order to obtain a nationwide criminal background check you must provide the following:
- Completed Application (available at the Jamestown Police Department)
- Conditional Offer of Employment (or other documentation indicating reason for background check)
- Fee (if applicable)
The results of certain criminal background checks remain valid for a length of time specified by RI General Law (see chart). If, during that time frame, you wish to have the results of your background check forwarded to another employer you must submit a conditional offer of employment from that employer. No additional fee is necessary.
The results of the criminal background check will be sent directly to the employer/requesting agency. If you provide an email address, a copy will be emailed to you for your records. Most background checks will only notify the requesting agency/employer if a criminal record exists that contains “disqualifying information” as defined by Rhode Island General Laws. In those cases, if a criminal record exists the specific contents of that record are not revealed.
** JAMESTOWN School Volunteers are required to apply for a background check through the School. Jamestown Police will only process Jamestown School volunteer background checks received directly from the school. If you require a background check to volunteer for a different school system you may make that request in person at the Jamestown Police Department.