Records Department

 

Hours Of Operation

The records department is open between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is closed on weekends and holidays.

To Obtain A Police Or Accident Report

Copies of reports can be obtained at the Records Department. Price is 15 cents per page. If you cannot make it to the Police Department Records Office during the above posted hours, call the Records Clerk at (401)643-0133 and arrangements can be made to leave the copy at the dispatch desk for pick up at your convenience. No reports will be mailed unless payment has been received and NO REPORTS WILL BE FAXED.

If You Are Involved In A Traffic Accident

 Under Rhode Island State Law you are required to file an accident report immediately to the police department where the accident occurred. State Law also requires a RI Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Accident Report to be filed with the Division of Motor Vehicles by the vehicle operator (or by the vehicle owner if operator is physically incapable) within twenty-one (21) days of the date of any motor vehicle accident resulting in death, personal injury, or damage to the property of one (1) person in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).  Failure to file as required may result in criminal prosecution and/or suspension of the operator's license.  The forms are available from any Rhode Island police department, including the Rhode Island State Police.  All information required to complete the RI Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Accident Report is included on the police accident report.

Alarm Permits

By Portsmouth Town Ordinance any type of burglar alarm must be registered with the police department. The permit application can be obtained at the records office at the police station. Price for the permit varies with the type of alarm. All permits expire on December 31st.

Hunting Permits

By Portsmouth Town Ordinance Hunting permits are required; applications can be picked up at the police station or downloaded here (pdf format)  Hunting Permit Form. Once your application has been completed return it to the police station for approval by the Chief of Police. The cost of the hunting permit is $5.00.

Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting for Child Care (Portsmouth residents) or school department employment is done on Tuesdays, 8:30 to 1030 a.m.   No appointment is necessary.  There is a $30.00 fee for fingerprinting for school department employment.

Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) Checks

Any Portsmouth resident that has an out-of-state title and are registering the vehicle in Rhode Island need to have a VIN check. This is done on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (no appointment is necessary).  VIN checks can possibly be performed at other times by calling 683-0300 to schedule an appointment.  Any vehicle that is over 10 years old does not need a VIN check. The fee is $10.00.  Bring the following for a VIN check:  bill of sale, title or registration, driver's license, check or cash for $10.00 and of course the vehicle!!

Games Of Chance Application

Any charitable organization requesting games of chance must pick up an application at the records office.  Once completed, the application is to be returned to the department.  The application is then referred to the Rhode Island State Police Charitable Gaming Unit.  There is a $5.00 application fee required; a check or money order is payable to the R.I. State Police.  

Business Emergency Contact

All business owners should file an emergency contact form with the department in case of notification due to a break-in or damage to their property.  The form can be picked up at the police station or downloaded here (pdf format) Business Emergency Contact Form. 

 

 

Last Updated:  August 7, 2007