Frequently Asked Questions

Warning! QuickMenu may have been blocked by IE-SP2's active content option. This browser feature blocks JavaScript from running locally on your computer.

This warning will not display once the menu is on-line. To enable the menu locally, click the yellow bar above, and select "Allow Blocked Content".

To permanently enable active content locally...

1: Select 'Tools' --> 'Internet Options' from the IE menu.
2: Click the 'Advanced' tab.
3: Check the 2nd option under 'Security' in the tree (Allow active content to run in files on my computer.)

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Records Office open?
How do I become a Police Officer in the Town of Portsmouth?
How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?
How do I obtain a copy of an incident or arrest report?
How do I obtain a restraining order?
How do I obtain a license/permit to carry a concealed handgun?
How do I get a VIN inspection?
How do I file a complaint against a police officer?
How do I get my child safety seat inspected?
How do I get my fingerprints taken or a background check performed?
How do I hire a detail officer?
What do I do if I get a traffic ticket?
What if my car was towed?
How do I report a general traffic/parking complaint?

When is the Records Office open?

The Records Office is open Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm, excluding holidays.

How do I become a Police Officer in the Town of Portsmouth?

Periodically the town opens up the recruitment process. The Town of Portsmouth, when in the process of hiring, advertises in the major area newspapers, as well as publicizing on the police department website. It is best to call the Town of Portsmouth Personnel/Finance Office to see if/when the town is accepting applications. Officers selected must pass a physical agility test, a written exam, a psychological exam, an oral interview, and an extensive background check. Individuals selected are well rounded with proven integrity, are morally and ethically responsible, and are devoted to a law enforcement career with the Portsmouth Police Department.

How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?

Accident reports are available 24-48 hours after the accident. You can obtain an accident report during normal business hours at our records office. You can also obtain reports online at www.getcrashreports.com. When requesting an accident report through the records office, a request form will be filled out stating the accident report number or the information of the person involved. Accidents requiring special records review may take longer. In those cases, the requestor will be made aware of the extended time frame. The Portsmouth Police Department follows Rhode Island’s Open Records Law when disseminating reports.

How do I obtain a copy of an incident or arrest report?

The Portsmouth Police Department follows Rhode Island’s Open Records Law when dispensing reports. Anyone may come in, fill out a request form, and submit that form for a copy of a record. However, RI State Law has rules that must be followed prior to disseminating records. This is to protect one’s privacy as well as to inform the general public. A balancing test is employed along with a review of the rules governing release of records. Most records are releasable and available within a reasonably short period of time; however, not all records can be released immediately. There is a $0.15 cent per page fee that is charged and may be collected in advance. There may also be a $15.00 per hour research charge after the first hour. It is best to review the Rhode Island Open Records Law for additional information

How do I obtain a restraining order?

Restraining orders can be obtained by going to the 2^nd Division District Court Clerk’s Office or the Family Court Clerk’s Office located at the Newport County Court House, Washington Square in Newport. Police Departments can issue a domestic restraining order on an emergency basis when the RI Courts are closed. The order is issued after consultation with a judge, and issued under the full force and authority of the judge and the RIGL.

How do I obtain a license/permit to carry a concealed handgun?

The Attorney General of the State of Rhode Island issues gun permits. Adult persons can make application at the Attorney General's Office, 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI. The Chief of Police of Portsmouth may also issue a permit for those who have a bona fide residence or place of business in Portsmouth. An online copy of the application is available here or at the Attorney General’s website.

How do I get a VIN inspection?

VIN verifications are performed on Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

There is no appointment needed. Any resident of Portsmouth, who has purchased a vehicle out-of-state and is registering the vehicle in Rhode Island, needs to have a VIN check completed prior to registering the vehicle. If the vehicle is over 10 years old, you do not need a VIN check. Please remember to bring:

The vehicle
Bill of Sale
Title certificate or registration
Your driver's license
$15.00 check or cash

VIN verifications are available for Portsmouth residents only.

How do I file a complaint against a police officer?

Complaints against police officers can be filed at the police station by speaking to the Officer in Charge, who will take information from you to help process the complaint. All complaints are investigated by the Internal Affairs Officer. Complaint forms are available at the Portsmouth Police Station or can be downloaded here. Forms are also available at the town Administrators Office at the Portsmouth Town Hall during normal business hours. Complaints can also be filed directly with the Office of the Deputy Chief by calling 401-643-0102.

How do I get my child car seat inspected?

The Portsmouth Police Department has several officers who are qualified to inspect child safety seats for Portsmouth residents and assist with questions. Those officers work during the day shift 7am-3pm or 3pm-11pm. Please call in advance to see if certified officers are on duty to conduct the car seat installation, 683-0300. Click here for more information.

How do I get my fingerprints taken or a background check performed?

Fingerprints are taken on Tuesday afternoons from 4pm to 6pm. (see our fingerprinting page) If a special appointment is needed contact Det. Travers at 643-0123. For a background check concerning only a criminal history with the Portsmouth Police Department, please see our records office and file a request. There is a $5.00 fee for each background check. A check that requires a full criminal background check from all of Rhode Island or other from other states must be done through the Attorney General’s Office, 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI

How do I hire a detail officer?

Call the main number at 401-683-0300 and make a request for a detail officer with the dispatch center or the officer in charge. Please make sure you have all information regarding the detail or event when you are calling to make the request. Officers are paid a minimum of 4 hours and then in single increments of 1 hour after. A minimum of 2 hours notice is required to cancel a scheduled detail; otherwise, the contractor is required to pay the 4 hour minimum to the Department. The current detail rate is $49.00 per officer, per hour. The police cruiser rate is $25.00 per 4 hour block.

What do I do if I get a traffic ticket?

All parking violations issued by the Portsmouth Police Department can be paid directly to the Portsmouth Police Department. The violator has the option of paying in person, mailing payment, or denying the violation and requesting a meeting with the Deputy Chief of Police.

The Portsmouth Police Department utilizes the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal for all traffic citations. The Town of Portsmouth does not have a municipal court. All traffic citations will be under the jurisdiction of the RITT. The motorist has the option of paying by mail, or may instead request a court hearing. RI Traffic Tribunal tickets can be also be paid by telephone (1-877-435-9361) or online through the RITT website.

If you have a driving record with no moving violations within the 3 years prior to the violation date, then you may request that your summons be dismissed by pleading guilty utilizing the good driving record and upon paying court costs. Out-of-State residents must bring a certified copy of their driving record from their State's DMV to the hearing in order to request dismissal.

What if my car was towed?

When cars are towed as the result of an accident:

The tow company will provide the operator/owner the required information he/she needs to know, such as the vehicle’s location, phone number of the tow company etc. The owner/operator of the vehicle should call first, and then respond to the tow yard, pay the towing and storage fees.

Vehicles that are towed due to traffic violations or arrests:

The registered owner must report to the Portsmouth Police Department to sign a release form. This is to ensure that the vehicle is properly registered, and that there is a licensed operator that can drive the vehicle, unless it is being towed from the impound yard. The owner may then respond to the tow yard, pay the towing and storage fees, and the vehicle will be released. If a police hold has been placed on the vehicle, the tow yard will not release the vehicle until the police department has given the tow company permission to release the vehicle.

Who do I call for a general traffic complaint or speeding complaint?

The Portsmouth Police Department is actively involved in making our streets safer. If you are aware of a traffic or parking problem in Portsmouth, let us know! Please include as much information as possible about the problem, including the location, date and time occurring, etc. If you wish to be contacted about the issue, please include your name and telephone number in your message.

To notify the Portsmouth Police about traffic complaints, please click the following link: TrafficSgt.@portsmouthri.com

If an immediate response is required, contact us at 683-0300