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FAQs

How to submit a tip to the East Providence Police

Submit a tip through our Tip Form and learn more about our Special Investigations Unit

How do I commend an officer?

Please visit out Compliment Form

How do i make a general traffic complaint or speeding complaint?

Inquiries or requests can be sent through the Traffic Complaint Form.

What if I had my car towed?

Usually, when the car is towed, the tow company hands 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 fee, 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. 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.

What do I do if I get a traffic ticket?

All parking or city ordinance violations issued on a City parking tag can be paid at the East Providence Municipal Court, City Hall 145 Taunton Ave., East Providence. The violator has the option of paying in person, mailing payment, or denying the violation and requesting a court hearing.

If a motorist is issued a motor vehicle violation on a State of Rhode Island summons, the person must follow the instructions included with the violation and determine by reading the bottom of the violation as to the court of jurisdiction being the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal, or the East Providence Municipal Court. If the fine is payable (indicated by a dollar amount in the payment due box), then the motorist has the option of paying in person, by mail, or may instead request a court hearing. RI Traffic Tribunal tickets can be also be paid by telephone and Internet.

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.

How do I hire a detail officer?

 Visit the Detail Officer Order Form or call (401) 435-7600 ext. 20151

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

Fingerprints are taken on Wednesday afternoon by appointment only. The operator will schedule your appointment by visiting the station or by calling (401) 435-7600. A fee of $45.00 is due at the time of the appointment. For a background check, the Attorney General’s Office, 4 Howard Ave, Cranston, RI has the necessary application forms.

How do I get my child car seat inspected?

You can request an inspection using the Car Seat Installation Form

How do I file a complaint against a police officer?

Complaints on police officers can be filed in multiple ways:

  1. At the police station by speaking to the Shift Commander (Officer in Charge) who will take information from you to process the complaint.
  2. By filling out an online Complaint Form
  3. By filling out a form  available at the East Providence Police Station lobby, the department’s Office of Professional Standards, 610 Waterman Ave .and City Hall 145 Taunton Ave. 

How do I get a VIN inspection?

The East Providence Police Department performs VIN checks Monday – Friday subject to availability, excluding major holidays, from 11AM to 2:45 PM. The cost is $20 per vehicle (we accept cash, check, or money order). If the title is from another state or the vehicle was registered in another state a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check is required before you register the car. Both the vehicle and title must be present at the Police Station for a VIN check*

VIN Check

How do I obtain a gun permit?

Information for gun permits are on our Firearms Page

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

Please fill out your request on our Public Records Request Form or contact our records department.

Email: policerecords@eastprovidenceri.gov

How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?

The East Providence Police Department follows the State’s Open Records Law when dispensing all reports. Stop by the main lobby Records Unit of the East Providence Police Department during normal business hours and fill out a request. Normally your report will be ready within three business days. Larger accidents, or those requiring special expertise of the traffic unit may take longer. There is a charge of  $0.15 per page.  

You may also obtain a copy of your accident report online by visiting www.buycrash.com

How do I become a Police Officer with the City of East Providence?

Learn more about our department in our Careers page

Who should I call about a loose animal on my property?

Call the Police Department at (401) 435-7600.