April 18, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS, FIELD-TRIP CHAPERONES, ETC.

All BCI requests must be referred to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, BCI Unit, located at 150 South Main Street in Providence.

Parents/guardians, etc., who wish to volunteer in our schools or chaperone field trips have two (2) options to obtain criminal background checks with the Attorney General.  For confirmation, please refer to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s website, http://www.riag.ri.gov/civilcriminal/criminalid.php.

William Devine, Unit Chief
Robert Chin, Deputy Chief
150 South Main Street Providence, RI 02903

Notice: All BCI records are confidential Law-Enforcement Documents. However, these records can be released as follows:

By Mail:  You have the option to mail the request but must provide the following.

• A signed and notarized release for information
• A copy of photo identification attached to release
  • State Issued Driver's License
  • State Issued Identification Card
  • Passport
• Check or money order (NO CASH) for $5.00 payable to BCI
• A self-addressed stamped envelope for return
  PLEASE ALLOW 7 BUSINESS DAYS FOR RETURN

In Person: At BCI desk: Probably the quickest option to appear in person with the following documentation.

• Photo Identification
  • State Issued Driver's License
  • State Issued Identification Card
  • Passport
• Check or money order (NO CASH) for $5.00 payable to BCI

The Investigations Unit was established by the General Assembly in 1987, R.I. Gen L. §42-9-8.1. Investigators within the unit are law enforcement officers who assist attorneys in carrying out investigations relating to grand jury matters, pretrial preparation and other litigation efforts. In addition, the unit investigates violation of the sex offender registration laws, coordinates enforcement of child abuse laws, assists in the apprehension of so-called "deadbeat parents," and assists generally in the investigative efforts of other state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies.

We hope the information provided above is helpful to you.

Should you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact the office of your child’s school.

Sincerely,

Stephen F. Lindberg
Superintendent of Schools