Kent County, Rhode Island Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Kent County, Rhode Island?
Warrant records are public documents in Kent County, Rhode Island, pursuant to the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that judicial records, including warrants, are subject to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Rhode Island Judiciary maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements.
The public nature of warrant records serves multiple governmental and civic purposes. First, it enables citizens to verify legal actions that may affect their rights or interests. Second, it promotes accountability within the judicial system by allowing public scrutiny of warrant issuance practices. Third, it facilitates the proper functioning of the criminal justice system by making information available to relevant stakeholders.
Members of the public should note that while warrant records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted or restricted in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or where disclosure would compromise public safety as determined by judicial authorities.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Kent County?
Warrant records maintained by the Kent County judicial system typically contain the following official information:
- Full legal name of the subject individual
- Date of birth and/or other identifying information
- Date of warrant issuance
- Classification of warrant (arrest, bench, search, etc.)
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense
- Name and title of the issuing judicial officer
- Case docket number for reference purposes
- Bail or bond amount, when applicable
- Return information documenting execution or non-execution
- Expiration date, if applicable
The specificity and comprehensiveness of information contained in warrant records may vary according to the nature of the case and the requirements set forth in Rhode Island Rules of Criminal Procedure, particularly Rule 4 governing arrest warrants and Rule 41 governing search warrants.
How to Check For Warrants in Kent County For Free
The Kent County judicial system provides several no-cost methods for conducting warrant record searches:
- In-person requests may be submitted at the Kent County Courthouse located at 222 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Public access hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- The Kent County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant information and can be contacted at 670 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (401) 275-2900.
- Public access computer terminals are available at the courthouse during regular business hours for self-directed searches of the judicial database.
- The Rhode Island Judiciary's public portal provides limited online access to case information, including some warrant status information.
Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-3, agencies may require proper identification from requestors but cannot require disclosure of the purpose of the request except to determine if the records are sought for commercial purposes.
Kent County Sheriff Warrants
The Kent County Sheriff's Office executes warrants issued by judicial authorities within the jurisdiction. These legal instruments are categorized as follows:
- Arrest Warrants: Authorize the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses
- Bench Warrants: Issued when individuals fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings
- Search Warrants: Permit the examination and seizure of property relevant to criminal investigations
- Civil Warrants: Authorize actions in non-criminal matters such as evictions or property seizures
Sheriff warrants must comply with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 6 of the Rhode Island Constitution, requiring probable cause determined by a neutral magistrate. The Kent County Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrant division responsible for processing and executing these judicial directives.
The Sheriff's Office is located at:
Kent County Sheriff's Office
670 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 275-2900
Rhode Island Judiciary
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Kent County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Kent County in 2025 may utilize several official channels:
- The Rhode Island Judiciary's electronic case information system provides 24-hour access to warrant status information. This system is accessible via the judiciary's official website and requires basic identifying information.
- Direct contact with the Kent County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at (401) 275-2900 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) can provide warrant verification.
- The Kent County Courthouse Records Department maintains warrant information and can be visited in person at 222 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.
- Legal representatives may conduct warrant checks on behalf of clients through professional access portals maintained by the Rhode Island Judiciary.
Individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification when making inquiries. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-7, agencies are required to respond to requests within ten (10) business days.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Kent County
The verification of outstanding warrants in Kent County may be accomplished through several authorized methods:
- The Kent County Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of active warrants. Inquiries may be directed to the Warrant Division at 670 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920, or by telephone at (401) 275-2900.
- The Rhode Island Judiciary's public access case information system provides searchable warrant status information. This system is accessible via public terminals at the courthouse or through the judiciary's online portal.
- In-person requests may be submitted at the Kent County Courthouse Records Department, located at 222 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Written requests for warrant information may be submitted to the Clerk of Court, with appropriate identifying information and a self-addressed stamped envelope for response.
All warrant verification processes are conducted in accordance with the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act and applicable judicial administrative orders governing court records.
Search Warrant Records in Kent County