Frequently Asked Questions

1) How do I make a report?

 You can call the Pawtucket Police Department to make a report regarding something occurring inside the city limits 24 hours a day at 727-9100.  You can also make a report at the police department.  You will need to provide the following information:

Name & Address
Phone Number
Location of occurrence
Type of Incident

2) What can I expect a police officer to do when I have asked the officer to respond to take a police report?

When the Police Officer arrives, he/she will attempt to obtain the answers to the following questions:  WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW.  Answering these questions is the goal of most police reports.  Apart from those five questions, what you can expect depends on the nature of the incident you are reporting.  Here are several common incidents and the Police Department’s procedure:

THEFT:  If you are calling to report a theft, the officer will want to obtain information regarding when you last saw your property; who would have had access to the property; the full description of the property including the value and serial number, if you have recorded one; any marks on the property that may help identify it as being your property; and who you might suspect as having taken your property.

BURGLARY:  If you are calling to report a burglary the procedure is a little different.  A burglary incident is one in which someone has entered your residence, car, or garage, etc and has removed your property without permission.  A burglary incident usually includes a theft incident, therefore we will ask the same questions as in entering your residence, car, garage, etc means that we will inspect the area entered by the suspect.  If practical, please do not move things, or clean the area prior to police arrival.  The police officer will want to see the area of the incident as the suspect left it.

3) How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

The Records Division handles all requests for copies of police reports.  Requests can be made by mail or in person.  Please fill in and print out the Request for Police Report Form.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD & PRINT A REPORT REQUEST FORM

When requesting reports by mail, please include a legal size, self-addressed stamped envelope and a check in the amount due.  Please be aware that with the exception of accident reports, personal information for case related people such as addresses and phone numbers, will be excised from the report copy.  Also, due to the status of an investigation, some reports may not be available at the time requested.  Normally, processing a request will take 1 to 3 days.

The following fee schedule applies:

• Mail request fee for one report        $5.00
• Walk-in request fee for one report   $0.15 / per page
• Multiple Reports                           $15.00 per hour (1st hour free)
• Photo CD                                     $25.00

4)  How do I get fingerprinted?

Fingerprinting is done for Pawtucket residents only.   You may contact the following person to set up an appointment to get fingerprinted:   Beth Quinlan at 727-9100 X884.

5) Who do I contact if I have information involving a crime that has occurred?

If it is new information about a crime that occurred in the past, contact the Detective Division at (401) 727-9100 X777 or email or use this anonymous tip form.

If the crime you would like to report involves the usage or distribution of illegal drugs or other vice crimes, please forward your tip to (401) 728-4242 or use the anonymous drug tip form.

6) Who do I contact if I have a personnel complaint?

You can contact the department of Internal Affairs.

7) How can I help the department to recognize officers or employees who have gone above and beyond?

You can contact the department of Internal Affairs.

8) How do I obtain a VIN Verification?

You can obtain a VIN Verification at the VIN Station located at:

264 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI  02860

The hours of operation are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. 
The VIN Station is closed for lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Fee is $10 for City Residents and $20 for Non-Residents
CASH ONLY is accepted – NO checks or credit cards
Be sure to bring the title, vehicle and picture identification.
You can contact the VIN Station by calling (401) 727-9129

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