Rhode Island Law Enforcement Officers Hearing Committee
RI LEOBOR Hearing Committee
Summary
Per-case five-member panels formed under ch. 42-28.6, reformed by S 2096 (eff. Jan. 1 2025). Three sworn officers are randomly selected from a POCST-maintained pool; a retired Supreme Court justice or judge chairs and is assigned by the Chief Justice; an attorney is also assigned by the Chief Justice. The committee has subpoena and oath power, holds adversarial hearings on agency-initiated complaints, and issues binding majority-vote decisions (sustain, modify, or reverse). Guilty findings are transmitted to POCST and reported to national decertification indices. The committee does not initiate investigations independently.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Law Enforcement Officers' Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act
- Citation
- R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 42-28.6 (as amended by 2024 S 2096, eff. Jan. 1 2025)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All permanently employed municipal and state law enforcement officers (excluding chiefs and highest-ranking officials)