Criminal Record Requests

The BCI window in Providence serves more than 263 people each day, Monday through Friday. In addition, BCI personnel respond to approximately 210,100 requests received annually by mail, fax, and telephone.

One of the major functions of the BCI Unit is to respond to those requesting criminal history checks. Due to increased security measures in both the private and public sectors, the need for employment background checks continues to rise. The BCI window in Providence serves more than 263 people each day, Monday through Friday, and responds to approximately 210,100 requests received annually by mail, fax, and telephone.

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

By Mail: 150 South Main Street Providence, RI 02903

• A signed and notarized release for information
• A copy of photo identification attached to release
• One of the following
  • 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

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

For Third Party:

• A release to the thrid-party (Signed by the third-party and notarized)
• Attached copy of photo identification
• One of the following:
  • 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 (if mailed)

For National Nackground Check (Fingerprints):

• A release (Signed by the party and notarized)
• Attached copy of photo identification. One of the following:
  • State Issued Driver's License
  • State Issued Identification Card
  • Passport
• Check or money order (NO CASH) for $35.00 for the National Background Check payable to BCI
• A self addressed stamped envelope for return (if mailed)
• Certification of fingerprints taken by other agency with applicant fingerprint card (FBI FD258) or department applicant card.