R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-23-4
For the purpose of improving and rendering more effective and efficient the administration of the criminal law in this state, the commission is authorized to make a complete study and survey of the subject including the detection, prosecution, and punishment of offenders, the probation, parole, and pardoning systems, and the duties, methods, and practices of the officers and agencies directly and indirectly connected with the enforcement of law, the suppression and prevention of crime and the care and treatment of the criminal, and for this purpose the commission may make any inquiry that it may deem necessary into the administration of the criminal law by the authorities of other states, the United States, and other countries.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-23-4