R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-28-16
The division of state police is hereby authorized and empowered to provide for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a computerized telecommunications system for the purpose of promptly collecting, exchanging, disseminating, and distributing information relating to police and divisional problems of the state and the several cities and towns. The system is to be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with rules and regulations adopted from time to time by the superintendent of state police and units thereof located in such state departments and agencies and in such cities and towns as have organized police headquarters and are approved by the superintendent, and may connect directly or indirectly with similar systems in other states. The superintendent of state police is authorized to provide for the location of receiving system computer site and to employ the necessary personnel for its operation. The system shall be called the "Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications System" or "RILETS". The state departments and agencies and the cities and towns are authorized to provide at their own expense, within the appropriations provided by law, for the location of the terminal and telecommunications equipment and for the personnel and supplies for their proper operation. The character of communication sent and the time, place, and manner of sending messages and all matters in connection with the RILETS system shall be under the control and management of the superintendent of state police.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-28-16