R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21.2-2
As used in this chapter, the words defined in § 45-21-2 have the same meanings stated in that section except that "employee" means any regular and permanent police official or officer and any regular and permanent fire fighter. The retirement board shall determine who are employees within the meaning of this chapter; and "final compensation" means for members who retire on or prior to June 30, 2012, the average annual compensation, pay or salary of a member for services rendered during the period of three (3) consecutive years within the total service of the member when that average was highest. Effective on and after July 1, 2012, "final compensation" means the average annual compensation of a member for services rendered during the period of the highest five (5) consecutive years within the total service of the member, and compensation shall be defined in accordance with § 36-8-1(8). For members eligible to and who retire on or after July 1, 2024, "final compensation" means the average of the highest three (3) consecutive years of compensation within the total service when the final compensation was the highest. Notwithstanding the prior sentence, in no event shall a member's final compensation be less than the member's final compensation on or before June 30, 2012.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21.2-2