Rhode Island Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to RIMPTC certification in the Ocean State—one of only TWO states with NO county sheriffs
Rhode Island law enforcement is governed by the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy (RIMPTC). Rhode Island is one of only TWO states in America (with Connecticut) that has NO county sheriffs. Sheriff offices were abolished in 1842—making Rhode Island the first state to eliminate sheriffs. All Rhode Island law enforcement uses police-style shield badges. Providence Police is the largest department. Rhode Island State Police provides statewide services.
Rhode Island abolished county sheriffs in 1842—the first state to do so—making it one of only TWO states without sheriffs (Connecticut abolished theirs in 2000). Rhode Island is also the smallest state by area (1,034 sq mi) with only 5 counties that have virtually no governmental function. This means NO sheriff star badges in Rhode Island—all law enforcement uses police-style shield badges.
- ~3,000 sworn law enforcement officers statewide
- ZERO county sheriff offices (abolished in 1842)
- ~40 municipal police departments
- Rhode Island State Police: ~200 troopers
- 43rd most populous state with 1.1 million residents
- Smallest state by area (1,034 sq mi)
Rhode Island Law Enforcement Overview
Rhode Island’s compact size and unique governmental structure create a distinctive law enforcement environment. As the smallest state with no county sheriffs, Rhode Island relies entirely on state police and municipal departments for all law enforcement services.
The Rhode Island State Police provides statewide services and handles areas without municipal coverage. Providence Police Department is the largest municipal force.
Why Rhode Island Has No Sheriffs
Rhode Island abolished county sheriffs in 1842—making it the first state to eliminate the office. This was part of a broader governmental reform that reduced county functions. Today, Rhode Island’s 5 counties (Providence, Kent, Washington, Bristol, Newport) have virtually no governmental role—they’re purely geographic designations.
Connecticut is the only other state without sheriffs, but they abolished theirs in 2000—158 years after Rhode Island.
RIMPTC Certification Requirements
The Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy (RIMPTC) establishes certification requirements for all law enforcement officers. Training includes criminal code, patrol procedures, firearms, defensive tactics, and crisis intervention.
Rhode Island Badge Traditions
Without sheriffs, Rhode Island’s badge landscape is entirely police-style. All law enforcement agencies use shield-shaped badges. There are NO sheriff star badges in Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why doesn’t Rhode Island have sheriffs?
Rhode Island abolished county sheriffs in 1842 as part of governmental reform. It was the first state to eliminate the office. Today’s 5 counties are purely geographic with no governmental function.
❓ Is Connecticut the only other state without sheriffs?
Yes. Rhode Island and Connecticut are the only two states without county sheriffs. Rhode Island abolished theirs in 1842; Connecticut in 2000. Alaska has no sheriffs because it has no counties (it uses boroughs).
- Rhode Island is one of only TWO states with no county sheriffs (abolished 1842)
- All Rhode Island law enforcement uses shield badges (no star badges)
- Smallest state by area with only 5 counties (no governmental function)
- Rhode Island State Police and municipal departments provide all coverage
The Bottom Line
Rhode Island’s unique law enforcement structure—with no sheriffs since 1842—means all badges are police-style shields. For more information, see our complete badge procurement guide.