Frequently Asked Questions
Questions are organized alphabetically by topic.
Animal Adoption
How do I adopt a pet?
Child Identification Kits
How do I get my child fingerprinted for a child identification kit?
Contact the training division at 942-2211 or complete this online application.
Child Passenger Safety
Do you check and install child car seats?
The Cranston Police Traffic Division, as a service to citizens of the city, does inspect and install child car seats. The clinics are usually held on Thursday afternoon from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Please call the Traffic Division prior to arriving to ensure that officers are available. This is on a first come first serve basis, but appointments are available. For more information contact the Traffic Division at 401-477-5033.
Citizen's Police Academy
Where can I get more information about the Citizen's Police Academy?
Check the calendar page of this website.
Criminal Record Expungement
What is the process for expunging a criminal record?
Follow this link to the Rhode Island State Statute regarding record expungment (RIGL 12-1.3). Click Here
Disaster Preparedness
How would the Cranston Police Department respond to an emergency situation related to storms and natural disasters?
The Cranston Police Department has a well co-coordinated contingency plan to work with federal, state, and city officials in order to effectively manage a successful outcome.
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
Filling a Report
What is the best way to file a report with the Cranston Police?
If it is an emergency, dial 911 and inform the operator of your location and what kind of emergency you are experiencing.
If you live or work in the city and it is not an emergency, call 942-2211 and we will have an officer respond to your home or place of work to take a report.
If it is a vehicle accident in the roadway, call to have an officer respond to take a report.
If you are not a resident of the city and need to file a report with our department, stop by our headquarters at 5 Garfield Avenue in Cranston.
In order for the Cranston Police Department to take a report of a crime or incident, it must have occurred within our jurisdiction. If you would like to report a crime, accident, or incident that occurred outside of our city, please contact the agency covering that area.
Fingerprinting
I need to get fingerprinted for my employer, what do I do?
The Cranston Police Bureau of Criminal Identification performs fingerprinting for employment purposes. If you are a resident of the City of Cranston contact the BCI Division to make an appointment at 401-942-2211.
For further information on Fingerprinting, Click Here.
Identity Theft
What can I do to protect myself from becoming a victim if identity theft?
Identity theft has become a growing problem in today's society, however you can avoid making yourself an easy target for these predators. Here are some informational pamphlets and booklets from the Federal Trade Commission:
Deter*Detect*Defend: Avoid ID Theft
Identity Thieves Can Ruin Your Good Name: Tips for Avoiding Identity Theft
Phishing Alert: How Not to Get Hooked By a Phishing Scam
Information on Free Access to Your Credit Reports
What if my information has been compromised or stolen already?
Here is some advice on how to deal with Identity Theft:
Take Charge: A Comprehensive Guide to Dealing with Identity Theft
Identity Crisis: Advice on Dealing with Identity Theft
Getting Purse-onal: What to do if Your Wallet or Purse are Stolen
VIN Checks
Where can I get a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) checked?
The Cranston VIN inspection station is located at 929 Phenix Avenue in the city vehicle maintenance building. The station is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00 am until 2:45 pm. The inspection station closes daily for lunch from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.
There is a fee of $15.00 for the inspection and this is payable by check or money order only, no cash. For more information contact the inspection station at 401-780-3266.
Personnel Complaints or Recognition
Who do I speak to if I have a personnel complaint?
Contact the Office of Professional Standards at 401-942-2211. This informational pamphlet covers the complaint process.
How do I help the department recognize an officer who has gone above and beyond?
You may also contact the Office of Professional Standards and let them know the officer's name and what occurred. Our Awards Committee will then review the information to determine what further action should be taken.
Report Pick-Up
Where do I go to pick up a copy of a report that has been filed?
The Records Division maintains all reports that have been approved for distribution. This office is open Monday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and again Friday 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. For your convenience, it is recommended that you call prior to coming into the station to ensure that the report is in the system. (401) 942-2211 and ask for the records division.
Request form for records under the Access to Public Records Act.
Sex Offender Notification
What is the process for sex offender notification?
Rhode Island General Law 11-37.1-1
Cranston Police Department's Policy on Sex Offender Notification
Sex Offender Registry
Tip Lines
Who do I contact if I have information involving a crime that has occurred?
If it is an emergency, dial 911 to reach the proper assistance as quickly as possible.
If it is new information about a crime that occurred in the past, contact the detective division at 401-942-2211.
If the crime you would like to report involves the usage or distribution of illegal drugs or other vice crimes, please use forward your tip to 401-477-5075.
Underage drinking 401-477-5199.