What is Rhode Island Most Wanted? 

The Rhode Island Most Wanted web site was created in April of 2005 to aid in the identification of unknown subjects by disseminating photographs taken during crimes.  Although we receive some mug shots of subjects whose identities are known, and occasionally receive artists' sketches, we are designed for the posting of surveillance images. 

Can anyone submit a case to the Rhode Island Most Wanted web site?

NO. 
Caveat:  The IP address of submitting parties are recorded.  A person making
               a false entry could be construed as making a false police report.
               
The Rhode Island Most Wanted site managers will accept surveillance photographs of unidentified subjects only from law enforcement agencies, which will include a Rhode Island law enforcement agency, a Federal law enforcement agency, an out of state law enforcement agency if the case is somehow linked to the State of Rhode Island, or from a banking institution conducting an investigation in conjunction with a law enforcement agency.  Cases are screened prior to being posted.

SPECIFIC TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENICES:
FOR ALL WEB SITE USERS:

Who runs Rhode Island Most Wanted site? 

The web site is managed by Rhode Island State Police. Web site manager is Joan Collins, Police Commuications Specialist Supervisor.

Does Rhode Island Most Wanted accept mug shots of wanted persons?

The site is designed primarily for the identification of unknown subjects.  We do not post composites or sketches.  We post photos of wanted fugitives ONLY in cases of violent crimes, and those photos are posted only on the Fugitives page, not on the front page.  However, all new postings, including those of known fugitives, are e-mailed to people who subscribe to the site.

I am a law enforcement officer and want to submit a case.

First, you will need an image taken of the subject committing the crime.   Please try to send photo's in full size, do not crop, the site manager will crop photo to necessary size for posting.  Photo looses resolution each time cropped.  Depending on file type, the manager of the site will attempt to reformat what is sent in your submission. Then click on Submit a Case at the top of the page.  Simply follow the instructions.  Include information that may assist in the identification of the subject, such as a scar that may not show up on the photo, but do not include sensitive information about the subject or incident, such as language used in a robbery note, that may jeopardize the investigation or cause the subject to alter his modus operandi.  If the subject was armed, or if the crime was particularly violent, a line urging caution should be included.

I am a law enforcement officer who is having problems submitting a case and/or would like assistance in submitting a case, who do I contact?

Contact the site manager Police Communications Specialist Supervisor Joan Collins or Detective in Charge of Violent Fugitive Task Force by calling Rhode Island State Police (401) 444-1000.  If neither are available, request that one of the site managers be paged.

I am a law enforcement officer who would like to have more than one e-mail address entered in when submitting a crime for tip notifications, is this possible?

Yes, after typing in the first e-mail address, type in a comma, and then type in the next e-mail address, etc.

I am a law enforcement officer who posted a case on the web site and now the subject has been arrested.  Should I do anything further?

We ask officers who submit cases to promptly notify us if an arrest is made.  Locate your case on the web site and click on it.  In the Law Enforcement Only area, click on "Report a capture" and fill in the information about the arrest.  If your department does not permit you to report the subject's name, leave that box blank.  Captured subjects are left on the site and are marked  captured.  We leave the photos of captured subjects because it allows detectives to link old cases to recently identified subjects.

I am a law enforcement officer who posted a case, and now have additional information that needs to be posted on the web site.

Locate your case on the web site and click on it.  In the Law Enforcement Only area, click on "Send an Update".

I am a law enforcement officer who submitted a case, will I be contacted regarding my submission?

 Yes. You will be contacted to verify your submission, update, or capture. Also, approximately every four months a 'NAG' Reminder will automatically be forwarded to the e-mail address(es) entered in the submission advising of any open case(s)and requesting that the case posted be reviewed to keep the web site current and accurate.

What does Booking Room Print View on the front page mean?

Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to post photos from the Rhode Island Most Wanted web site in their booking rooms and cell blocks, in hopes that someone being booked will recognize one of them.  Use the drop-downs to narrow your search and then click on "Booking Room Print View".  

Rhode Island Most Wanted is sponsored by the Rhode Island Bankers Association. 
The site, which consists of submissions of crimes from Rhode Island law enforcement agencies, was established to promote greater public safety by improving coordination, the exchange of resources, and to provide support services to its member agencies.

The Rhode Island Most Wanted web site is maintained by the Rhode Island State Police.  The managers of the site are Police Communications Specialist Supervisor Joan Collins and Detective Lieutenant Arthur Kershaw, who will be responsible for maintaining the site.   

Who pays for the Rhode Island Most Wanted web site?

All costs associated with the web site are paid for by a grant from the Rhode Island Bankers Association. 

How should I use the site?

Used properly, Rhode Island Most Wanted is a site that you should visit often, but spend very little time on.  If you are visiting for the first time, take a look at the subjects whose photos appear on the front page.  Flip to the second page by clicking on the right arrow or the next page number at the top right of the screen.  Each page of the site contains fifteen thumbnail photographs of unidentified subjects.  The type of crime the subject has committed is always listed with each photograph, along with a case number assigned to the case by the Rhode Island Most Wanted staff

The top row of the front page always contains the most recent cases.  If you go to the web site and the front page has not changed since the last time you checked it, exit the site and go about your business.  All changes are reflected on the front page.

We encourage law enforcement officers to check the front page of the site each day.  In fact, many detectives have made it their home page so they remember to look at it each morning.  We also encourage bank managers and security officers to check the site daily, for information about bank robbers working their area. You can make this site your home page by clicking on the "Make RIMW My Home Page" button. 

How do I find out more about a case I see posted?

To view a larger version of the photograph or to learn more about the crime, simply click on the thumbnail.    Each case page contains the type of offense, date, and city or town where the crime occurred.  You will also see the subject's physical description, a summary of the crime, and the name and telephone number of the detective or agent investigating the case.

What if I see a thumbnail of someone I recognize?

Each case posting bears the telephone number of the police officer or federal agent handling the investigation.  You may either call him or her, or you can send an e-mail by clicking on "Report a Tip" in the Toolbox.  All emails go directly to the investigating officer or agent.

Can I provide a tip for a crime committed but not posted on this site?

Yes, by contacting the law enforcement agency for where the crime occurred, click on "Submit Feedback", or by sending an e-mail to:  rimwinfo@risp.dps.ri.gov and information will be forwarded to the appropriate agency.

I see someone I think I recognize but need a second opinion.

Click on the thumbnail to select a larger photo and more information about the case.  Click on "Mail This Case to a Friend" and type your friend's e-mail address in the box.

How do I check a specific crime category?

Click on the "Type of Crime" drop-down and select from the list.  The site will display photos of subjects who have committed the type of crime you have selected.

Can I check the site for people fitting a particular description?

Yes.  Using the drop-downs on the left of the screen, select the complexion, height, build and gender you wish and then click Begin Search.  You can also use the "Type of Crime" choices to define your search even more.  For instance, if you are a police officer who has just arrested a heavy-set white woman for robbing a bank, search by the appropriate "Type of Crime", "Build", "Complexion" and "Gender" to see if you can spot her robbing other banks previous to your arrest.

Can I see pages of people who have already been identified?

Yes, click on "Captures" at the top of any page.