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EspañolWhat is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Registry? Who has access to it?
The National Crime Information Center Registry (NCIC) is a nationwide electronic database used by law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is managed by the FBI and state law enforcement officials. All law enforcement officials have access to the NCIC database, but the information is encrypted so outsiders cannot access it.
The state that issued your protection order may already have entered your order into the NCIC when you got the order. If not, your order could be entered into the NCIC if you register it in Rhode Island.
Do I have to register my protection order in Rhode Island in order to get it enforced?
You do not need to register a protective order from another state to have it enforced.1 The local police must enforce it, whether or not it’s registered. If it is not registered, you’ll need to show the officer a copy and give a written statement that it’s still in effect.2
However, registering your order in Rhode Island can make it easier for local law enforcement to find and confirm its validity. This way, even if you’re not carrying a copy of the order, it can still be enforced without delay. Registered orders are stored in RONCO, the Rhode Island Restraining Order and No Contact Order Registry, which police can access when they arrive.2
1 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-29-1.1(a)
2 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-29-1.1(b)
How do I register my protection order in Rhode Island?
You can register your protection order by filing a certified copy of it in any superior court, family court, or district court. You will also need to write a sworn statement (affidavit) that, as far as you know, the order is currently in effect as written. The order will then be entered into RONCO, the Rhode Island Restraining Order and No Contact Order registry.1
You do not need a lawyer to register your protection order. If you are confused or worried about the process, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in Rhode Island to ask for help from a local advocate. To find a local domestic violence organization, please go to our Rhode Island Advocates and Shelters page.
1 R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-29-1.1(b)
Will the abuser be notified if I register my protection order?
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, the court is not permitted to notify the abuser when a protective order has been registered or filed in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to check that the clerk is aware of this law before you register your order. You may want to be especially careful if your address is confidential.
Despite this law, it is still possible that the abuser could somehow find out where you are living. Continue to think about your safety, even if you no longer live in the same state as the abuser. Our Safety Planning page has tips to get you started or build on what you are already doing. A local domestic violence organization can help you make a safety plan that works for you. To find organizations in your area, go to our Rhode Island Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)
What if I don't register my protection order? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?
According to federal and state laws, you do not need to register your restraining order to get it enforced in Rhode Island. However, if your order is not entered into the national or state restraining order registry, it may be harder for a law enforcement officer to check if it is valid. So, it could take longer to get your order enforced. However, if you have a certified copy of your restraining order with you when the police arrive, or if it is listed in the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) registry, then it may not matter if your order is registered in Rhode Island or not.
If you are unsure if registering your order is right for you, you may want to talk with a domestic violence advocate. An advocate can help you decide what is safest for you. You can find domestic violence advocates in Rhode Island on our Advocates and Shelters page.
Does it cost anything to register my protection order?
It does not cost anything to register your order.
