Rhode Island Constable Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a Rhode Island Constable bond (otherwise known as a Public Official bond).

At a Glance:

• Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 a month
• Bond Amount: $10,000
• Who Needs It: All constables and deputy constables appointed for state, county, or city offices in Rhode Island
• Purpose: To protect the public from financial harm if the constable commits fraud or otherwise abuse their position of power
• Who Regulates Constables in Rhode Island: The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation

Background

Rhode Island General Laws Section 9-5-10.2 requires all constables appointed for state, county, or city offices to obtain a surety bond before being sworn in for their office term. The Rhode Island Legislature enacted the surety bond requirement to ensure that constables do not abuse their position of power. To provide financial security for enforcing such laws, constables must purchase and maintain a surety bond to be eligible for their appointed position.

What Is the Purpose of the Rhode Island Constable Bond?

Rhode Island General Laws Section 9-5-10.2 requires all appointed constables to purchase a surety bond as part of the process of being sworn into office. The bond ensures that restitution is available to any damaged party should the constable fail to abide by the regulations outlined in the Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 9-5. Specifically, the bond protects claimants if the constable commits fraud or otherwise abuses their position of power. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the constable violates the terms surrounding their appointed position.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a Rhode Island Constable Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a Rhode Island Constable bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “constable” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Enroll now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.

At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.

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Is a Credit Check Required for the Rhode Island Constable Bond?

No, a credit check is not required for the Rhode Island Constable bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same rate is offered to all constables in Rhode Island regardless of their credit history.

How Much Does the Rhode Island Constable Bond Cost?

The Rhode Island Constable bond costs just $100 per year or $10 per month.

How Does Rhode Island Define “Constable”?

According to the Rhode Island Code of Regulations, a constable is a peace officer with a limited set of policing authority. Certified constables are elected by their local residents and officially appointed by the Department of Business Regulation, Division of Commercial Licensing. Their duties typically include serving warrants, citations, and other processes, as well as notifying citizens of town meetings.

BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.

How Do Constables Become Appointed in Rhode Island?

Constables in Rhode Island must navigate several steps to obtain approval for appointment by the Department of Business Regulation, Division of Commercial Licensing. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the Department’s Constables webpage for details on the process.

Appointment Period – Constables in Rhode Island may hold an office term of two years.

Step 1 – Purchase Surety Bond

Constables in Rhode Island must purchase and maintain a $10,000 surety bond for the entirety of their appointment term.

Step 2 – Fulfill Application Requirements

A completed Rhode Island Certified Constable Application must be submitted to the Department of Business Regulation for review. In addition, the following documents must be included:

• Complete work history/resume
• Criminal history record
• Two letters of recommendation from attorneys licensed to practice law in Rhode Island
• Letter of recommendation from a Training Constable
• Proof of completion of one of the following: 60 hours of earned credit from an accredited college, university, or institution; or 4 years of honorable military service; or 20 years of honorable service with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency
• Proof of United States citizenship
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license
• Proof of successful completion of unlawful drug use screening
• Proof of successful completion of psychological testing performed by a professional licensed to administer psychological testing
• Two passport-style photographs

How Do Constables in Rhode Island Renew Their Appointments?

Constables in Rhode Island are appointed for office for a term of two years. Prior to the expiration date, a renewal application and fee of $400 must be submitted to the Department of Business Regulation.

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Constables in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island does not require constables to purchase any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to being sworn into office. However, constables must purchase and maintain a surety bond.

How Do Constables in Rhode Island File Their Bonds?

Rhode Island constables should submit their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney when submitting their appointment applications to the Department of Business Regulation, Division of Commercial Licensing (see the mailing address listed below).

            Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
            Division of Commercial Licensing
            1511 Pontiac Ave, Bldg. 69-1
            Cranston, RI 02920

The surety bond requires signatures from the surety company, as well as the constable. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• The legal name of the individual buying the bond
• Surety company’s name 
• Date the bond is signed

What Can Rhode Island Constables Do to Avoid a Claim Against Their Surety Bond?

To avoid claims against their bonds, constables in Rhode Island must follow all regulations regarding their appointed position, including some of the most important issues below that tend to cause claims:

• Misrepresentation
• Negligence
• Misfeasance
• Malfeasance
• Fraud

What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Constables in Rhode Island?

Most governing institutions will purchase liability insurance covering losses pertaining to a constable committing fraud, negligence, or misconduct. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue any other types of insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.

How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for Constable Customers in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island conveniently provides a public database to search for active constables in the state. The database can be accessed here. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.