R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-9-26: Precept after disobedience of writ.

Upon the refusal or neglect of the person to whom the writ of habeas corpus is directed, the court may also issue a precept to any officer, or other person designated in the writ, commanding him or her to bring immediately before the court the person for whose benefit the writ of habeas corpus was issued, and the prisoner shall be thereupon discharged, bailed or remanded, in like manner as if he or she had been brought in upon the writ of habeas corpus.