R.I. Gen. Laws § 13-5-3: Appointment, removal, and duties of matrons.

The police chief of every city or town shall appoint at least one woman who shall be known as a police matron. The public safety commission of the city of Providence shall appoint at least two (2) women who shall be known as police matrons. A police matron shall not be appointed for any definite term, but may hold office until removal. She may be removed at any time for cause by the appointing body, by a written order stating the cause of removal. Police matrons shall assist with the confinement of all female prisoners.