R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-9.2-3: Definitions.

As used in this chapter the following terms, unless the context requires a different interpretation, have the following meanings:

(1) “Corporate authorities” means the proper officials within any city or town whose duty or duties it is to establish the wages, salaries, rates of pay, hours, working conditions, and other terms and conditions of employment of police officers, whether they are the mayor, city manager, town manager, town administrator, city council, town council, director of personnel, personnel board or commission, or by whatever other name they may be designated, or any combination thereof.

(2) “Police officer” means a full-time police officer from the rank of patrolman up to and including the rank of chief, including policewomen, of any particular police department in any city or town within the state.