R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-9.5-3: Definitions.

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

(1) “State authorities” means the proper officials of the state 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 state police.

(2) “State police” means the full-time state police of the state of Rhode Island from the rank of trooper up to and including the rank of sergeant.