R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-17: Witnesses before department — Report of findings.

The department shall have the power in hearings and trials arising under §§ 31-5-1 — 31-5-20 to determine the place where the hearing shall be held, to subpoena witnesses, to take depositions of witnesses residing without the state in the manner provided for in civil actions in courts of record, to pay witnesses the fees and the mileage for their attendance as is provided for witnesses in civil actions in courts of record, and to administer oaths. Whenever a hearing or trial shall be held before any authorized representative of the licensor, the representative shall report his or her findings in writing to the licensor which shall then make its ruling and orders.