R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-26-2: Legislative findings and purpose.

The general assembly recognizes and declares that: crime and delinquency are essentially state and local problems; crime and delinquency are complex social phenomena requiring the attention and efforts of the criminal justice system, state, and local governments, and private citizens alike; the establishment of appropriate goals, objectives, and standards for the reduction of crime and delinquency and for the administration of justice must be a priority concern; the functions of the criminal justice system must be coordinated more efficiently and effectively; the full and effective use of resources affecting state and local criminal justice systems requires the complete cooperation of state and local government agencies; and training research, evaluation, technical assistance, and public education activities must be encouraged and focused on the improvement of the criminal justice system and the generation of new methods for the prevention and reduction of crime and delinquency.