R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-15-4: Prosecutions by director of public welfare.

The director of public welfare of any town or city, or any officer in any town or city, performing the duties of the director of public welfare, may prosecute any person violating the provisions of any law, when given authority by law or ordinance to so prosecute. Whenever any prosecution takes place the director of public welfare is not required to give surety for the payment of costs.