R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-16-5: Liability for neglect in serving process.

Every town sergeant or town constable who neglects or refuses to serve any process issuing from lawful authority, directed to him or her to serve and execute, or who is guilty of neglect or misfeasance in executing the duties of his or her office (having in all civil cases, paid or tendered unto him or her, his or her legal fees, if he or she demands legal fees for serving and executing the process), is liable to the party aggrieved for the damages that he or she has sustained by the neglect, refusal, or misfeasance.