R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-10-3: Employment of assistants by commissioner — Disobedience of orders.

The commissioner, if he or she thinks it is necessary, may employ persons to assist in preserving the property, may appoint guards to secure the property, and may suppress all tumults and disorders. If any person shall disobey any lawful order of the commissioner given in discharging the duties of his or her office, the person shall, for every offense, forfeit twenty dollars ($20.00), to be recovered in an action in the name of the commissioner to the use of the town.