R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-11-12: Arrest of violators — Detention of merchandise.

Any state police officer, any police officer of any city or town who has probable cause to believe a person has violated the provisions of this chapter, and any deputy sheriff, town sergeant, or town constable within his or her precinct who has probable cause to believe a person has violated the provisions of this chapter, may arrest that person, and may also detain any goods, wares, or other merchandise that the arrested person has with him or her at the time of his or her arrest, for the purpose of hawking and peddling; and the arresting officer detaining the goods, wares, or merchandise shall be allowed a reasonable compensation for the safekeeping and care of the merchandise and property, to be taxed in the costs of prosecution and conviction for the offense.