R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-11-211: Inspection power.

(a) Without previous notice, the director may examine or investigate in a manner reasonable under the circumstances the records, within or without this state, of a broker-dealer, sales representative, investment adviser, or investment adviser representative licensed by the state or entitled to an exemption from licensing as well as any person who may be acting as a broker, dealer, sales representative, investment adviser, or investment adviser representative without a license or exemption to engage in such activity(ies) in order to determine compliance with this chapter. Broker-dealers, sales representatives, investment advisers, and investment adviser representatives must make their records available to the director in legible form.

(b) The director may copy records or require a licensed person to copy records and provide the copies to the director to the extent and in a manner reasonable under these circumstances.

(c) The director may impose a reasonable fee for the expense of conducting an examination or an investigation under this section.

(d) Upon receipt of a report or complaint, the director may conduct an inspection to determine whether any violation or unlicensed activity has occurred.