Expands the definition of peace officers to include juvenile program workers and shift coordinators at the department of youth, children and families.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would expand the legal definition of "peace officer" in Rhode Island to include juvenile program workers and shift coordinators who work at the Department of Youth, Children and Families (DCYF). Currently, the term "peace officer" covers roles like police officers and certain other law enforcement personnel. This bill would add these specific DCYF employees to that category.

Being classified as a peace officer comes with certain legal authorities and responsibilities, such as the ability to make arrests and take other official actions to maintain order and safety. For juvenile program workers and shift coordinators at DCYF — who work directly with young people in youth detention or residential facilities — this designation would give them clearer legal authority to carry out their duties in managing and supervising juveniles in their care.

The bill primarily affects employees who work in juvenile facilities under DCYF, as well as the young people housed in those facilities. It could also have implications for how incidents at these facilities are handled legally. The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.