Rhode Island General Laws Title 12. Criminal Procedure § 12-5.2-4. Assistance in installation and use of pen register or a trap and trace device

(a) Upon the request of the attorney general, assistant attorney general, or law enforcement officer authorized to install and use a pen register under this chapter, a provider of wire communication service shall immediately furnish the attorney general, assistant attorney general, or law enforcement officer all information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the installation of the pen register unobtrusively, and with a minimum of interference with the services that the person so ordered by the court accords the party with respect to whom the installation and use is to take place, if the assistance is directed by a court order as provided in § 12-5.2-3.

(b) Upon the request of the attorney general, assistant attorney general, or an officer of a law enforcement agency authorized to receive the results of a trap and trace device under this chapter, a provider of a wire communication service shall immediately install the device on the appropriate line and shall furnish the investigative or law enforcement officer all additional information, facilities, and technical assistance including installation and operation of the device unobtrusively and with a minimum of interference with the services that the person so ordered by the court accords the party with respect to whom the installation and use is to take place, if the installation and assistance is directed by a court order as provided in § 12-5.2-3. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the results of the trap and trace device shall be furnished to the attorney general, assistant attorney general, or officer of a law enforcement agency, designated by the court, at reasonable intervals during regular business hours for the duration of the order.

(c) A provider of a wire communication service who furnishes facilities or technical assistance pursuant to this section shall be reasonably compensated for reasonable expenses incurred in providing these facilities and assistance.

(d) No cause of action shall lie in any court against any provider of a wire communication service, its officers, employees, or agents, or other specified persons for providing information, facilities, or assistance in accordance with the terms of a court order under this chapter.

(e) Good faith reliance on a court order, a legislative authorization, or a statutory authorization shall be an absolute defense against any civil or criminal action brought pursuant to this chapter or any other law.