Public Invited To Meet With Newport Police Chief Finalists

NEWPORT, RI — Newport residents are invited to a special public forum to hear from the two finalists in the city's search for its next police chief.

Former Newport Police Chief Gary Silva retired in February after 12 years at the helm of the department. Since then, Capt. Ryan Duffy, a 22-year veteran of the Newport Police Department, has served as interim police chief while the search for a new police chief is underway.

The forum, which is slated to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Newport City Council Chamber, is intended to provide residents an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on topics including community policing, quality of life concerns, and their overall vision for the department.

Following an initial application period, four candidates were chosen to participate in interviews. Duffy and Lt. Michael Naylor were ultimately named finalists for the position, which the city is hoping to fill by the start of summer.

Keith W. Stokes, the executive director of the 1696 Heritage Group and a longtime civic leader, will moderate the forum.

City staff will also provide an overview of an online community survey which asked participants about what they’d like to see in Newport’s next police chief.

The forum is open to the public and all are invited to attend. For those unable to make it in-person, the proceedings will also be available for live and on-demand viewing on the city’s website.