Portsmouth Police Chief to Retire Next Year

After 22 years of service to the Portsmouth community, Chief Stephen DuBois is announcing his retirement effective March 28, 2016, according to a press statement.

DuBois began his law enforcement career with the Hampton Police Department as a part-time officer before being hired by the University of New Hampshire as a part-time officer and as an Auxiliary Officer with Portsmouth Police Department.

In 1993 he was hired as a full-time Portsmouth Police patrol officer. He was promoted to detective, where in addition to investigating many of the city’s more serious crimes at the time, he focused on the department’s continued efforts to solve the city’s unsolved homicides. He rose up through the ranks in the various divisions within the department and served many roles on the Seacoast Emergency Response team to include commander.

DuBois will cooperate with the Portsmouth Police Commission to begin a nationwide search for his replacement. The chief and the Police Commission are in agreement that the chief’s successor should be the best candidate the city can find to lead the 110 person department.

DuBois, in a statement, offered wishes of thanks the men and woman of the police department for the many years of shared experiences making the city of Portsmouth a safe place for our residents and visitors. He looks forward to moving on to the next chapter in his life with his family and friends and the adventures that lay ahead.

Mayor Robert Lister, City Manager John Bohenko, and Police Commission Chairman John Golumb, also stated thanks for his years of dedicated service to the people of Portsmouth.