Newport Begins Search For New Police Chief

NEWPORT, RI — Newport city officials on Thursday began their formal search process to replace outgoing Police Chief Gary Silva, who said he is retiring after 40 years with the department earlier this month.

Capt. Ryan Duffy, a 22-year veteran of the Newport Police Department, will serve as interim police chief while the search for a new police chief is underway. Duffy will take over after Silva's last day on Friday.

"As the first police department in the State of Rhode Island to implement the philosophy of Community Policing, problem-solving and working with the community has been a staple approach for the members of the Newport Police Department," a city spokesperson said. "In keeping with that mission, following an initial screening process, finalists will be asked to attend a community forum in order to provide the public with a chance to ask questions, and interact directly with the candidates."

Applications for the Newport police chief position are currently being accepted on an internal basis, and more details regarding the search process are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, town officials said.