Lewiston swears in Carly Conley as police chief; city schedules public listening sessions on safety

Lewiston officials at a public ceremony announced and swore in Carly Conley as the new chief of the Lewiston Police Department and said the administration will hold two public listening sessions to gather community input on public safety.

Joe Grokmal of the city administrator's office opened the event, described it as a swearing-in ceremony and said the administration will hold two public listening sessions. He gave the date, time and location for the first session: Geiger Elementary, 601 College Street, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m. A second session's time and location will be confirmed in early December, Grokmal said.

An event speaker who led the selection remarks thanked community members and the Police Chief Search Advisory Committee for their role in the recruitment and announced the appointment of Lieutenant Carly Conley as chief. Duncan Pierre, a member of the advisory committee, said the group conducted a rigorous review and praised Conley's long service and local ties.

Conley was sworn in during the ceremony. In taking the oath she affirmed support for the U.S. Constitution, the Maine Constitution and the charter of the City of Lewiston. After the oath, Conley addressed the audience, saying she was "humbled and grateful to be appointed the Chief of the Lewiston Police Department" and that she accepted the role with "the deepest sense of commitment."

Conley outlined priorities for the department, saying she would "commit to fostering a partnership with the community that is built on transparency, fairness, accountability, and mutual respect." She described a policing strategy emphasizing prevention, intervention, support and enforcement, and said the department would prioritize officer wellness, training and technology while strengthening partnerships with schools, social services and mental health providers.

Speakers repeatedly emphasized community involvement in the selection process and urged residents to participate in the announced listening sessions. The ceremony closed with congratulations to the new chief and an invitation to attend upcoming public engagement events hosted by the chief and city staff.

The first public listening session is scheduled at Geiger Elementary, 601 College Street, on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; the second session's time and location will be confirmed by the city in early December.