LEWISTON- After nearly a quarter-century with the Lewiston Police Department, Carly Conley has been sworn in as the city’s first female Chief of Police.
The announcement was made during a Monday press conference, where Conley stood surrounded by members of the LPD.
City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath said he chose Conley due to her “wealth of professional experience” and her “deep understanding of this community, its people, and the challenges we face.”
Addressing a packed Council Chambers, Kaenrath noted that the city received applications from around the country, and ultimately chose Conley after hearing from residents, business owners, and community groups.
Kaenrath considers the police chief position to be both a “great challenge and a great opportunity.”
He said about Conley, “Carly has earned the respect of her peers, and the confidence of this administration through her steady leadership, sound judgment, and quiet determination. She approaches her work with humility and a strong sense of purpose.”
When David St. Pierre announced his retirement as police chief in August, Kaenrath told the public that he would form a search committee to aide in the process.
Dunkins Pierre, a member of that search committee who works closely with the city’s youth, said that the committee approached their task with rigor. “I’m proud to say we found exactly what we were seeking in our new police chief, Carly Conley.”
Pierre noted that Conley has been with the department for almost 25 years, serving in “nearly every police role.”
“She’s raised her family here, invested in our neighborhoods, and built lasting relationships, giving her a unique understanding of our community,” Pierre said.
Mayor Carl Sheline told the crowd that Conley represents exactly the kind of leadership Lewiston needs now.
“She is steady, capable, and deeply committed to Lewiston,” Sheline said.
“As mayor, I am confident that Chief Conley will guide this department with integrity, with compassion, and with an unwavering commitment to fairness.”
During the ceremony, Conley was sworn in by Deputy City Clerk Kelly Brooks.
Conley herself addressed the crowd, thanking the people of Lewiston for placing their trust in her.
“Being your police chief is a privilege, and I recognize the responsibilities that come with that. I commit to fostering a partnership with the community that is built on transparency, fairness, accountability, and mutual respect.”
“Trust must be earned and re-earned every day,” she said.
Conley praised officers and department leaders of past and present.
“You are the heart of our agency. Every day, you walk into uncertainty and danger for the safety and wellbeing of our citizens,” she said. “I promise to lead for you, with you, and alongside you.”
Conley stated that she is “committed to a policing strategy that prioritizes public safety through the responsible use of prevention, intervention, support, and enforcement.”
As head of the police department, the new Chief will “prioritize training, wellness, technology, and strategies that help us proactively protect this city.”
Conley envisions a department that “places value in the wellness of its officers and all personnel.”
The Chief said that she wants the department to be visible, accessible, and engaged. This means officers in the neighborhoods, working with residents, building trust day by day.
“I believe that if we continue to expand on the strong existing relationships with our community partners and residents, both those that have been in Maine for generations and those that are new to calling Maine home, we can make Lewiston a safe city for all.”
According to a press release from the city, Conley was first hired as a patrol officer in 2001. She was promoted to detective in 2012, and to lieutenant in 2022. Conley “has served in nearly every operational and administrative capacity at the Lewiston Police Department.”
A video recording of the swearing-in ceremony can be found by clicking here.