**Lewiston Narrows Search for New Police Chief to Four Finalists**
Lewiston city officials confirmed Thursday that the search for a new police chief has been narrowed down to four candidates.
Following the retirement of longtime Police Chief David St. Pierre, City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath formed a seven-member committee to oversee the selection process. This panel includes a district attorney, school superintendent, youth justice specialist, and several community professionals.
After extensive committee work and public listening sessions, an initial field of 18 candidates was trimmed to seven fully qualified individuals, before narrowing further to the four finalists. The candidates, whose names have not yet been publicly released, come from Maine and across the country, including the Midwest and mid-Atlantic states, Kaenrath shared in an email.
Chief St. Pierre retired after 33 years with the Lewiston Police Department and was recently nominated to serve as Maine’s next U.S. Marshal.
### Community Input Shapes the Search
Following St. Pierre’s retirement announcement in August, the city held multiple listening sessions to gather public input. Residents voiced strong priorities for the new chief, emphasizing the need to build trust and transparency, especially within immigrant and minority neighborhoods affected by concerns over systemic racism in policing.
Others expressed the desire for a chief who will be visible in neighborhoods, increase foot and bicycle patrols, and work closely with community elders.
### Public Engagement as a Top Priority
Kaenrath highlighted that one of the biggest takeaways from the public sessions is the strong community desire for more opportunities to engage with city leadership and share their concerns.
“My sense is there are a lot of people who want to tell city leadership their thoughts and concerns, but they feel as though they don’t always have a forum to make their voices heard,” he said.
Public safety remains a critical issue throughout Lewiston. Kaenrath noted that many residents and visitors do not feel safe, particularly in the downtown area, sharing that he has heard numerous personal stories illustrating people’s fears.
### A Commitment to Listening and Rebuilding Trust
Kaenrath emphasized the importance of understanding resident expectations for their new police chief. In a Thursday opinion piece, he wrote that rebuilding public trust “requires more than a single conversation.”
Feedback collected from listening sessions will continue to guide the search. Through ongoing dialogue and partnership, Lewiston aims to select a police chief capable of driving success for the city.
“We will not only find a new chief of police who serves our city with skill and humility, but also take a meaningful step toward a stronger, more united Lewiston,” Kaenrath wrote. “That means listening more. It means owning mistakes. And it means being willing to adjust course when the expectations of the public are not being met.”
### Upcoming Announcement and Continued Community Dialogue
City officials are planning a news conference to announce the new police chief, Kaenrath said. He added that public sessions, similar to the ongoing listening sessions, will be held with the new chief to maintain open communication with the community.
Lewiston’s commitment to transparency and public engagement marks a hopeful chapter in strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/30/search-for-new-lewiston-police-chief-down-to-4-finalists-officials-say/