LEWISTON — Following an extensive national search that included public forums and an advisory committee, Lewiston ultimately found its next police chief from within its own ranks.

Carly Conley, a nearly 25-year veteran with the department, was announced as Lewiston’s new police chief and sworn-in during a packed ceremony at City Hall on Monday.

City administration, elected officials and those who served on the search committee said Conley’s experience, vision for the department, and connection to Lewiston matched what the community has asked for.

City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath, who led the search, said the message from residents was clear: “People want a chief who leads with fairness, humility and strength, someone who shows up, listens, and holds themselves and others accountable. Chief Carly Conley is that leader.”

Kaenrath, who has continually placed public safety as the city’s top priority, said the stakes were high in Lewiston for choosing the right candidate for the moment. During recent listening sessions, residents have pointed to downtown safety concerns, youth violence and a need to strengthen trust between police and the immigrant community.

“We knew this was not a choice we could afford to get wrong,” he said.

Dunkins Pierre, who served on the search committee and works with teens at Youth-LED Justice, said what set Conley apart is “her life beyond the badge.”

“She has raised her family here, invested in neighborhoods and built lasting relationships,” he said. “If we as a community can commit to showing up with the same dedication and care, I truly believe there is nothing we cannot overcome together.”

According to a city news release, Conley has served in nearly every operational and administrative capacity at the Lewiston Police Department, beginning in 2001 with years on patrol, then promoted to detective in 2012 and lieutenant in 2022.

After Conley was sworn in Monday, she said she was “humbled and grateful” for the appointment, and that she’s committed to a policing strategy that “prioritizes public safety through prevention, intervention, support and enforcement.”

She said her vision is “a police department that’s accessible and engaged — officers in the neighborhoods, working with residents, building trust day by day. A department that is fair, equitable and responsive to all members of the community regardless of background, language or circumstance.”

Mayor Carl Sheline said Conley “represents the best of Lewiston,” and that her selection is “a historic appointment.” Conley is the first female chief in the department’s 164-year history.

“Her deep roots in this city, her decades of service, and her commitment to fairness and accountability reflect the values we stand for,” he said.

Conley succeeds David St. Pierre, who announced his retirement Aug. 7. St. Pierre was with the department for more than 30 years, rising through the ranks to become chief in 2021, and has since been nominated to be Maine’s U.S. Marshal.

With nearly 90 police officers, Lewiston has the second-largest force in the state, and has more taskforce police officers assigned to federal partners than any other police department in Maine.

Conley will inherit a new police station and one of the state’s few nationally accredited police departments. She’ll also be tasked with leading the force as it contends with ongoing gun violence, strained community relations, and a frustrated public that expects results.

Conley said she plans to listen to the public, maintain open communication, and “lead by example with humility, fairness and decisiveness.”

“I believe together we can create a safer, more connected and more vibrant city for all,” she said.

Kaenrath said that through interviews and discussions with staff, it was clear that Conley had “earned the respect of her peers.”

“Carly leads by example, welcomes difficult conversations, and brings a calm, focused presence to every situation,” he said. “Her commitment to public safety is matched only by her understanding that lasting change in our city must be built on strong relationships and mutual trust.”

According to the news release, Conley previously served as the department’s domestic violence coordinator. She handled major investigations as detective, and then oversaw the community resource team as patrol sergeant. After being promoted to lieutenant, Conley oversaw accreditation compliance, departmentwide policy, citywide event planning and more.

Kaenrath said he and Conley will hold two public listening sessions, during which the public can share comments, ideas and hopes with Conley. The first session will be at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Geiger Elementary School.