Police chief to leave as summer starts

Block Island is dropping its police chief because the summer season tourism season kicks into gear, and the island’s conventional summer season assist from the Rhode Island State Police is up within the air.

Matthew C. Moynihan, the police chief for New Shoreham since 2021, has been appointed police chief in South Kingstown, South Kingstown’s city supervisor introduced in a information launch Tuesday.

Moynihan, who served with the Rhode Island State Police for twenty-four years earlier than taking the job on Block Island, shall be sworn in to his new job on June 26, South Kingstown City Supervisor James M. Manni introduced Tuesday afternoon.

Moynihan is departing whereas Block Island continues to be attempting to resolve whether or not it’s going to get assist from the state police in patrolling the island this summer season. The city has previously obtained seasonal assist from the state police for free of charge, however the City Council final month refused the state’s request to pay $45,000 to assist pay for 2 troopers on weekends, the Block Island Occasions reported.

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Block Island has 1,500 year-round residents and might host some 20,000 guests a day in the summertime, in keeping with City Councilor Keith Stover.

“You’ll be able to think about the stress it places on our price range,” Stover mentioned.

New Shoreham officers are nonetheless in talks with Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island State Police Col. Darnell S. Weaver about getting state police assist this summer season, in keeping with Stover.

“I am fairly assured within the route we’re shifting,” Stover mentioned, declining to supply specifics.

Stover additionally mentioned that Moynihan has completed a superb job planning and is leaving the division in good condition. The division has 4 common officers, and a current improve within the price range will enable it so as to add officers and assign two officers to every shift for the primary time, Stover mentioned.

Moynihan has been “terrific right here. I am thrilled for him,” Stover mentioned.

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Manni referred to as Moynihan “a forward-thinking and modern legislation enforcement chief. I’ve recognized him for the higher a part of 25 years, and I’ve a substantial amount of respect for his professionalism and management.”

Manni can be a former member of the Rhode Island State Police, having served as colonel from 2019 till stepping right down to take the city supervisor submit, efficient Could 2.

Moynihan referred to as his new submit “a dream job.” He and his spouse moved to South Kingstown 23 years in the past and raised their household within the city, he mentioned.

jperry@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7614

On Twitter: @jgregoryperry

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