BRIDGEPORT –  In contrast to the last police chief search four years ago, Mayor Joe Ganim’s administration has announced the dates for public meetings with the three finalists for Chief of Police: Captain Lonnie Blackwell, former Captain Roderick Porter, and Acting Chief Rebeca Garcia.

From Our Statement: “We’re glad that Mayor Ganim conceded to our demands from four years ago and is giving the community the opportunity to vet the three finalists in the latest Police Chief search.

Given that his choice to appoint Armando “AJ” Perez represented his “best judgement” in 2018 we know Bridgeporters are eager to weigh in and hear for themselves who the candidates are, what’s their vision is and what best practices they will employ to transform our police department.

The work of the new Chief is the same now as it was then – to effectively transform the department’s culture: from one steeped in racism, abuse, corruption, and misconduct to one that takes seriously the task of becoming an ethical and transparent department committed to protecting Bridgeporters safety and well-being – specifically our young, Black men.

We look forward to engaging all three finalists at the public forums.

Read more in The Connecticut Post, “Bridgeport unveils plan for public to meet police chief finalists” by Brian Lockhart, 9/28/22

 The Police Chief Selection Timeline is as follows:

  • October 11th: Community Forum at Central High School @ 6pm
  • October 13th: City Council Forum at City Council Chambers @ 6pm
  • October 18th: Community Forum at Harding High School @ 6pm
  • October 20th: Meeting with City Department Heads and Members of the Bridgeport Legislative Delegation at City Hall Annex (Time TBD)
  • Late October/Early November: Mayor will interview the top 3 candidates
  • By Mid-November: Mayor will announce his choice for Chief of Police

The two community forums on Oct. 11th and Oct. 18th will allow Bridgeport residents and stakeholders the opportunity to ask questions of the top 3 candidates. These forums will both be streamed on Facebook live.

On Oct. 13th, there will also be a Special Meeting of the City Council to interview the top 3
candidates in the City Council Chamber. The public is able to attend, but only members of the Council will be able to ask questions.

Finally, The City of Bridgeport has established an email address (policechiefsearch@bridgeportct.gov) in which elected officials and members of the public may provide feedback to the Mayor on the top 3 candidates. People may also submit feedback in writing by sending it to the Office of the Mayor at 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Feedback will be accepted until October 28th.

More information on the background of the forum may be found on the City’s website at www.bridgeportct.gov/BPDChief2022.