BRISTOL, RI– Today, I am very pleased to announce the selection of former Cranston Police Commander, state agency administrator, and college adjunct professor Kevin M. Lynch to the role of Town of Bristol Chief of Police.
Mr. Lynch, who holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree in Justice Studies from Roger Williams University, retired in 2009 after a distinguished career with the Cranston Police Department, where he worked his way from Patrolman through the ranks to Commander (Lieutenant Colonel). During his time as the executive officer with the Cranston Police, Mr. Lynch oversaw many administrative duties including Office of Professional Standards, grant management, training, budgetary administration, and department adherence to nation police accreditation guidelines.
Immediately following his retirement from Cranston, Mr. Lynch took on the role of Deputy Director of the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) and presently serves as that agency’s Interim Administrator. Mr. Lynch also has long taught courses centering on criminal justice studies, including community policing, police administration, criminology, ethics and career leadership at Roger Williams University (Providence Campus), the Community College of Rhode Island and Bristol (Mass.) Community College.
Chief Lynch resides in the City of Cranston with his wife, Lynn, a Cranston public-school teacher, along with their two children Justin and Cianna.
The Town of Bristol is working closely with Mr. Lynch to ensure a smooth transition from the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers to the Bristol Police Department. In the coming weeks, the Town of Bristol will announce a formal swearing-in ceremony, where the Change of Command will take place.
Thank you to the members of the Town of Bristol Personnel Board and the residents that served on the Police Chief Candidate Evaluation Panel. Finally, I wish to thank all of the dedicated law enforcement professionals that put their names forward for consideration.
On behalf of the Town of Bristol, I wish to congratulate Kevin Lynch and look forward to welcoming him in the near future.
Town Administrator