NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the next steps the city is taking to hire a new police chief, which includes establishing a candidate screening committee. New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira retired in May after serving in the position since 2021. He was deputy chief prior to becoming chief. MORE: New Bedford police chief to retire in May "New Bedford deserves a police chief who can establish an organizational culture that will enable our officers to sustain the recent improvements in public safety and command the trust of our city's residents," Mitchell said. "This is an exciting opportunity for an aspiring law enforcement leader to make a major difference in a city that is on the rise." These are the members of the screening committee: Retired Assistant U.S. Attorney of Massachusetts Christopher Bator City Councilman Brian Gomes Reliable Bus Company President Margarita Graham President of the New Bedford NAACP Renee Ledbetter City Councilman Shawn Oliver Retired Chief Justice on the Massachusetts Court of Appeals Phillip Rapoza Retired Massachusetts State Trooper David Reis Clark's Point Neighborhood Association President Celeine Saraiva Former Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen O'Toole Former Chief of Staff of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Robert Wasserman A committee of the same nature was not in place when Oliveira was promoted from deputy chief since he was selected from within the department, which is common, Jonathan Darling, a spokesperson for Mitchell told 12 News. Currently, the deputy chief position is also vacant, Darling said. The committee announcement also comes after an investigative report by the Boston Globe that Oliveira was investigated by the FBI. The city's police department has since put out a response that can be found online. The city said the position will be posted online next week. The committee will interview who they believe are the most qualified candidates, the city said, and will then recommend finalists for Mitchell to do interviews with. A salary for the position will compare with neighboring cities. Oliveira's salary was $209,000, Darling said. The next police chief will also need to live in the city "within a reasonable period" after starting, according to Darling. The length of time is to be determined. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less