Top candidate to become Block Island’s police chief withdraws name from consideration

NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WLNE) — The nominee to be the next chief of police for Block Island has withdrawn his candidacy.

During a town council meeting Thursday, Town Manager Mary Anne Crawford said Christopher High has took his name out of consideration for the post “due to personal reasons.”

High’s name was put forth last week by Crawford. He worked for Connecticut State Police for 24 years.

Crawford told ABC 6 News that they will re-advertise the position

She said that current interim chief, Rhode Island State Police Capt. Peter Chabot, is returning to resume his duties with state police next week, and that town and the council will appoint an interim chief in the meantime.

Chabot told ABC 6 last week that he did not apply for the permanent position.

The search for the next chief comes at a time when residents and council members have publicly raised concerns about excessive alcohol use on the island.