![[CREDIT: CCRI] CCRI has named former PPD Chief Paul King its new Director of Public Safety.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/King-CCRI-Public-Safety-Director.jpeg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
![[CREDIT: CCRI] CCRI has named former PPD Chief Paul King its new Director of Public Safety.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/King-CCRI-Public-Safety-Director-336x313.jpeg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
WARWICK, RI —- The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has hired former Pawtucket Police Chief Paul King as its new Director of Public Safety & Chief of Police, effective Aug. 25.
King brings more than four decades of experience in law enforcement and public safety leadership to CCRI, including seven years as Chief of Police for the Pawtucket Police Department and, most recently, serving as Director of Public Safety at Curry College in Massachusetts.
In the role, King will oversee public safety operations across all CCRI campuses, ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. He will lead strategic planning efforts around emergency preparedness, security technology, officer training, and community engagement, while working closely with local, state, and federal partners.
“Chief King’s extensive experience and community-first approach to public safety will be an invaluable asset to CCRI,” said Rosemary A. Costigan, President of CCRI. “We are confident in his ability to strengthen our campus safety operations and continue building a culture of trust and preparedness.”
During his tenure in Pawtucket, King oversaw more than 200 personnel, spearheaded the department’s accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), and implemented data-driven approaches to policing and crime prevention. At Curry College, he directed campus safety operations for two campuses, coordinated Clery Act compliance, enhanced emergency response systems, and expanded community engagement initiatives.
Chief King holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bryant University. He has completed extensive professional training in crisis intervention, Clery Act compliance, and emergency management, and is skilled in de-escalation.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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