WOONSOCKET — The possibility that the Rhode Island State Police will temporarily take over the embattled Police Department may be at hand.

Mayor Susan D. Menard has scheduled a news conference at police headquarters today during which she and Col. Brendan P. Doherty of the Rhode Island State Police are expected to make a joint announcement.

Council members here said that, although they have not been apprised of what is to occur today, it seems likely that Menard and Doherty will announce the state police takeover. At least, that is what they are hoping.

The news conference comes a day after Chief Michael A. Houle submitted notice of his retirement after 29 years on the force. He announced his retirement four days after his ex-wife, Marsha Bish, alleged that he and Deputy Chief Richard Dubois had changed test scores on police exams in 2004 so that she could get on the force. Bish is a former patrolwoman who resigned from the police last Friday. An internal investigation of Bish’s allegations is being conducted.

Menard placed Dubois in charge of the department Monday, but later in the day Dubois was taken to the Landmark Medical Center emergency room for what appeared to be chest pains. Council members said they had not received word from the mayor on Dubois’ health status or his status in the Police Department. Two council members said they heard Dubois’ mother call talk radio to say her son had chest discomfort and went to see a cardiologist.

Menard refused comment yesterday and forbade police officers to talk to the media. It was not known who was running the Police Department yesterday, although two council members said they had been told that three captains had been put in charge.

Councilman John F. Ward said that the news conference probably means that Menard will ask the state police to run the department while the city looks for a new police chief.

“In light of the deputy chief’s health question or health issue and then the fact that he is in fact under investigation himself and has problems with lack of support from the council and lack of support from the staff on the Police Department, it’s probably for the better that the mayor asks the state police to step in,” Ward said.

“I’m just hopeful that we are at the beginning of a period where we can change the tone of the operation of the Police Department. I think there will be some stability with the state police if that is what’s going to happen. That person can be a calming force while we do a search [for a new chief]. He may even provide some guidance in the selection process,” Ward said.

Yesterday, the council gave passage to an ordinance that will place the police chief in the category of a classified employee, according to council President Leo T. Fontaine. This sets up a job description for the chief and requirements of the job. It also stipulates that a seven-member search committee must be formed including council members, community members, a representative of the mayor and a law enforcement official. The committee will submit three top candidates to the mayor. The candidates would also be subject to testing and interviews. Menard promoted Houle to chief in 2005 without such a process, council members have said.

Councilwoman Suzanne J. Vadenais, said that Dubois’ mother had told WNRI radio that her son went to Landmark for chest discomfort and later went to see a cardiologist. “I forgot who told me, but I think right now he is out on sick time,” she said.

tpina@projo.com