CPD ushers in a new era as Daniels sworn in as chief

New Canton police chief Michael Daniels is sworn in by Town Clerk Tracy Kenney on Tuesday night as Select Board members Chris Albert, Trish Boyden, JR McCourt, Mike Loughran and Sue Harrington look on. (Moira Sweetland photo)

In front of a packed audience in the Salah Meeting Room at Town Hall, with many of his family members and fellow police officers in attendance, Michael K. Daniels was officially sworn in as Canton’s newest police chief at the start of Tuesday’s Select Board meeting.

After taking the oath administered by Town Clerk Tracey Kenney and receiving a loud ovation, Daniels turned to the audience and made a promise to the Canton community, noting, “I will not let you down.”

“I’ve met with the [superintendent of schools]; I’ve met with a number of people prior to my start date tomorrow, and I already feel very much a part of the community,” he said. “And I’m going to be very clear about this, I’ve spoken to many members of the Canton Police Department, and they are ready for change … and I have their support.”

Daniels, who previously served as chief of police in the town of Oxford, was due to begin his appointment on Wednesday, assuming the post last held by Joseph Perkins, who led the department on an interim basis following the retirement of former chief Helena Rafferty. Daniels, like Rafferty before him, also makes history with his appointment, becoming the town of Canton’s first Black police chief.

Prior to serving as Oxford’s chief of police, Daniels served as a sergeant and later a lieutenant in the Westborough Police Department, where he managed community engagement, public information, internal affairs, procurement strategy, animal control, and the public safety communications center. During his interview with the Select Board, he assured board members that he knew how to steady an organization, set high standards, and guide the department through reform.

In his remarks on Tuesday, Daniels stressed that the CPD cannot move forward without the help of community leaders and stakeholders. “This is a collaboration,” he said. “And today’s not about me; it’s not about the community of Canton; and it’s not about Canton PD. It’s about all of us collectively moving forward.”

Daniels has a three-year contract and his salary, according to Town Administrator Charles Doody, is $232,500, which Doody said is comparable to the salaries of other area police chiefs.

Daniels said he plans to be “very visible” in the community and already had a chance to connect with Canton students at a recent Black history event. “I’m always available … and you will see that over my tenure here,” he said. “Thank you very much for this opportunity.”

During the public comment period later in the meeting, resident Brenda Sweeney said the selection of Daniels is a great day for Canton as the chief represents a “breath of fresh air” and a new start for the town.

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