CANTON, MASS. — Michael Daniels has been elected unanimously by the Select Board as the new Chief of Police in Canton.
Daniels is from Worcester and oversaw a department of 35 in Oxford.
He worked as an administrative lieutenant for Westborough for almost 23 years, and oversaw engagement, records management, and also served as the public information officer.
Canton has not had a permanent chief since Helena Rafferty retired back in June.
Under her leadership, Canton Police faced scrutiny, controversy, and criticism - her tenure started just months after the body of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe was found outside a Fairview Road home.
The news of her retirement came the same day as opening statements in the retrial of Karen Read, who was accused of killing O’Keefe and would later be found not guilty.
Joseph Perkins has been serving as the interim chief in the meantime.
The Canton Police Department would later undergo an audit, which was commissioned in result of O’Keefe’s death.
The audit conducted by 5 Stones Intelligence, found that although there were mistakes, there was no evidence of corruption or tampering.
Rafferty’s tenure as chief was marked by the controversial case against Karen Read, O’Keefe’s girlfriend who was acquitted of his murder after a second trial.
The select board renewed Rafferty’s contract during Read’s first trial in 2024, and the news of her retirement came the same day as opening statements in Read’s retrial.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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