Daniels sworn in as new Chief of Canton Police Department; here is what he had to say

CANTON — Michael K. Daniels was sworn in Tuesday night as the new Chief of the Canton Police Department during a Select Board meeting.

Daniels took the oath at Town Hall, administered by Town Clerk Tracy Kenney, formally beginning his tenure leading the department.

“I want to thank my family for their support and the members of this community for welcoming me,” Chief Daniels said. “Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to meet with residents and town leaders. It’s clear that this community cares deeply about its future. I already feel like a part of Canton, and I promise I won’t let you down. Our officers are ready to move forward, and we can’t do that without the community’s help. I’m committed to being visible, accessible and always available to the people we serve.”

On Dec. 30, 2025, the Canton Select Board voted unanimously to name Daniels the next Chief following an extensive search process.

Chief Daniels previously served as Chief of Police in Oxford and brings more than 26 years of policing experience, including leadership of a 40-person agency. 

As leader of the Oxford Police Department, he removed the department from Civil Service, implemented plans to regionalize the local communications center, cut citizen complaints by 70%, increased community engagement and created a Career Growth and Development Plan.

He also positioned the department for full accreditation, an important benchmark by which police departments strive to meet and exceed established best practices around the country.

He succeeds Interim Chief Joseph Perkins, who led the department during the transition following the retirement of Chief Helena Rafferty.

“We want to thank Interim Chief Perkins for his steady leadership heading the department during this period of transition,” said Select Board Chair John McCourt. “We are pleased to officially welcome Chief Daniels to the Town of Canton. From the moment he was appointed, he has shown a commitment to building relationships and being present in the community. We look forward to working with him as he leads the department forward.”