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Image capture September 2023 from Google Maps. Pictured is signage outside the Canton Police Department building in Canton, MA.
6-27-2025 12:49am
Days after a Lawsuit Complaint is Filed against Canton's Chief of Police, Canton Select Board Appoints an Interim Chief
Darlene Cancell
Editor
On Tuesday, June 24th, Canton Select Board has announced that Joseph Perkins, the recently retired chief of the Middleborough Police Department, will serve as Interim Police Chief of the Canton Police Department, taking over from Helena Rafferty, Canton's first female chief of police whose contract ends on June 30, 2025.
Canton Select Board’s announcement comes just days after the June 20th filing of a lawsuit complaint by two Wrentham residents against Chief Rafferty. Michael Barry and Dianne Barry allege that Rafferty was driving a motor vehicle that struck Mr. Barry while he attempted to cross an intersection in Wrenthem on February 16, 2024.
Rafferty has headed the Canton Police during the Karen Read trial which has recently concluded. Ms. Read's supporters voiced doubts over the integrity of law enforcement, including members of Canton Police, who were involved in prosecuting Ms. Read for the death of Boston Police officer John O'Keefe. Rafferty succeeded Ken Berkowitz, who retired as chief of Canton Police Department in June 2022.
Four members of Canton Select Board unanimously appointed Perkins as Canton's Interim Police Chief. He recently retired as chief of Middleborough Police in September 2024, after 35 years in law enforcement.
"Joseph Perkins has demonstrated – over the course of a long and well-regarded career in law enforcement – both the competence and the steadiness required to lead with clarity and purpose,” said Select Board Chair John McCourt. “As interim chief, he has expressed a clear commitment to open lines of communication, both within the department and with the residents of Canton. We believe his leadership will provide stability and thoughtful direction during this important period.”
Perkins began his career as a provisional police officer in Middleborough in 1989, and followed that with service in the Mattapoisett and Lakeville police departments. He rejoined the Middleborough Police Department as an officer in 2000. He became a detective in 2001 and was promoted to detective sergeant in 2009, and then to lieutenant in 2012. He served as head of the detective division until he was selected as chief of police later that year.
He graduated from the FBI National Academy as part of Class 242 in 2010 with a course of study that included public speaking, conflict resolutions, leadership, ethics and interpersonal communications.
"We are very fortunate to have found someone of Chief Perkins' caliber to step into this role at a pivotal time for the department, said Town Administrator Charles Doody. "He is a highly respected law enforcement professional, known for his sound judgement and steady leadership. Chief Perkins comes to us with strong recommendations and a clear understanding of what is needed to guide and manage the department effectively in the months ahead. His presence will allow us to move forward with confidence as we undertake the careful process of selecting a permanent police chief."
Canton Select Board anticipates that its nationwide search for a new police chief will take approximately six months. It plans to use the assistance of a firm to lead the search and plans to incorporate community input.
Thanks to the Town of Canton for contributing information for this Westwood Minute article.
