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Photo courtesy Town of Canton. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Town of Canton's Select Board chose Michael K. Daniels to be the next full-time leader of the Canton Police Department.
1-01-2026 12:19pm
Town of Canton Announces a Change Leader as New Chief of Canton Police
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Canton's Select Board announced on December 31, 2025 that it has unanimously chosen Oxford Police Chief Michael K. Daniels as the Town of Canton's new police chief, with a swearing-in anticipated in February 2026.
The board's announcement describes Chief Daniels as a leader of change in police organizations. As head 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 percent, increased community engagement, and created a Career Growth & Development plan.
"I've built my reputation on setting expectations, holding people accountable, and mentoring the next generation of leaders," said Chief Daniels.
He will succeed Interim Police Chief Joseph Perkins, who joined the police department in June 2025 following the retirement of Chief Helena Rafferty.
Chief Rafferty retired from the department on June 30, when her contract expired and following the June 20th filing of a lawsuit against her by two Wrentham residents. The complainants alleged that Chief Rafferty struck one of them as he attempted to cross an intersection in Wrentham on February 16, 2024.
Chief Rafferty headed the Canton Police during the Karen Read trial, which became a national news story. Ms. Read's supporters voiced doubts over the integrity of law enforcement that included Canton Police, who were involved in prosecuting Ms. Read for the death of Ms. Read's boyfriend, Boston Police officer John O'Keefe.
Before joining the Oxford Police, Chief Daniels worked his way up the ranks of the Westborough Police Department as patrol sergeant and then administrative lieutenant where he managed community engagement, public information, the public safety communications center, internal affairs, procurement, and animal control. He brings 26 years of policing experience to his new role, along with leadership from running a 40-person agency.
"Chief Daniels' resume reflected exactly the sort of experience we were looking for," said Select Board Chair John McCourt in announcing the hire.
Canton Select Board's hiring process included a community forum in September to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders, written exercises, oral interviews and resume review, and an executive-level assessment center.
The board acknowledged the candidacy of Canton Police Lieutenant Charles Rae, whom the board described as a competitive candidate. However, the board said, "Chief Daniels' obvious command presence, communications skills and experience leading the Oxford Police Department simply set him apart from the other candidates who participated in the hiring process."
Thanks to the Town of Canton for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.
