New Police Chief

(Saugus, MA) June 22, 2020 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is pleased to announce the appointment of Saugus Police Lieutenant Michael Ricciardelli as the Town of Saugus’ new Police Chief.  Chief Ricciardelli was officially sworn in to the position on Monday, June 22nd. 

Ricciardelli was carefully chosen as Police Chief after an extensive selection process was conducted in order to select the most highly-qualified individual to perform all the duties required of a Police Chief in Saugus.  The process was used to identify the individual who has the management style and values that are most compatible with the needs of the community and the Police department.

“It is an honor and a privilege to appoint Chief Michael Ricciardelli to the role of Saugus Police Chief,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “Michael possesses leadership qualities and is motivated to effectuate change, both organizationally and within the culture, with the goal of moving the department in the direction of providing and delivering improved public safety and services to the residents of Saugus.”

The Town of Saugus engaged BadgeQuest, a public safety consulting firm staffed by highly experienced individuals with a deep commitment to public safety, to design and administer a candidate assessment process. BadgeQuest reviewed all relevant department documents pertaining to the requisite knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics required of the Saugus Police Chief and conducted a job analysis of the Police Chief position.

A formal Police Chief Assessment was then held to evaluate qualified candidates on their leadership, planning and organizing, writing, oral communication, decision-making, interpersonal relations, and administrative and management skills. BadgeQuest compiled all data and made a professional recommendation that was provided to the Town in the way of a score.

In addition, a comprehensive organizational needs and staffing analysis of the Saugus Police Department was recently completed in order to strengthen the structure and effectiveness within the department, improve and streamline services to residents and increase safety within the community. This organizational needs and staffing analysis will be a guide for Chief Ricciardelli and the police department. 

Ricciardelli, who was determined by BadgeQuest to be the best fit for the position, has played an integral role in the Saugus Police Department for 25 years. For the past eight years he has served as Lieutenant. Prior to that, Ricciardelli was a Sergeant for two years, and a Patrol Officer for 15 years before that Ricciardelli also worked as a Corrections Officer at the Essex County Sheriff’s Department for several years.

Ricciardelli is an instructor at the Municipal Police Training Committee, where he teaches courses on firearms, legal issues, dealing with the psychologically impaired and applied patrol procedure. He is also a member of the Honor Guard and the Special Operations Unit.

Ricciardelli holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Salem State College. In addition, he is a Trilogy Graduate in FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association) Executive Leadership.

“I want to congratulate Michael and his family on this great achievement. I look forward to seeing all that Michael will undoubtedly accomplish in his new role and working together to continue to move the Town of Saugus forward,” concluded Town Manager Crabtree.

Please contact the Town Manager’s office at 71-231-4111 with any questions.