Michael Williams to Serve as Gloucester’s Interim Police Chief

GLOUCESTER — The Gloucester Police Department shares that Michael Williams has been selected to serve as Interim Police Chief. 

Chief Williams was sworn in by the Gloucester City Clerk, Grace Poirier, on Feb. 27. 

Chief Williams brings with him three decades of law enforcement experience, having served with the Gloucester Police Department since 1996. Most recently, he served as Acting Deputy Police Chief from July 2025 to February 2026. 

Chief Williams has more than a decade of experience in leadership roles, previously serving as a Lieutenant. He also has a background in investigations and evidence management. Before joining the Gloucester Police Department, he served as a Military Police Investigator in the U.S. Air Force.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Salem State College, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He is also a graduate of the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council Police Academy, where he earned the highest academic honor.

Chief Williams has also completed advanced training in crisis intervention, internal affairs investigations, active shooter incident management, and executive leadership for command staff.

“It is a great honor to serve as Chief of Police for the City of Gloucester,” said Interim Chief Williams. “I am committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and respect, and to working closely with our officers, city leaders, and residents to ensure that Gloucester remains a safe community.”

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