Newton police chief steps down after leave of absence

The chief of the Newton police has stepped down from his position after a four-month special leave of absence.

Chief John Carmichael’s resignation was effective Friday, according to an announcement by Netwon Mayor Ruthanne Fuller. Carmichael was appointed as the department’s 19th chief in June 2021. He has been on leave since May when he took personal leave to focus on his health.

“After more than 35 years of a life in public service, I have made the personal decision to embark on the next chapter of my life and career,” Carmichael wrote in a Facebook post on Friday afternoon. Carmichael said he decided to step down to focus on health, family, and other opportunities.

“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to be part of what I consider the noblest profession. Throughout my career, I’ve led hundreds of officers and ascended the ranks of the profession by embracing the philosophy of 21st Century Policing. From my early days on patrol to becoming a Police Chief, I’ve solved crimes, dismantled drug organizations, created innovative community engagement programs, managed critical incidents, and worked hard to build trust in the communities I’ve served,” Carmichael wrote.

In a public statement, Mayor Fuller expressed her respect and gratitude for Carmichael and noted that he had a positive impact on the police department.

“Chief Carmichael paid close attention to the recommendations of the Newton Police Reform Task Force and looked across Massachusetts and the country to prioritize 21st Century Policing that would be effective here in Newton,” she said.

Mayor Fuller said she is beginning the process of filling the Chief of Police position in accordance with the City of Newton Special Legislation. Acting Chief George McMains has filled in during Carmichael’s absence.

Chief Carmichael, along with the city of Newton and the Boston Athletic Association, was named in a federal lawsuit after an incident at the 2023 Boston Marathon, when Newton police responded to a group of spectators who were believed to have crossed the boundary onto the marathon course. The lawsuit alleged that officers racially profiled the spectators, most of whom were people of color. 

Carmichael defended the department’s response and was quoted in the Boston Globe as saying, “I stand by my decisions that day, and more importantly, I stand by our officers who acted appropriately, respectfully, and as expected.”