METHUEN — Retiring Police Chief Scott McNamara will leave behind a legacy of reform, community involvement and diplomacy, according to city officials and colleagues.
“Always a class act,” said former Lawrence police officer and Methuen City Councilor Mike Simard. “Methuen was very lucky to get him.”
McNamara, 56, announced Monday he will retire Aug. 24 after serving five years as the city’s top cop and 32 years working in public service, according to a news release from the city.
McNamara said his retirement is the “natural progression” as he reaches full retirement eligibility, the release said. When reached for comment, McNamara said he “wholeheartedly” rejects the narrative that his departure is related to a recent public disagreement over budgetary priorities with Mayor D.J. Beauregard.
McNamara and Beauregard have typically maintained a united front during their time working together, frequently praising each other’s leadership and reform efforts.
“Chief McNamara is leaving the Methuen Police Department stronger than he found it,” Beauregard said in the release. “He led the department through a period of significant change, helped guide it beyond one of the most challenging chapters in its history, and championed reforms that modernized the organization and strengthened public trust.”
McNamara was appointed in 2021 by former Mayor Neil Perry. He previously served as a captain with the Lawrence Police Department.
McNamara thanked Beauregard, Perry and others in the announcement.
“I am profoundly grateful to former Mayor Neil Perry, who selected me for this position. Neil was far more than a boss to me; he was a true friend and a valued mentor,” he said. “I will never forget the trust he placed in me or the wisdom and guidance he shared. His belief in me changed the course of my career, and his memory continues to inspire me every day.”
McNamara’s selection as chief came at a chaotic time for the Police Department. He replaced Joseph Solomon, who is set to go trial this fall on charges that include criminal fraud and perjury.
Simard said his relationship with McNamara dates back to the Police Academy in the late 1990s. He described McNamara as “highly intelligent,” “highly dedicated” and good with data.
“Always known as the smartest guy in the room,” Simard said. “Rose through the ranks fast.”
McNamara served as president of the patrol officers union and later the superior officers union in Lawrence, he said.
“Always calm, always level-headed,” Simard said. “Always willing to be diplomatic.”
Linda Soucy, founder of local nonprofit Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Inc., also spoke highly of McNamara when interviewed. She said McNamara worked with the community to head off problems before they appeared, especially while serving as a police officer in Lawrence.
“He already knew how to deal with small businesses,” she said. “Already knew how to deal with residents.”
McNamara has always considered her and other residents’ input on issues and worked to come up with a solution with the community in mind, she said.
“Just a nice man,” Soucy said. “Always wants to do the right thing.”
McNamara presided over a change in culture in the department, which had seen scrutiny over questionable contract negotiations, among other issues, according to Simard. Officers were previously “held back” by corruption at “the highest level of the department,” he said.
Patrol officers union President Jose Santiago described McNamara as a “good person”.
“Seemed a real squared-away guy,” Santiago said of his first impressions. “Came in with a plan.”
He said prior to McNamara, officers had done their jobs in fear.
“We don’t have to worry about coming in to work and getting in trouble for doing our jobs,” Santiago said.
Among the reforms was updating policies to ensure officers had a clear set of rules to follow. Santiago said the guidelines make a police officer’s life easier.
“You are not operating in a gray area,” he said.
The changes were affirmed when the department received accreditation in 2023. This accolade was recently renewed by the accrediting board.
McNamara also praised Beauregard in the release.
“Together, we have worked hand-in-hand to transform the Methuen Police Department through meaningful reforms, increased accountability, and a shared commitment to both officer wellness and community safety,” McNamara said.
The department now has a police wellness plan that addresses officers’ physical and mental well-being, including through confidential counseling and health screenings, he said.
Since a 2020 audit, the department has added four sergeants and increased dispatch staffing so that at least two dispatchers are always on duty. Staffing has increased from 90 to 102 budgeted positions.
Santiago said McNamara’s cool head extended to union negotiations. Although they did not always agree, they never left the room angry at each other, he said.
“I don’t think there was an issue we couldn’t discuss,” he said.
Santiago said department equipment was significantly upgraded during McNamara’s tenure. That included buying new police vehicles and improved software for dispatchers.
“Just getting us what we needed to get the job done,” Santiago said.
From fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2026, which ends June 30, the department’s overall budget increased by nearly $4 million to about $15.4 million.
Simard said McNamara has also made an effort to ensure the department reflects the community. This included increasing the number of Hispanic and female officers. Police are also highly visible in the community. In the last year, there have been 66 community events with police participation, the release said.
Since October 2021, all new dispatch hires have been bilingual.
New hires over the past five years are also generally more reflective of residents. Of 41 officers hired during that time span, seven have been female, 18 have been Hispanic or Latino and two have been Black, the release said.
“I think we have a better relationship with the community,” Santiago said. “You definitely see the growth.”
McNamara has ensured the rules were followed when it came to hiring and promotions, according to Simard.
Last year, McNamara earned $273,317, according to an annual payroll report. By his final day as chief, McNamara will have reached retirement age and qualify for a full pension, according to the news release.
“As a neighborhood advocate, I have appreciated having a chief who listened and responded to public safety concerns, helping maintain the strong community policing approach that has been effective for more than 34 years,” Soucy said.
“While we are happy for Chief McNamara as he begins his retirement in late August, he will be greatly missed. On behalf of our neighbors, thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to our community. We wish you all the best in retirement.”
Council Chair Neily Soto also praised McNamara in the announcement.
“What I have appreciated most about Chief McNamara is his accessibility, his willingness to listen, and his steady presence during both challenging and important moments for our city. He has always made himself available to the council, to residents, and to community partners, and that level of communication matters deeply in public service,” Soto said.
“His leadership has not only been about policies, accreditation, and progress on paper,” Soto added, “but also about relationships with officers, families, residents, and the broader Methuen community.”