WORCESTER — Paul B. Saucier was officially sworn in as Worcester’s chief of police during a ceremony at City Hall on Friday afternoon, where he emphasized his commitment to building a “culture of excellence” in the department and strengthening community trust.
Saucier, who had served as interim chief for 18 months following the retirement of former Chief Steven Sargent, was appointed as the city’s permanent chief by City Manager Eric D. Batista, effective March 1. Batista praised Saucier’s leadership and vision for the department.
“I knew he was the right person for the department position when he got up at a City Council meeting and admitted that the department is not perfect,” Batista said. “It was then that I saw that he earned the respect of the community, a necessary step in renewing that relationship.”
The ceremony included remarks from Batista, Mayor Joseph M. Petty, and City Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, chair of the Public Safety Committee. Saucier was sworn in by Batista and had his badge pinned on by his son, Paul, as his wife, Lana, and daughter, Alana, stood beside him.
A Worcester upbringing and a call to serve
Reflecting on his roots, Saucier spoke about growing up in Worcester and how it shaped his decision to become a police officer.
“Growing up on the third floor of a three-decker off of Providence Street in Worcester inspired me to become a police officer,” he said. “I remember the constant presence of ambulances and police cars in my neighborhood and the noises that would keep you awake at night. These incidents impacted me but made my decision even clearer as to what I wanted to be when I got older.”
Saucier, who has over 30 years of experience with the Worcester Police Department, pledged to lead with three core values: honor, integrity, and professionalism.
“To cultivate a culture of excellence, we must integrate these three core values into everything we do,” he said. “We will achieve this by enhancing our training, ensuring accountability through policy development, researching nationwide best practices, and by building trust within the community, which must be earned daily.”
Commitment to public safety and department improvements
Saucier highlighted his priorities for the department, including enhancing recruitment efforts, diversifying the force, addressing officer mental health, and leveraging technology to improve public safety. He also made it clear that cracking down on violent crime will remain a focus.
“We are committed to going after trigger pullers and those who commit violence in the city,” he said.
In 2024, the Worcester Police Department responded to 143,000 incidents and made more than 3,500 arrests. Saucier said strengthening community trust is essential to keeping the city safe.
City officials and colleagues praised Saucier’s dedication to the department and the city he calls home. Toomey described him as “a true son of Worcester,” while Batista said his openness to feedback and willingness to embrace change made him the right choice to lead the department.
Saucier previously served as deputy chief for nearly eight years and has held leadership roles commanding the Operations Division, S.W.A.T. team, and Bureau of Investigative Services. He holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University and has completed executive education programs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Now, as he officially takes the helm of the department, Saucier said he is ready to move Worcester policing forward.
“It is a privilege to lead the dedicated men and women of the Worcester Police Department,” he said. “Both the members of our department and the community we serve deserve nothing less.”
