Methuen Names Acting Police Chief Jamie Moore Ahead of Aug. 24 Change

Methuen will have a new acting police chief beginning August 24, when Capt. James “Jamie” Moore assumes the role as Chief Scott J. McNamara retires.

Mayor D.J. Beauregard announced Moore’s appointment on July 24. The city described the change as part of a planned leadership transition and said it will conduct a competitive search for a permanent chief.

That search is expected to be open to both internal and external candidates. Methuen has not announced a schedule for applications, finalist interviews, or a final selection, so Moore’s appointment should not be read as a permanent succession decision.

Moore’s background in Methuen

Moore began his career with the Methuen Police Department in 1993 in the dispatch division before becoming a police officer. He has since held several leadership positions and currently commands the department’s Special Services and Professional Standards Bureau.

That bureau’s responsibilities include accreditation, policy development, officer training, and organizational standards. Those areas are relevant to the transition because they involve the department’s internal procedures, compliance work, and preparation of officers.

The city’s announcement included praise for Moore’s experience, but the appointment establishes an acting role rather than confirming who will lead the department permanently.

What residents should watch next

Residents should expect Moore to lead the department beginning August 24 while the city develops the permanent-chief process. The timing of applications, finalist interviews, and a final selection has not been announced.

Methuen’s 2026-2030 police strategic plan provides additional context for issues residents may watch during the change. The plan identifies priorities involving accreditation, training, policy compliance, audits, and accountability. Those are department goals and planning priorities, not a report of completed accomplishments.

The department reports approximately 33,000 calls for service annually, along with 98 sworn personnel and 16 civilian employees, according to the city’s police department profile. The permanent search and the department’s ability to maintain routine operations will be important developments to follow during the transition.

For now, Moore is the designated acting chief, McNamara’s retirement remains planned for August 24, and the question of who will serve as Methuen’s permanent police chief remains open.

Sources

• City of Methuen appointment announcement
• WHAV report on Jamie Moore’s appointment