Meet the Interim Chief

2015 Cartledge Capt.2Chief John D. Cartledge was born and raised in Northampton. He attended Northampton High School, Greenfield Community College, Westfield State University, and Capella University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Safety. He began his career with the Northampton Police Department in 1995 as a patrol officer. He was a Field Training Officer, a Sergeant, a Lieutenant, the Captain of Operations, the Captain of Administration, and was appointed as Interim Chief in December 2023.

Chief Cartledge has a strong commitment to the department, community, and progressive policing strategies. As an administrator he has overseen the accreditation process since 2007, which focuses on assuring that the department is operating at the highest and most professional level possible. He has also been involved in the accreditation process as an assessor and facilitator for the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, and assisted with numerous other departments becoming accredited. As a Northampton native and longstanding member of the Police Department, he is committed to both the Department and the community.

Chief Cartledge has attended numerous leadership and administrative trainings including FBI-LEEDA, Policy Development for Law Enforcement, Accountability and Discipline, DOJ Grant Financial Training, The New England Command College, and The IACP Conference. He has also received numerous accolades and departmental awards throughout his career, including Certificates of Commendation, Honorable Service Awards, Grand Cordon Awards, Unit Citation Awards, Physical Fitness Medal, and the Certificate of Excellence from Mayor David Narkewicz. Chief Cartledge also designed the department’s anniversary badge which officers wore during 2009, which celebrated the department’s 125th anniversary.