Mark Bailey Officially Appointed as North Adams Police Chief

NORTH ADAMS — In a ceremony attended by family, friends, and colleagues, Mark Bailey was sworn in as the permanent police chief of North Adams on Tuesday, shedding the “interim” title he has held since April 2023. “Nothing’s changed from yesterday to today,” Bailey remarked, emphasizing continuity in his leadership. “We’re still doing the same exact thing we’ve done for two years, we’re just going to keep it going.”

Bailey’s tenure as interim chief saw him undertake all the responsibilities of a permanent chief, including overseeing the implementation of body cameras, managing a move to new department headquarters, and handling complex investigations. His appointment solidifies his role with a three-year contract, starting at a salary of $150,000, as confirmed by Mayor Jennifer Macksey.

From Interim to Permanent: The Transition

The announcement comes after a period of deliberation from Mayor Macksey, who expressed her confidence in Bailey’s abilities. “In April 2023, just over two years ago, I appointed Mark as the interim chief, and today I couldn’t be prouder to officially appoint him as permanent chief of police,” she stated.

The delay in Bailey’s promotion, according to Macksey, was partly due to ongoing negotiations for a police contract. “I wanted to be sure he got all the benefits he would’ve if he were a sergeant,” she explained. The transition also follows the departure of former Chief Jason Wood, whose contract was not renewed after an internal investigation.

Commitment to Transparency and Modernization

Bailey has outlined a series of priorities for the department, focusing on transparency and modernization. He aims to expand the use of cameras, ensuring that interactions between police and the public are thoroughly documented. “That way, the interaction between police and the person they’re arresting is captured on video from the moment you interact with them,” Bailey explained. “The drive to the station, while they’re in the station, until they’re released, it’s all documented.”

The department is also working towards state accreditation, a process that requires adherence to at least 180 written policies. Under Bailey’s leadership, the department has made significant progress, increasing from 23 to nearly reaching the required number of policies.

Bailey’s Background and Vision

A Drury High School graduate, Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University and a master’s degree from Aspen University. His career with the North Adams Police Department began in 2005, following a stint as a reserve officer. He rose through the ranks, becoming a detective in 2013 and later a sergeant.

Bailey’s experience includes working as an investigator for Internet Crimes Against Children, a role he described as fulfilling. He notably led a child enticement sting operation that resulted in the arrest of seven men.

Future Initiatives and Community Engagement

Looking ahead, Bailey is committed to furthering community engagement and ensuring public safety. Recently, he led a comprehensive training session to prepare for active shooter situations, demonstrating his proactive approach to policing.

The move represents a significant step for the North Adams Police Department, as Bailey continues to build on his vision of a transparent, modernized force. His appointment is seen as a testament to his dedication and the trust placed in him by the community and city officials.

As Bailey embarks on this new chapter, the department’s focus remains on maintaining public trust and enhancing the safety and security of North Adams. The community will be watching closely as Bailey implements his strategic initiatives, with the hope of setting a benchmark for policing standards in the region.

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