The Dracut Police Department is happy to announce Lieutenant Stephen Chaput, was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief of Police, effective Monday, March 20, 2017. Steve was initially hired in 1987, and was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Bureau as a Detective and Sergeant Detective. In May of 2005 he was promoted to the rank of permanent Lieutenant, where he oversaw the dayshift. Steve also serves as the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council’s (N.E.M.L.E.C.), Special Weapons and Tactics Team Commander.
Steve is very experienced in evaluating the need to deploy force and employing de-escalation techniques during rapidly unfolding situations. Additionally, Steve has immersed himself in the Mental Health /Substance Abuse Jail Diversion Grant Program, acted as a point person for the White House Jail Diversion Program, and has liaised with the regional diversion’s crisis clinician. Steve is respected by the patrol force and he consistently attempts to foster growth and initiate focused activity on his shift. Steve will be an asset to the department as we focus toward utilizing data driven approaches for the deployment of personnel within the community.
Deputy Chaput was also the recipient of the George L. Hanna Award in 2006, for his actions during a shootout with a barricaded suspect in Pepperell. The George L. Hanna Award is the most prestigious law enforcement recognition award given in Massachusetts.
Neil F. Ouellette
Interim Chief of Police