Police Commissioner

Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood has served the city of Springfield for more than 40 years.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno named Clapprood the Acting Commissioner on February 21st, 2019 and appointed her to the permanent position on September 20th, 2019. She was sworn in during a ceremony at Symphony Hall on October 8th, 2019.

Commissioner Clapprood began her career in law enforcement on April 9th, 1979 when she became a Springfield Police Cadet. On October 19th, 1981 she entered into the Police Academy and became a sworn officer.

In September 1987, then Officer Clapprood was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 11 years later she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, a supervisory position she held until October 2010 when she received another promotion. Captain Clapprood continued rising the ranks and was appointed Deputy Chief in July 2017.

Commissioner Clapprood has a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College and an associate’s degree in law enforcement from Springfield Technical Community College. Clapprood also served as an adjunct professor at Western New England College from 2000 to 2009. Prior to becoming a Springfield Police Officer, Commissioner Clapprood served in the United States Air Force both in active and reserve status from 1978 until her honorable discharge in 1984.

In her 40 plus years of service to the city of Springfield, Commissioner Clapprood has worked as an undercover narcotics officer, a Special Victims Unit supervisor, street supervisor and watch commander among other roles within the Springfield Police Department.

Clapprood’s lasting mark in the community has been through her volunteerism and mentoring. She created and organized the Springfield Police Youth Athletic Association in 1994, coached numerous teams and runs the Stephen O’Brien Memorial Learn to Skate program which began in 1996 and continues to this day every winter.

Springfield born and raised, Clapprood is honored to be the Commissioner of the Springfield Police Department and the first female Commissioner in the city’s history.