April 16, 2025
Michael Cox ’97SCE
Commissioner of the Boston Police Department
Honorary Doctor of Public Service
Michael Cox ’97SCE was appointed the 44th police commissioner of the Boston Police Department on August 15, 2022, by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. Born and raised in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, he has devoted his life to public service, joining the Boston Police Department in 1989. Through the years, he has held key positions, including roles in the Anti-Gang Violence Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and the Intelligence Unit. He commanded the Emergency Operations Center and the Bureau of Investigative Services and served as superintendent overseeing the Bureau of Professional Development.
From 2019-2022, Commissioner Cox served as the chief of police for the Ann Arbor Police Department in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During his tenure, he prioritized community-oriented policing, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community.
As Boston police commissioner, he has focused on critical challenges such as gun violence, intelligence-led policing, and improving police-community relations. He is committed to reforming the department, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and professional development. His leadership reflects his belief in a collaborative approach where the police department works hand-in-hand with the community to ensure safety and justice.
Through his leadership, Commissioner Cox advocates for inclusivity, equity, and procedural justice within the department. He envisions a police force respected and trusted by all residents, regardless of their background. Through heightened community engagement, he aims to create lasting partnerships and incorporate neighborhood input in decision-making.
Commissioner Cox’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Boston Police Medal of Honor. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police. His academic achievements include degrees in business management from Providence College, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Curry College, and an MBA from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business.
Commissioner Cox and his wife, Kimberly Cox, M.D., are the parents of three adult children, Michael Jr., Nicholas, and Mickey.
