Research Interests
Police-community relations; community policing; evidence-based policing; neighborhood crime and crime prevention.Education
- Master of Arts (M.A.), Criminal Justice, 2025, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Bachelor of Science(B.S.), Criminal Justice, 2024, summa cum laude, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Associate of Science (A.S.), Criminal Justice, 2022, Mount Wachusett Community College
Biosketch
John MacDonald joined the School of Criminology and Justice Studies as a doctoral student in fall 2025. He earned both his B.S. and M.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.John has served as a Massachusetts police officer since 1992 and has held the rank of sergeant since 2006. He currently serves with the Ayer Police Department as a patrol supervisor and shift commander. His professional experience includes a longstanding commitment to community policing and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has received numerous departmental commendations and recognition from local civic organizations for his community outreach efforts.
John’s professional experience informs his scholarly interests in community policing, police-community relations, neighborhood crime, and crime prevention. His research interests center on the relationship between police and the communities they serve and the role of community policing strategies in promoting public safety and preventing crime.
Selected Awards and Honors
- Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 2024
- Kevin Nivala Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Mount Wachusett Community College, 2022
- FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Award, 2022
- MediaNews Group/Nashoba Publishing Extraordinary Service Award, 2009
- Massachusetts Police Association Medal of Valor, 2008