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Date: 3/15/2023
AMHERST — After 46 years, 13 of them as chief, Amherst Police Chief Scott Livingstone will retire from the force on May 27.
“I made the decision to retire now because I will reach the maximum retirement age this year,” explained Livingstone. Although staying on for a bit may have been an option, he felt this was the right time. “I have been a police officer my entire life, and the timing was perfect. There are other things I would like to do.”
Livingstone began his career as a community service officer in 1977. He became a special officer trainee in 1979, then a police officer trainee two years later, which led immediately to becoming a patrol officer. Livingstone moved up through the ranks, becoming a sergeant in 1988, a lieutenant in 2000, and a captain in 2008. He was appointed chief in September 2009.
Over 46 years, Livingstone has seen a lot of changes in the police force both in terms of training and in terms of what police officers deal with in their jobs.
“The most prominent is the changes in police training. Training in dealing with homelessness, mental health issues and changes in the laws are almost annual now,” said Livingstone. “There are so many more facets to the job and it is much more complicated.”
Despite those challenges, Livingstone has many moments that he’s proud of, including his graduation from the FBI National Academy in 2009 and being named Police Executive of the Year by Western Massachusetts Police Chiefs in 2019.
“I have literally saved individuals’ lives, been involved in investigations that have made positive impacts on people’s lives,” recalled Livingstone. “I’ve been responsible for hiring good people and seeing them mature into outstanding police officers.”
After announcing his retirement, many Amherst citizens have reached out to make sure Livingstone knows just how much good he’s done.
“They say things about having a positive impact on our community and thanking me for the things we have accomplished as a department,” said Livingstone. “Our agency has always been about teamwork and the vast majority of Amherst citizens support us and have told me that. That is a compliment and reinforcement that I must have done something right.”
Although he’s ready to retire, it is that community, both officers and the public, that Livingstone says he will miss the most.
“I have been so fortunate to work with some of the most talented people in policing. The police officers in Amherst are simply some of the best and most professional people in our profession,” said Livingstone. “We get smart, motivated people who apply, and they are in the profession for all the right reasons.”
After such a long career, Livingstone plans just to take a break before he makes any other future plans.
“I’m just going to enjoy the summer,” said Livingstone. “Time to spend with my wife and daughters, to be on my boat, golf, hike and relax.”