John Barbieri retired in March 2019 after 31 years of distinguished service to the City of Springfield Police Department. During his career in law enforcement, he rose through the ranks and held almost every position in the department from Patrolman through Police Commissioner. Some of his assignments include homicide investigator, internal investigations and training, traffic and patrol supervisor, gang and narcotics detective, state task force officer, public affairs, SWAT commander and Deputy Chief.

During his 5-year tenure as Police Commissioner, Mr. Barbieri modernized the aging department and improved the quality of police service to the city and its residents. Improving critical infrastructure and equipment included the improvement of IT infrastructure and connectivity with camera and web-based Dashboard and ShotSpotter systems. Improvements in police services included an increase in crime analysts and the implementation of improved officer training and proactive policing models such as C3 policing.  

Under Commissioner Barbieri’s leadership, there were significant improvements in community and law enforcement collaboration and his proactive approach and C3 Policing expansion lead to a 45 percent crime reduction in high crime area of the city, a 30 year low.

Commissioner Barbieri received numerous department awards and commendations for his service during his career, which includes being the 2013 recipient of the BusinessWest Difference Makers Award for impacting lives in the city of Springfield.  He is also the recipient of the Thomas C. Rovelli Leadership Award for his inspirational approach to partnering members of the Springfield Police Department with the community they serve.  Commissioner Barbieri is a member of the International Chiefs of Police and has served on the Training and Education Committee, and holds a BS from Anna Maria College and an MS from Western New England University.