A lifetime Boston Police officer who began his career as a patrol officer in 1982, he rose steadily through the ranks to become the city’s police commissioner. Evans served for nine years as captain of District D-14 in Allston/Brighton from 1997 to 2006, where he worked closely with chiefs of police and student affairs leaders at area colleges. He then served as captain of District D-4 (South End/Back Bay) from 2006-2009, and superintendent in 2009, where he oversaw all police districts and special events in the city as the chief of the Bureau of Field Services. He was named interim police commissioner by former Mayor Thomas M. Menino in 2013, and was appointed police commissioner by Mayor Martin J. Walsh in 2014.
While captain of District 14 in Allston/Brighton, Evans initiated the BPD’s participation in student orientations across the city, and semi-annual meetings between Boston Police and Boston-area collegiate police chiefs/directors of security. He also played key roles in initiating the BPD Ride-Along Program for college administrators.
While superintendent, he led the strategic response team that was instrumental in capturing the Boston Marathon bombing suspect, and was responsible for security of all major events in Boston, including parades, marches, demonstrations, and championship celebrations.
During his tenure as police commissioner, Evans has been credited with diversifying the Boston Police force, enhancing police training for the city’s officers, and building effective relationships with residents, students, and business owners through open dialogue and transparency.
A graduate of Suffolk University, Evans holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College. He is also a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, and received several certificates from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in subjects ranging from homeland security to preparedness leadership. He is active in several professional organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and has served as an adjunct professor at Boston University and guest lecturer at Boston College and Northeastern University.
A lifelong resident of South Boston and the youngest of six brothers, Evans and his wife, Terry, are the parents of three children: Carolyn, John, and William. An avid runner, Evans has completed 53 marathons, including the Boston Marathon 20 times.