Kevin F. Coppinger became Essex County Sheriff in January 2017 and is now serving his second term, with nearly 40 years of law enforcement experience in Essex County. He began his career in Lynnfield and spent three decades with the Lynn Police Department, serving as Chief from 2009 until his election as Sheriff.
Early in his tenure, Sheriff Coppinger prioritized expanded staff training to ensure the safety of everyone who works, visits, or resides in county correctional facilities, guided by his leadership principles of honesty, integrity, and respect.
He has focused on addressing the root causes of crime, launching key programs such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for individuals with substance use disorder; the Correctional Opportunities for Personal Enrichment (COPE) program for those needing mental health support; and the Supporting Transitions and Re-entry (STAR) program, a collaborative community initiative helping individuals successfully reintegrate and remain free of the justice system.
Sheriff Coppinger holds degrees in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and Anna Maria College and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He actively participates in numerous professional law enforcement organizations and serves on advisory boards supporting public safety, education, and youth success.