About the Chief

Chief Steven Lowell’s roots run deep in Oneida, where he was born and raised.  After graduating from Oneida High School, he pursued higher education at SUNY Canton, earning a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Leadership & Management.  Committed to excellence, Chief Lowell continually seeks knowledge and training to stay at the forefront of his field.

Chief Lowell’s journey with Oneida PD began as a high school intern in a program he would later oversee.  His formal police career started in May of 2009 as a part-time officer with Canastota PD.  By December of that year, he joined the City of Oneida Police Department full-time and served part-time at Canastota and Vernon PDs.  Over the years, he has climbed the ranks, serving as Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Assistant Chief, before making history as Oneida’s 12th Police Chief and the youngest ever at the age of 36.

With a passion for teaching, Chief Lowell has been actively involved in community events and educational presentations at local schools.  He is a certified New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Instructor in multiple law enforcement disciplines and is currently pursuing  his Master Instructor certification.  His dedication to education extends to the roles he has had as an instructor at Mohawk Valley Community College and Cazenovia police  academies, and as the Director of police academies in Canastota and Oneida.                             

Throughout his career, Chief Lowell has received numerous accolades, including the Oneidas Club “Officer of the Year” and the county’s DWI awards from 2009-2013 and 2016-2019.  In 2012, he earned the Karl Taylor Award as Madison County’s top DWI producer.

Chief Lowell has been instrumental in coordinating many departmental programs and special events, such as the Make-A-Wish in 2017 and the Oneida Fall Festivals.  His commitment to securing resources for the department is evident in his successful acquisition of over a million dollars in competitive state and federal grants since 2021. 

Chief Lowell’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the community and the department serve as an inspiration to all.  His remarkable career and contributions have significantly enriched the Oneida Police Department and the City of Oneida.