Paul F. Tucker

Supports a prosecutor's role centered on diversion, alternatives to incarceration for juveniles, and restorative justice that brings victims and offenders together to repair harm, rather than a purely incarceration-focused 'traditional' prosecution.

“When I decided to run, a Boston Globe reporter asked if I won would I be a 'traditional' prosecutor. I answered that if a traditional prosecutor is simply looking to incarcerate people, that's not me. My top priorities are having a robust juvenile diversion program, when appropriate finding alternatives to having juveniles become justice involved. … I am also a big proponent of restorative justice, which when appropriate brings victims of crime together with those who have caused the harm in an attempt to repair the harm done.”

jewishjournal.org·As of March 2024

Supports adding coercive control to Massachusetts' domestic violence statute and extending the statute of limitations, particularly for rape and domestic violence cases.

“It's important that the judicial system understands the dynamics of the cycle of violence … [Tucker saluted] the legislature for adopting the new language and extending the statute of limitations, which he said is 'critically important, particularly when it comes to rape and domestic violence.'”

essexcountyda.com·As of January 2024

Supports addressing mental health issues as a root cause of crime with services rather than punishment, and worries that post-COVID mental health needs among adolescents and young adults are outpacing available services.

“One thing I worry about is I still think we're seeing some post-COVID mental health issues, and we're seeing this particularly among adolescents and young adults. ... I worry that the need to address this is outpacing the services.”

swampscotttides.org·As of March 2026

Supports ensuring people with substance use disorders get treatment and services rather than being incarcerated; as Salem police chief he created a Community Impact Unit pairing officers with civilian social workers to get services for people instead of incarceration.

“I want to make sure that people with substance use disorders and mental health challenges get the services they need. … We also were the first department to hire civilian social workers and work directly with our officers to get services for people instead of incarceration.”

jewishjournal.org·As of March 2024

Tucker makes victim services and being a voice for victims a central priority of his district attorney's office, emphasizing victim/witness advocates and securing justice for victims of crime.

“Second part I think is being a voice for victims. I don't think anybody else in Essex County has talked with or worked with more victims than I did in my career.”

itemlive.com·As of August 2022