Chief Joseph Cordeiro sworn in as New Bedford Police Chief

As of Thursday, May 19th 2016, the New Bedford Police Department has a new chief. Chief Joseph Cordeiro was sworn in as the new Police Chief after the passing in December of Chief Provencher.

In a room filled with friends, family and co-workers, he announced his plan and ideas to help move the city forward. “We need to be a city of one” and “invest in this community” were some of the  messages spoken to the crowd. In giving advice to fellow officers, he had this to say, “When you’re interacting with the public, I ask you to realize, they’re no different than we are. They’re our families, they’re our moms, they’re our sisters, they’re our brothers. Treat them as you want your family treated. Because at the end of the day, they are us and we are them. And it’s going to require all of us together.”

Also sworn in as the new Deputy Chief of Police was Deputy Paul Oliveira. Deputy Oliviera promised to work hand in hand with Chief Cordeiro to combat drug abuse and violence in the city.

Both Chief Cordeiro and Deputy Oliveira will have an opportunity to work with former Acting Chief David Lizotte before his retirement next week after more than 30 years of service to the city.