New Bedford Police News

Meet the new Chief: Paul Oliveira

March 17, 2022

Chief was appointed to his role in 2021. He has served the City of New Bedford for nearly 30 years and most recently served as…

‘Filled with optimism’: New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira lays out goals for 2022

January 4, 2022

By Linda Roy of the Standard Times   NEW BEDFORD — “It takes more courage than ever to wear this badge,” was one of the…

NBPD trains Officers on updated use of force policies, provides enhanced communications training and investigates body cameras

July 14, 2021

NEW BEDFORD-Earlier this year the New Bedford Police Dept. embarked on making substantial changes to its “use of force” policies based on recommendations from Mayor…

NBPD Acting Deputy Chief Adelino Sousa named to permanent role

July 8, 2021

NEW BEDFORD-Acting Deputy Chief Adelino Sousa has been named permanent Deputy Chief of the New Bedford Police Dept. Deputy Chief Sousa has been the “acting”…

SRO Shane Harris Recognized by National Association of School Resource Officers

June 23, 2021

NBPD School Resource Officer Shane Harris is being honored with the prestigious Regional Exceptional Service Award for the New England Region by the National Association…

In Memory of Sgt. Michael Cassidy

May 25, 2021

Sgt. Mike Cassidy passed away April 28, 2021 after valiant battle with COVID-19. This was a tremendous loss to our department and to the City…

NBPD Responds to Citizens for Juvenile Justice Report

April 16, 2021

We have been asked about the Citizens for Juvenile Justice report regarding the New Bedford Police Department. The department takes seriously any allegation of disparate…

Crime rate drops 38% in New Bedford in past decade, on trend to dip further in 2020; violent crimes decreased by 43%, property crimes decreased by 37%

March 22, 2021

  NEW BEDFORD— The city’s crime rate (combined total of violent and property crimes) dropped 38% in New Bedford between 2011 and 2019, according to…

Largest Fentanyl seizure in New Bedford history

February 23, 2021

  On the night of February 19 night and after a month-long investigation into fentanyl production and distribution taking place at 2100 Phillips Rd. NBPD…

NBPD Mourns the loss of beloved Capt. Richard Spirlet

January 4, 2021

Capt. Richard M. Spirlet, Retired N.B. P. D. of Westport, MA passed away at Charlton Memorial Hospital on Monday, December 28, 2020. He was the…

NBPD hosts National Drug Take Back Day October 24

October 21, 2020

NBPD Headquarters at 871 Rockdale Ave. will be the New Bedford drop-off location for National Drug Take Back Day set for Oct. 24 between 10…

Lt. Scott Carola appointed as new Administrative Assistant to Chief/PIO for NBPD

October 21, 2020

Lt. Scott Carola has been appointed to the position of Administrative Assistant to the Chief/Public Information Officer (PIO) for the New Bedford Police Department. Lt.…

First Latino officer to achieve rank of Captain in history of NBPD

October 13, 2020

The New Bedford Police Dept. congratulates former Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Nathaniel Rodriquez on becoming the first Latino officer in the history of the…

9 firearms seized during gang-related investigations

September 8, 2020

NEW BEDFORD- Last week NBPD Detectives seized a total of nine firearms as a result of ongoing investigations related to gang activity in the city.…

NBPD enhances reach to those in need of addiction services – recovery coaches onboard to make connections

August 25, 2020

Twenty-seven people have died from overdoses in New Bedford so far this year. That’s 27 too many for the New Bedford Police Dept. which has…

Police Chaplain for NBPD

August 4, 2020

Reverend David Lima is the Chaplain of the New Bedford Police Department. Reverend David A. Lima has been the Executive Minister of the Inter-Church Council…

Rest in Peace K-9 Extra

August 3, 2020

Life saving award: Officer Tyler White

August 3, 2020

On May 22 the NBPD honored rookie Officer Tyler White with its prestigious Life Saving Award for acting selflessly and with great courage to save…

Dispatchers and call takers: from heart-breaking to heart-pounding, silly to serious, they guide public in high pressure job

August 3, 2020

Jessica Melo recalls the elderly woman on the other end of the phone who could hardly breathe. A New Bedford Police Department dispatcher for two…

Homecoming for a hero!

August 3, 2020

We have some great news to share! Yesterday, we welcomed home our very own Sgt. Sam Ortega who is beating COVID-19! Sgt. Ortega returned home…