Chief Paul Oliveira was appointed to his role in 2021. He has served the City of New Bedford for nearly 30 years and most recently served as Deputy Chief of Police from 2016 until his appointment.
Having grown up in the city, Chief Oliveira started his career as a uniform patrol officer in 1992, and then transferred to the Narcotics Division until his promotion to Sergeant in 2000. Chief Oliveira served as a Sergeant in Uniform Patrol, Detective Division, and the Narcotics Division. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2007, and served as Commander of the Professional Standards Division (the Department’s internal affairs division), and as Commander of the Narcotics Division.
In 2012, Oliveira was promoted to the rank of Captain, and led the Professional Standards Division before his appointment as Deputy Chief of Police in 2016. Oliveira holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. He also graduated from Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police program.
“I’m honored to serve as New Bedford’s Police Chief, and I will continue to work with the men and women of the department who are dedicated to protecting and serving all the residents of our city,” said Chief Oliveira.
The Chief of Police is responsible for the overall planning, administration and operation of the New Bedford Police Department. The Chief is appointed by and reports to the Mayor of the City of New Bedford.